Module FOUD0831: Foundation Physics

Department: Foundation Year (Durham)

FOUD0831: Foundation Physics

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

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

Content

• Physics concepts such as:
• Particles and Radiation
• Waves
• Current electricity and circuits
• Forces
• Work, energy, Power
• Thermal Physics
• Heat Transfer
• In addition laboratory experiments and associated calculations covering subject areas such as:
• 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 the programme students will have:
• 1. Knowledge of a range of foundational subject concepts
• 2. Knowledge of a range of relevant research method
• 3. Knowledge of a range of relevant vocabulary

• By the end of the programme students will be able to:
• 1. Demonstrate the appropriate use of a range of foundational subject concepts
• 2. Demonstrate the appropriate use of relevant research methods
• 3. Demonstrate the appropriate use of a range of relevant vocabulary

• By the end of the programme students will be able to:
• 1. Demonstrate critical thinking
• 2. Demonstrate effective communication using appropriate academic styles
• 3. Demonstrate appropriate use of number
• 4. Demonstrate the use of appropriate sources of evidence

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 worksheets, structured laboratory exercises and a series of formative portfolio tasks.
• Knowledge, understanding and ability to use and apply concepts will be tested by an end of module test.
• Knowledge, understanding and the ability to use and apply practical concepts will be assessed by a written lab report.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative Lab. Report. Weekly formative portfolio tasks.

■ 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