Course content

Main topics: Mechanics, thermodynamics. Detailed content: Mechanics: Point particle dynamics. Statics and dynamics of rigid bodies. Conservation of energy, linear momentum and angular momentum. Oscillations. Principles of continuum mechanics.
Thermodynamics: 1. and 2. law of thermodynamics. Temperature, internal energy, entropy. Kinetic gass theory. Heat transport (conduction, convection and radiation).

Learning outcome

Superior learning objectives:
Through this physics course, the students shall develop an understanding of physics as a scientific discipline, various physical phenomena, and scientific methods and ways of thinking. Further, the students shall learn to describe physical phenomena with mathematical methods, and utilize these methods as a basis for courses that realize specific methodical learning objectives within their own study program.

Detailed learning objectives:
Through this physics course, the students shall:
- Establish a basic understanding of physical phenomena and physics as a scientific discipline, by using, among other things, mathematics.
- Establish a basic understanding of and insight into the scientific method of physics.
- Acquire knowledge to see fundamental relations between various physical phenomena and practical applications.
- Learn a relevant system of concepts and formulas.
- Develop a technical base and a methodical understanding that subsequent courses may build upon.
- Be trained in using ICT-based tools for mathematical modeling and numerical computations.
- Develop an understanding for the fundamental importance of physics within engineering and within their own education.
- Learn to explain basic physical phenomena.
- Be trained in experimental work and uncertainty analysis.
- Be trained in writing a scientific report.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, problem solving exercises, and laboratory exercises. All lab exercises and 2/3 of the problem solving exercises must be approved before admission to the final exam.

Compulsory assignments

• Laboratory exercises
• Calculation exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

Physics at (Norwegian) high school level, as well as basic mathematics (vectors, differentiation, integration). For the study programs Electronics Systems Design and Innovation, Cybernetics and Robotics, and Nanotechnology.

Course materials

Young & Freedman: University Physics with Modern Physics; or Lien og Løvhøiden: Generell fysikk for universiteter og høyskoler, Bind 1 Mekanikk, and Lillestøl, Hunderi og Lien: Generell fysikk for universiteter og høyskoler, Bind 2 Varmelære og elektromagnetisme.

Credit reductions