Module BIC-0008:
Physics 1 (Properties of Matter and Waves)

Module Facts

Run by Bangor University International College

10.000 Credits or 5.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1 & 2

Organiser: Mrs Laura McKenzie

Overall aims and purpose

1) To provide students with a basic knowledge of atomic physics, materials, heat and gases and oscillations and waves 2) To introduce students to laboratory practice and procedures with an emphasis on the need to work with regard to the safety of themselves and others 3) To prepare students for the deployment of the knowledge they have gained in their undergraduate degree studies in Engineering or Computer Science

Course content

This module provides the appropriate foundation in Physics knowledge and related practical skills to enable students to be successful in their undergraduate studies in the fields of engineering and computer science. Many students will come from educational systems where there has been a strong emphasis placed on the study of sciences but it cannot be assumed that this will apply more generally. It is important therefore that the module ensures an appropriate level of scientific background required to cope with level 4 and beyond of an engineering or computer science first degree programme. The main topics covered are: Waves Properties of waves Sound; oscillators Reflection and refraction Interference and diffraction Electromagnetic waves; wave speed formulae Matter Materials – Strength of solids; Elastic behaviour; Structure of solids; Fluids; Non-viscous flow; Viscous flow; Surfaces Heat and Gases – Temperature; Heat capacities; Thermal coefficient; Thermal conduction; Thermal radiation; Ideal gases; Thermodynamics of ideal gases; Real gases; Vapours; Entropy and equilibrium Structure of the atom – Properties of the electron; Free electrons in metals; Electrons within atoms; Energy emitted by electrons; Properties of the nucleus; Radioactivity, Fission and Fusion

Assessment Criteria

good

Student has demonstrated sound, basic knowledge and technique in tackling many of the topics covered in the module and so shown clear suitability for undergraduate degree studies.

threshold

Student has coped sufficiently well with some aspects of the module to achieve the minimum level of pass to allow progression onto an undergraduate degree programme.

excellent

Student has performed effectively in all aspects of the module and has demonstrated a high level of suitability for and can proceed with confidence to undergraduate degree studies

Learning outcomes

  1. Work in a consistent set of units

  2. Demonstrate how physics is used in everyday life to solve practical problems

  3. Describe phenomena in terms of geometrical, pictorial and mathematical models

  4. Use the theoretical structure of the subject by applying it to the techniques of experimental physics

  5. Demonstrate an understanding of the main ideas and methods studied and apply their understanding to solve problems

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
COURSEWORK Lab reports

A practical session held in small groups with reports written about the practical session completed independently.

 30.00
EXAM Final exam

Exam with a mixture of questions including multiple choice questions and longer written questions with descriptive, pictorial and mathematical parts.

 70.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Private study

Background reading and preparation for assessments.

 50
Laboratory

Computer Laboratory based work

 10
Practical classes and workshops

Practical classes and workshop work.

 40

Transferable skills

  • Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Safety-Consciousness - Having an awareness of your immediate environment, and confidence in adhering to health and safety regulations
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team

Subject specific skills

  • Demonstrate an understanding and ability to apply concepts, principles and theories underpinning physics, mathematics and computing to relevant situations
  • Develop an awareness of the relevance of physics and mathematics to the field of engineering
  • Demonstrate an understanding and ability to apply concepts, principles and theories underpinning physics, mathematics and computing to relevant situations
  • Develop an awareness of the relevance of physics and mathematics to the field of engineering

Resources

Resource implications for students

Core Text Book

Reading list

Hudson, M. and Fullick, P. (2008) Edexcel A Level Science: AS Physics Pearson Education

England, N., Davenport, C, Pollard, J. and Thomas, N. (2015) AQA A Level Physics: Year 1 and AS Hodder Education

Courses including this module