UCEAP Physics for Engineers
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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.
Applications are not open yet
Key information
Course Length: Eight weeks
Arrival Date: Thursday 19th June 2025
Orientation Date: Friday 20th June 2025
Classes Starts: Monday 23rd June 2025
Classes Finish: Friday 16th August 2025
Accomodation check out: Saturday 17th August 2025
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.