Module FOUD0967: Advanced Foundation Physics

Department: Foundation Year (Durham)

FOUD0967: Advanced Foundation Physics

Prerequisites

• Foundation Physics

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To encourage students to develop confidence in their own abilities in physics
• To develop further understanding of physics concepts
• To enhance confidence and ability in handling physics calculations
• To develop a toolkit of independent study skills
• To prepare students for future studies in Higher Education.

Content

• Physics Topics such as:
• Introduction to particles and antiparticles: a) Classification of hadrons, baryons etc, quarks & anti-quarks, comparison of mass, charge and rest energy (Mev), b) Particle interactions, Annihilation and pair production processes, c) The strong nuclear force -Equations for alpha and beta decay including the neutrino
• Electromagnetic radiation and quantum phenomenathe: a) Photoelectric effect, photon model of electromagnetic radiation, Planck constant, b) Collision of electrons with atoms, ionisation, excitation, energy levels, photon emission, line spectra, c) Wave-particle duality – de-Broglie wavelength
• Electric Fields: a) Coulomb’s law, Force between point charges in a vacuum, b) Electric field strength, comparison of electric and gravitational fields, inverse square law, c) Magnetic flux density, Fleming’s left hand rule, moving charges in a magnetic field, magnetic flux and flux linkage, d) Electromagnetic induction – Faraday’s and Lenz’s laws, e) Transformers
• Circular motion: a) Angular speed, centripetal acceleration, centripetal force. Gravitation, b) Force between point masses – formula, c) Gravitational field strength, Gravitational potential, d) Orbits of planets and satellites
• Molecular kinetic theory, PVT, ideal gas equation, Avagadro and Boltzman
• Lifecycle of a Star: Pressure versus Gravity, Red Giants, Supernovae, Neutron Stars & Black Holes

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 structured worksheets, problem based learning exercises, and formative assignments
• Knowledge and ability to use and apply concepts will be tested by an end of module test.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Weekly formative assignments will support learning and prepare students for the test.

■ 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