Course Catalogue

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To explore the basic ideas of physics in the areas of quantum phenomena and thermal physics, as a foundation for more advanced stud of physics and for application in other sciences.

Lectures daily 0900-1000. Laboratories as arranged.

B Pass in Mathematics and Physics at SQA Higher (or equivalent)

None

MATHS1017 - Mathematics 1

Degree examination (90 minutes in April/May diet) - 50 %; Continuous assessment (Class Workshops through semester) - 25 %; Practical skills (Labs) - 25 %

1. To ensure students understand the basic ideas of physics in areas of quantum phenomena and thermal physics, as a foundation for more advanced stud of physics and for application in other sciences.

2. To introduce more advanced topics, particularly special relativity and elementary particle physics.

3. To develop and then extend student's experience of experimental physics by performing and analysing data from a number of straightforward experiments.

4. To develop practice in problem solving, requiring the application of mathematics to explain physical phenomena.

5. To develop the student's ability to keep laboratory records and write reports, including use of work-processor packages, and introduce and then extend the use of computer packages for the presentation of results and the analysis of experimental results.

6. To introduce students to group working within the laboratory setting.

7. To introduce students to problem solving strategies within small-group sessions. 

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Decide when special relativity should be used

2. State the meaning of temperature and heat, and heat capacity

3. Distinguish different mechanisms of heat transfer, and know some of the thermal properties of gases

4. Perform calculations based on the molecular properties of matter;

5. Apply standard equations of hydrostatics and elasticity;

6. Relate the structure of materials to molecular bonding mechanisms;

7. Carry out calculations in atomic physics;

8. Describe properties of photons and understand wave-particle duality;

9. Understanding of concepts of elementary particle physics and cosmology;

10.  Perform laboratory experiments and present results in a word-processed report;

11. Use computer packages to analyse laboratory results, and incorporate results into word-processed reports.