To explore the basic ideas of physics in the areas of dynamics (from a vectorial point of view), waves & optics and thermal physics, electricity, electronics and magnetism (using vector formalism where appropriate), and quantum phenomena, as a foundation for more advanced study of physics and for application in other sciences.

  Lectures daily at 0900 or 1300 (students attend one). Laboratories and tutorials as arranged.

  MATHS1017 Mathematics 1

Degree exam (2 papers) - 50%; Class Tests - 10%; Continuous assessment (Physics Communication Project; Moodle Checkpoint Quizzes) - 15%; Labs - 25%.

1. To ensure students understand the basic ideas of physics in the areas of dynamics (from a vectorial point of view), waves & optics and thermal physics, electricity, electronics and magnetism (using vector formalism where appropriate), and quantum phenomena, as a foundation for more advanced study of physics and for application in other sciences;

1. To introduce more advanced topics, particularly special relativity, lasers elementary particle physics;

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

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

1. To develop the student's ability to keep laboratory records and write reports, including use of a word-processor package, and to introduce and then extend the use of a spreadsheet package for the presentation of results and the analysis of experimental results;

1. To introduce students to group working within the laboratory setting, and to joint discussion of problem solving strategies within small-group sessions.

On completion of the course the student should be able to:

1. Apply Newton's Laws of Motion to a particle motion in a single straight line, uniform circular motion and simple harmonic motion;

2. State and apply the Conservation Laws of Energy and Momentum;

3. Decide when Special Relativity should be used;

4. Apply the laws of geometrical optics to mirror and lenses;

5. Describe waves mathematically, and apply this to treat optical interference;

6. Describe the operation of lasers;

7. State the meaning of temperature and heat, and heat capacity;

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

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

10. Perform calculations involving electrical field and potential;

11. Analyse DC circuits using Kirchhoff's Laws;

12. Design circuits involving operational amplifiers;

13. Describe the motion of particles in electric and magnetic fields, and calculate the

  magnetic force on a conductor;

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

15. Apply standard equations of hydrostatics and elasticity;

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

17. Carry out calculations in atomic physics;

18. Describe properties of photons, and appreciate wave-particle duality;

19. State some facts and concepts of Elementary Particle Physics and Cosmology;

20. Use a spreadsheet package to analyse laboratory results, and incorporate table and

  graphs in a word-processed report.

Submission of a minimum of 50% of the Moodle Checkpoint Quizzes.

Attendance at a minimum of 50% of the laboratory sessions and submission of associated work for marking.

Attendance at both final degree examination papers.