Course Catalogue

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This is a calculus-based introductory level physics course with a laboratory component for international summer students. This is the first of a two-course sequence consists of two consecutive 10 credits 4 weeks long modules. This intensive course introduces fundamental concepts of physics in the areas of dynamics & relativity (module 1), fluids, waves & sound, heat & thermodynamics, geometrical & wave optics (module 2) as a foundation for more advanced studies in Physics and applications in other areas of science. Competence in basic calculus as well as algebra, geometry and trigonometry is essential. The pre-arrival mathematical skill test is indicative of the level required.

There are seven 3-hours interactive learning sessions, seven 2-hours tutorial sessions and seven laboratory sessions over a 4 weeks period during the summer. There are also weekly online assignments.

This course assumes working knowledge from two sequential courses of university level Single-Variable Calculus.

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Assessment of performance in the Introductory Physics course is based on the following components.

Assessment: Unseen examination (60%) 90 minutes exam paper consisting of MCQs and short written questions.  Course work consists of laboratory work (20%) and online assignments and class tests (20%).

Reassessment: In accordance with the University's Code of Assessment reassessments are normally set for all courses which do not contribute to the honours classifications. 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 are listed below in this box.

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. Where, exceptionally, reassessment on Honours courses is required to satisfy professional/accreditation requirements, only the overall course grade achieved at the first attempt will 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. 

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, thermal physics, waves & oscillations, geometrical & wave optics, electrostatics & circuit elements and atomic structure. 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.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.