UCEAP Physics for Engineers
Applications are now open
This is a calculus-based level 1 university physics course with a laboratory component for international summer students who are pursuing science and engineering degrees. The course consists of two consecutive 10 credits, 4 weeks long modules. (This is equivalent to 4 UC quarter units for each module.)
This intensive course introduces fundamental concepts of physics as a foundation for more advanced studies in physics and applications in other areas of science and engineering.
Module 1: "mechanics, fluids & SHM" covers the topics of motion, Newton laws, work, energy, linear and angular momentum, rotation, equilibrium, gravitation, damped and driven oscillators.
Module 2: "mechanical and acoustic waves, electric fields, currents and DC circuits" covers electrostatics, electric field and potential, capacitors and dielectrics, DC circuits.
Competence in level 1 calculus as well as algebra, geometry and trigonometry is essential.
Key information
Arrival date: Thursday 20th June 2024
Orientation day: Friday 21st June 2024
Classes start: Monday 24th June 2024
Classes end: Friday 16th August 2024
Credits: 20
Assessment information: Mixed method assessment, completed throughout the course
What you will learn
The aim of the course is to give students a good basic understanding of the main physics topics and to introduce them to methods of experimental physics. It will provide a good foundation of basic physics for aspiring Physicists as well as being applicable to other areas of science and technology. This course provides the opportunity for students to focus their efforts and accelerate their learning over the summer vacation period.
On completion of this course students should understand the basic principles and laws of physics in the following areas: dynamics & relativity, elasticity & fluids, waves & oscillations, geometrical & wave optics and electromagnetism.
In these aspects of physics, students should be able to:
- state the basic laws of physics topics covered and identify how they can be applied in various contexts
- perform calculations and give predictions of outcomes in simple physical systems
- identify relevant physical concepts, formulate solutions to problems and present the solutions in a clear and concise manner
- perform simple physical and virtual experiments using their mobile phones, computers and a variety of apparatus, including the gathering, interpretation and analysis of data.
Teaching pattern
Full time for eight weeks.