Module FOUD0511: Foundations of Physics

Department: Foundation Year (Durham)

FOUD0511: Foundations of Physics

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Introduction to Physics

Aims

• encourage students to develop confidence in their own abilities in a science subject.
• introduce and develop understanding of physics concepts.
• develop students' ability to apply physics concepts to problem solving.
• develop confidence and ability in handling physics calculations.
• develop confidence in a laboratory situation.
• develop observational and interpretive skills.
• develop a problem solving approach.
• develop scientific report-writing, data handling and critical evaluation develop confidence and ability in handling physics calculations.

Content

• Foundations of Physics content
• Thematic areas covered will include:
• Particles and Radiation
• Waves
• Current electricity and circuits
• Forces
• Work, energy, Power
• Thermal Physics
• Heat Transfer
• In addition laboratory experiments and associated calculations covering the following subject areas:
• Investigation of circuits and resistors,
• Reflection of light by plane mirror,
• Snell’s Law,
• Investigation of a pendulum and g,
• Hooke’s Law
• Young’s Modulus

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: Particles and radiation, Waves, Current electricity and circuits, Forces, Work, energy, power, Ma
• Use laboratory equipment to measure physical quantities (for example Current, Voltage, Time & Length)
• Linearise data and plot a suitable graph, from which a gradient (and derived physical parameter) may be extracted
• Be aware of the limitations of the experimentall apparatus and technique, and the possible sources of error involve.

• By the end of this module the student will have acquired the skills to be able to:
• apply physics concepts to solve problems involving Particles and radiation, Waves, Current electricity and circuits, Forces, Work, energy, power, Materials and bulk properties of solids,, Thermal Physics, Heat transfer
• carry out appropriate mathematical/physical calculations as required.
• work confidently and effectively in a laboratory, with due attention to safety.
• relate observations and data to underlying theory.
• write a scientific report with critical evaluation.
• select and use basic physics equipment.

• By the end of the module students will be able to:
• communicate effectively 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.
• Portfolio Test will assess SK1, SS1, SS2, KS1, KS2, KS3, KS4
• Invigilated Test will assess SK1, SS1, SS2, KS1, KS2, KS3, KS4 using physics problem based questions
• Lab Reports will assess SK2, SK3, SK4, SS3, SS4, SS5, SS6 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 strucuted laboratory exceriszes.
• 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 a end of module inivgiliated test of practice physics based mathematical problems.
• Knowledge, understanding and the ability to use and apply practical concepts will be assessed by two written lab reports.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Students will be given a variety of formative exercises on a weekly basis, including practice physics questions, real-world problem based learning exercises in the utilization of physics and group work research investigations. Students will be given feedback on all submitted work (both formative and summative).

■ 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