Course content

The course gives an introduction to principles of physics for non-physicists (e.g. biology and chemistry students). Focus is on applied physics, with examples of applications of physics in other disciplines. The course includes: basic mechanics (rectilinear and curvilinear motion, Newton's laws, vectors); work and energy; frictional forces and spring forces; Newton's law of gravitation and gravitational potential; fundamental properties of wave motion, including sound waves and the Doppler effect; electrical forces, electric potential, capacitance, current (DC and AC), and Ohm's law; light as waves, interference, reflection, and refraction, and imaging with lenses; light as particles, interaction between electrons and photons, black body radiation, and the electromagnetic spectrum; the development of quantum mechanics, atoms and molecules, the elements and their isotopes, and radioactivity. It also includes compulsory laboratory exercises.

Learning outcome

Upon successful completion of the course, the student has acquired the following knowledge: - Fundamental knowledge for the understanding of physical phenomena and physics as a scientific discipline; - Fundamental knowledge of the scientific methods of physics; - Fundamental knowledge on the relation between various physical phenomena and their basis for practical applications; - Fundamental knowledge within concepts and formulas; - Knowledge related to the importance of physics within their own education. Upon the successful completion of the course, the student has acquired the following skills: - Application of mathematics to describe and analyze physical properties; - Planning and performing experimental work; - Analysis of experimental data, and uncertainty analysis; - Writing a scientific report. General competence: Dissemination of basic physical phenomena

Learning methods and activities

Lectures. Calculation exercises, compulsory (75%). Compulsory laboratory exercises. The student's expected work load in the course is 225 hours.

Compulsory assignments

• Completed and approved laboratory excercises and 75 % of calculation exercises aproved

Course materials

Ohanian, Principles of Physics, Norton. Laboratory exercises. Material presented on the course web page.

Credit reductions