Module OSF-0102:
Essential Physics
Module Facts
Run by School of Ocean Sciences
20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits
Semester 2
Organiser: Dr Martyn Kurr
Overall aims and purpose
The Essential Physics module aims to provide students with the essential physics knowledge and skills that are required for a successful progression to degree-level study. The module will cover a range of key topics with physics, including mechanics, thermodynamics and current electricity, but will also place a strong emphasis on the application of knowledge and skills to a range of subject areas.
Course content
Topics covered by this module may include the following: Mechanics: Scalars and vectors, forces in equilibrium, uniform acceleration, Newton’s laws of motion, free fall, drag and terminal velocity, work and power, conservation of energy.
Thermal Physics and Thermodynamics: Heat and temperature, microscopic and macroscopic descriptions. Phase changes, latent heat and specific heat capacity. Thermal energy transfer, conduction, convection and radiation.
Current Electricity: Circuit diagrams, current and potential difference, resistance, resistivity and superconductors, power and electrical energy, e.m.f and internal resistance, conservation of energy and charge in circuits, alternating current.
Waves: Nature of waves, transverse and longitudinal waves, superposition and interference, stationary waves, diffraction and interference.
Assessment Criteria
threshold
Grade D- to D+ Demonstrates a basic understanding of the subject but some errors present. Some inaccuracies and misconceptions evident. Limited ability to apply subject knowledge to new or different scenarios. The clarity of information presentation is weak and use of appropriate, subject-specific terminology is limited.
excellent
Grade A- and above An excellent understanding of the subject matter with virtually no inaccuracies and misconceptions evident. Demonstrates a very good ability to apply subject knowledge to new or different scenarios, with very few errors. The clarity of information presentation is excellent and use of appropriate, subject-specific terminology is very well developed. Evidence of reflectivity in the work produced.
C- to C+
Grade C- to C+ A clearer understanding of the subject matter. Demonstrates ability to apply subject knowledge to new or different scenarios, but with some errors. The clarity of information presentation is acceptable and use of appropriate, subject-specific terminology is developing. There is evidence of some limited engagement with published information sources.
good
Grade B- to B+ A good understanding of the subject matter. Very few inaccuracies and misconceptions evident. Demonstrates ability to apply subject knowledge to new or different scenarios, with few errors. The clarity of information presentation is good and use of appropriate, subject-specific terminology is well-developed. There is evidence of engagement with published information sources.
Learning outcomes
-
Demonstrate an accurate understanding of physics principles and concepts
-
Present information clearly and logically using specialist vocabulary.
-
Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate methods in physics
-
Apply physical principles to different subject areas
Assessment Methods
Type | Name | Description | Weight |
---|---|---|---|
Test 1: mechanics | 20.00 | ||
Test 2: thermodynamics | 20.00 | ||
Test 3: current electricity | 20.00 | ||
Practical Portfolio | 40.00 |
Teaching and Learning Strategy
Hours | ||
---|---|---|
Lecture | 20* 2 hour lectures |
40 |
Practical classes and workshops | 4*2 hour practical classes |
8 |
Tutorial | 12*1 hour tutorials |
12 |
Private study | Time spent working on guided and independent study and on the preparation of assignments. |
140 |
Transferable skills
- Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
- Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
- Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
- Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
- Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
- Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
Resources
Resource implications for students
Students will be required to access online resources. Use of personal computers or University facilities will enable this.
Talis Reading list
http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/osf-0102.htmlCourses including this module
Compulsory in courses:
- H61F: BEng Electronic Engineering year 0 (BENG/ELEF)
- F62F: BSc Geological Oceanography year 0 (BSC/GEOF)