Form C4
1. Course
Code
B28TP
2. Course
Title
Thermal Physics & Properties of Matter
EPS
5. School
7. Delivery:
Location &
Semester
Version 4.0 (2010/2011)
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor Template
3. SCQF 8
4. Credits
Level
6. Course
Teaching Group Convener
Co-ordinator
15
Edin
SBC
Orkney
Dubai
IDL
Collaborative Partner
Approved Learning Partner
Sem 2
Sem…….
Sem………..
Sem……..
Sem….
Name…………………….....Sem..…...
Name …………………………………Sem………..
8. Pre-requisites
9. Linked Courses
(specify if synoptic)
10. Excluded Courses
11. Replacement Courses
Code:
12. Degrees for which
this is a core course
Date Of Replacement:
13. The course may be
delivered to:
UG only
PG only
UG & PG
B211-PHY
B2C1-COM
B281-ENV
B261-ENG
B2N1-NAN
B2M1-MAT
B2G1-EST
B221-PES
B2K1-CHP
B2L1-PEE
BSc Physics
BSc Computational Physics
BSc Physics with Environmental Science
BSc Engineering Physics
BSc Nanoscience
BSc Mathematical Physics
BSc Energy Science and Technology
BSc Energy Science and Technology
BSc Chemical Physics
BSc Physics with Electronic Engineering
B21M-PHY
B23M-COM
B26M-ENG
B2NM-NAN
B2MM-MAT
B2GM-EST
B22M-PES
B2KM-CHP
B2LM-PEE
MPhys Physics
MPhys Computational Physics
MPhys Engineering Physics
MPhys Nanoscience
MPhys Mathematical Physics
MPhys Energy Science and Technology
MPhys Energy Science and Technology
MPhys Chemical Physics
MPhys Physics with Electronic Engineering
14. Available as an Elective?
Yes
No
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Form C4
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor Template
Version 4.0 (2010/2011)
15. Aims
To introduce and develop the topics of thermal physics and the properties of matter.
To provide the mathematical techniques for analysing and solving problems in these topics.
16. Syllabus
Concept of heat and temperature
Heat capacities, equipartition of energy, heat transport (conduction, convection and radiation), measurement of temperature and definition of temperature scales, black-body
radiation
The laws of thermodynamics
Zeroth Law; First law of thermodynamics (concepts of work and internal energy); Second law of thermodynamics (entropy, arrow of time). Free energies.
Physics of the atmosphere
Phase diagram of water, composition of the atmosphere, pressure gradients (vertical and horizontal), radiation balance and the physics of global warming
Generation of energy
Carnot cycle, thermodynamic efficiency of turbines and car engines, efficiency of heat pumps and refrigerators, exploitation of nuclear fission and fusion for electricity
generation
Properties of matter
The three phases (gases, liquids, solids) and phase diagrams, kinetic theory of gases, dynamics of fluids including Bernolli’s equation and viscosity; Gas Laws up to Van
der Waal’s eqn; Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution & Fermi-Dirac distribution.
Mechanical properties of matter: elasticity and thermal expansion.
17. Learning Outcomes (HWU Core Skills: Employability and Professional Career Readiness)
Subject Mastery
Understanding, Knowledge and Cognitive
Scholarship, Enquiry and Research (Research-Informed Learning)
Skills
On completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
•
Achieve a critical knowledge and understanding of the properties of matter and thermodynamics
•
Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of the course topics
•
Integrate previous knowledge from the physics programme with the topics discussed in the course
•
Apply the theory of the course topics to problems or situations not previously encountered
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Form C4
Version 4.0 (2010/2011)
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor Template
Personal Abilities
Industrial, Commercial & Professional Practice
Autonomy, Accountability & Working with Others
Communication, Numeracy & ICT
Personal abilities are embedded in the course. The course provides the opportunity to :
Apply the advanced core knowledge expected of a professional physicist to gain professional level insights,
Communicate effectively with professional level colleagues
Interpret, use and evaluate critically a wide range of data to solve problems of both a familiar and unfamiliar nature
Manage time effectively, work to deadlines and prioritise workloads
Use a range of ICT skills with on-line materials and web links to support the learning process
Apply strategies for appropriate selection of relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge
Exercise significant initiative and independence in carrying out learning activities and researching information
18. Assessment Methods
Method
19. Re-assessment Methods
Duration of Exam
Weighting (%)
Synoptic courses?
Method
(if applicable)
Exam
Coursework
2 hours
Duration of Exam
Diet(s)
(if applicable)
70%
30%
no
no
Exam (100%)
2 hours
3
20. Date and Version
Date of Proposal
11/8/2014
Date of Approval by
School Committee
Date of
Implementation
September 2014
Version
Number
3/3
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