Foundations of Physical Science

Module code: SEF044

Credits: 15.0
Semester: YEAR

Contact: Prof David Dunstan

The module begins with basic physical concepts, such as Units, Physical Quantities, and Vectors;
Kinematics in one, two and three dimensions; Momentum, work, energy and Newton's laws, with extension to rotational motion. Equilibrium and elasticity are defined and basic concepts of matter and phases.
The concept of fields in physics is introduced and its relationship to forces and potentials on examples of gravity and electrostatics. Wave motion is then defined and corresponding maths and examples in sound and light.
Circuit theory and solutions, are introduced, including meters (examples include comparing hydraulics, battery-resistor networks, people flow through stations, etc.). Finally, Basic Quantum Mechanics is introduced using the Feynman approach as well as Relativity from Einstein's train to black holes and basic Cosmology.

Connected course(s): UDF DATA
Assessment: 75.0% Coursework, 25.0% Examination
Level: 3