Module FOUD0448: Advanced Physics and Computer Science with Project

Department: Foundation Year (Durham)

FOUD0448: Advanced Physics and Computer Science with Project

Prerequisites

• Foundations of Physics, Core Foundation Maths for Scientists

Corequisites

• Maths Applications Combined

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Advanced Chemistry with Project, Advanced Physics and Engineering with Project, Advanced Physics with Projec

Aims

• To encourage students to develop confidence in their own abilities in problem solving
• To develop further understanding of physics concepts.
• To enhance students' ability to apply computer science techniques to problem solving in the physical sciences
• To enhance confidence and ability in handling calculations.
• To develop a toolkit of independent study skills.
• To develop the student’s ability to perform an independent piece of research
• To prepare students for future studies in Higher Education.
• To develop reflective practice.
• To make students confident, competent and comfortable in using information technology in the context of academic environments.

Content

• Introduction to particles and antiparticles: • Classification of hadrons, baryons etc, quarks & anti-quarks, comparison of mass, charge and rest energy (Mev). • Particle interactions, Annihilation and pair production processes. • The strong nuclear force -Equations for alpha and beta decay including the neutrino.
• Electromagnetic radiation and quantum phenomena: • the photoelectric effect, photon model of electromagnetic radiation, Planck constant • collision of electrons with atoms, ionisation, excitation, energy levels, photon emission, line spectra • wave-particle duality – de-Broglie wavelength.
• Electric Fields: • Coulomb’s law Force between point charges in a vacuum • Electric field strength, comparison of electric and gravitational fields, inverse square law • Magnetic flux density, Fleming’s left hand rule, moving charges in a magnetic field, magnetic flux and flux linkage • electromagnetic induction – Faraday’s and Lenz’s laws. • transformers.
• Circular motion: angular speed, centripetal acceleration, centripetal force. Gravitation; • force between point masses – formula • Gravitational field strength, Gravitational potential • orbits of planets and satellites.
• Molecular kinetic theory, PVT, ideal gas equation, Avagadro and Boltzman.
• Logic gates: NOT,AND, NAND, OR and NOR. Truth tables (not in AQA but put in for computing).
• Lifecycle of a Star: Pressure versus Gravity, Red Giants, Supernovae, Neutron Stars & Black Holes
• Fundamentals of Problem Solving in Computer Science: Stages of Problem Solving, Finite State Machines, Algorithm Design, Features of Imperative High Level Languages, The Role of Variables, Programming Statements, Constants and Variables, Fundamentals of Structured Programming, Data Structures, Validation, Numerical Techniques in Computing
• This module will also provide the opportunity for students to develop their key skills in IT, communication, use of number, problem-based learning, working with others, reflective practice, problem solving and critical thinking, through structured activities and diagnostic exercises

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of this module the student will have acquired the knowledge to be able to:
• describe the basic concepts involved in: Quantum Mehcanics, Particle Physics, Electromagnetism, Gravitational Physics, Mechanics, Semiconductors and Astrophysics
• describe the fundamentals of problem solving in computer science: Stages of Problem Solving, Finite State Machines, Algorithm Design, Features of Imperative High Level Languages, The Role of Variables, Programming Statements, Constants and Variables, Fundamentals of Structured Programming, Data Structures, Validation, Numerical Techniques in Computing

• apply mathematical techniques and conceptual understanding in physics to solve problems in Quantum Mehcanics, Particle Physics, Electromagnetism, Gravitational Physics, Mechanics, Semiconductors and Astrophysics
• understand and recognize the fundamentals of problem solving in computer science: Stages of Problem Solving, Finite State Machines, Algorithm Design, Features of Imperative High Level Languages, The Role of Variables, Programming Statements, Constants and Variables, Fundamentals of Structured Programming, Data Structures, Validation, Numerical Techniques in Computing
• Carry out appropriate mathematical/physical calculations as required.
• use IT as necessary to aid in problem solving
• use Word Processing and Spreadsheet software to aid in producing a wrriten report.
• relate observations and data to underlying theory.
• write a scientific report with critical evaluation.

• communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• be able to apply number both in the tackling of numerical problems and in the collecting, recording, interpreting and presenting of data.
• have improved their own learning and performance.
• be able to demonstrate problem solving skills.
• Project will access SK1, SS1, SS2, SS3, SS4, SS5, SS6, KS1, KS2, KS3
• Portfolio will assess SK1, SS1,, KS1, KS2, KS3, KS4
• Poster Presentation will assess SK1, SS2, SS4, KS1
• Written Exam will assess SK1, SS1, SS2, KS1, KS2, KS3, KS4

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Theory, initial concepts and techniques will be introduced during lectures and demonstrations.
• Much of the learning, understanding and consolidation will take place through the use of structured worksheets during tutorials and problem based learning excersizes.
• Knowledge and understanding of concepts will be assessed by a series of portfolio tasks.
• Knowledge and ability to use and apply concepts will be tested by an end of module inivgiliated exam and an oral examination.
• Knowledge, understanding and the ability to use concepts to undertake a piece of independent research will be assessed by a written research project and a poster presentation.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Students will be given formative excersizes on a weekly basis

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University