Course Catalogue

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This course introduces foundational physical principles in modern science and engineering. Students explore mechanics (including particle dynamics, rigid body motion; simple harmonic motion and wave motion) and optics (including interference, diffraction and polarization).

Course will be delivered continuously in the traditional manner at UESTC.

Mandatory Entry Requirements

None

Recommended Entry Requirements

None

none

None

Assessment

15% homework coursework, 10% quiz, 75% closed-book final exam (2 hours)

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below.

Due to the nature of the coursework and sequencing of courses, it is not possible to reassess the coursework and quizzes.

The initial grade on coursework coursework and quizzes will be used when calculating the resit grade.

This course aims to develop in students a solid foundation in two fundamental areas of modern physics-mechanics and optics-by introducing the important concepts and principles, and allow them to solve basic physical problems in these areas. In addition, the course aims to develop in students an appreciation of the scientific method such as physical model building and the application of mathematical tools.

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

■ describe mathematically the motion of particles in one and two dimensions under the influence of forces such as gravity and friction, apply Newton's laws of motion to solve dynamic problems;

■ define the fundamental properties of momentum, centre of mass, conservative force, potential energy, kinetic energy and mechanical energy, perform calculations illustrating these concepts;

■ understand the concept of torque and angular momentum, apply these concepts to solve the rotational motion of a rigid body.

■ analyse simple harmonic motion and calculate the energy associated with such motion; state key properties of damped motion and forced oscillation;

■ describe the mathematical equations of waves, including the governing wave equation and illustrate the effects of wave interference and standing waves;

■ employ the concepts of coherent light to illustrate interference in Young's double slit experiment and interference in a thin film;

■ apply the principles of optical diffraction to explain basic diffraction phenomena, and understand the nature of polarized light.

Students must attend the degree examination and submit at least 75% by weight of the other components of the course's summative assessment.

Students should attend at least 75% of the timetabled classes of the course.

Note that these are minimum requirements: good students will achieve far higher participation/submission rates. Any student who misses an assessment or a significant number of classes because of illness or other good cause should report this by completing a MyCampus absence report.