DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS MODULE DATA
MODULE CODE
PH-101
TITLE OF MODULE
DYNAMICS
CREDIT POINTS
10
LEVEL
1
SEMESTER
1
CONTACT HOURS
22 to include 16 lectures
PRE-REQUISITE
CO-REQUISITE
LECTURER/S
Prof M Charlton
MONITOR/S
Prof H H Telle
METHOD OF
ASSESSMENT
20% Continuous Assessment, 80% Written Examination
OBJECTIVES
The basic concepts of classical dynamics, namely force, energy, momentum,
angular momentum, are introduced and applied in a variety of physically
important situations, such as particle collisions and planetary motion.
SYLLABUS
1.
2.
3.
LEARNING
OUTCOMES
1.
2.
3.
SUGGESTED READING
Introduction to vectors: addition, dot and cross products.
Force and Motion: Newton’s laws and inertial frames.
Fundamental and phenomenological forces: gravitational,
electromagnetic applied forces, friction, and gravity near the earth.
4. Projectile motion: vector and non-vector methods.
5. Energy: kinetic, potential, conservation, work and energy.
6. The Two-Body Problem: centre of mass, gravity in the centre of mass
frame, conservation of angular momentum and energy, and the orbit
equation.
7. Trajectories and orbits: consequences of the orbit equation, open and
closed orbits, Kepler’s Law’s, impact parameter and deflection angle.
8. Conservation Laws: conservative and non-conservative forces, force
and potential, energy conservation.
9. Collisions: conservation of linear momentum and kinetic energy in
elastic collisions.
10. Solid bodies: centre of mass, angular velocity, velocity, rotational
kinetic energy, moment of inertia, angular momentum, torque and
acceleration.
A knowledge of the fundamental laws of dynamics.
The ability to apply these laws to solve practical problems.
Mathematical skills associated with problem-solving.
“ Fundamental of Physics – Extended” Sixth Edition by Halliday,
Resnick, Walker (Wiley) ISBN 0-471-39222-7
“Classical Mechanics” by R. Douglas Gregory, Cambridge University
Press ISBN 0-521-53409-7
32
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS MODULE DATA
MODULE CODE
PH-102
TITLE OF MODULE
VIBRATIONS AND WAVES
CREDIT POINTS
10
LEVEL
1
SEMESTER
2
CONTACT HOURS
22 to include 16 lectures
PRE-REQUISITE
CO-REQUISITE
LECTURER/S
Prof G Shore
MONITOR/S
Dr C R Allton
METHOD OF
ASSESSMENT
20% Continuous Assessment, 80% Written Examination
OBJECTIVES
Oscillatory motion and waves occur throughout physics. This course
introduces the techniques required to understand these phenomena,
emphasising the common mathematics underlying a diverse range of
applications. The module lays the foundation for future study of vibrating
systems in Solid State Physics and waves in Optics and Electromagnetism.
SYLLABUS
Oscillations
1. Simple Harmonic Motion: The Simple Harmonic Oscillation, circular
motion and SHM, simple pendulum, universality of SHM.
2. Superpositions of oscillations: different phase, different frequency, and
orthogonal oscillations.
3. Forced and damped oscillations: damped HO, forced HO and
resonance.
4. Coupled oscillation and normal mode.
Waves
5. Waves: mathematical description, wave equation, energy transmission,
speed
6. Superposition of waves: interference and standing wave
7. Longitudinal waves: description, speed of sound
8. Doppler effect and shock waves
LEARNING
OUTCOMES
Acquisition of the mathematical skills required to understand oscillations
and waves.
Appreciation of the essential unity of the diverse range of oscillatory and
wave phenomena occurring in physics.
“Fundamentals of Physics – Extended” Fifth Edition by Halliday, Resnick,
Walker (Wiley) ISBN 0-471-10559-7
SUGGESTED READING
2
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS MODULE DATA
MODULE CODE
PH-103
TITLE OF MODULE
ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM
CREDIT POINTS
10
LEVEL
1
SEMESTER
2
CONTACT HOURS
22 to include 16 lectures, 6 example classes
PRE-REQUISITE
CO-REQUISITE
LECTURER/S
Dr N Madsen
MONITOR/S
Dr P R Dunstan
METHOD OF
ASSESSMENT
20% Continuous Assessment, 80% Written Examination
OBJECTIVES
1.
2.
SYLLABUS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
LEARNING
OUTCOMES
1.
2.
SUGGESTED READING
To introduce the basic laws of electrostatics and current electricity as a
foundation for the more advanced work to be covered in module PH301
of the degree scheme.
To develop skills in using the basic laws to solve problems in physically
important situations.
Electrostatics: Coulomb’s law, fields, potential, energy of a system of
point charges, energy of field, capacity, dielectrics, polarization,
boundary conditions between media.
Current electricity: Current, current density, conductivity, resistance,
Joule heating, simple networks and Kirchoff’s laws.
Magnetic effects: Magnetic fields due to currents in a straight wire, loop,
solenoid, Ampere’s circuital theorem, law of force between current
elements, Lorentz force, cyclotron and Hall effect.
Electromagnetic induction: Self-inductance, mutual inductance.
Transient Currents: Growth and decay of currents in circuits containing a
capacitor or inductor.
AC Theory: Basic circuits by complex numbers.
An understanding of the underlying principles governing electrostatics,
electricity and electromagnetism.
Knowledge of the situations in which these laws can be applied and the
required skills to problem solve in these cases.
“Fundamentals of Physics --- Extended”, 7th edition by Halliday, Resnick
and Walker (Wiley) ISBN : 0-471-23231-9
3
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS MODULE DATA
MODULE CODE
PH-104
TITLE OF MODULE
INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY AND COSMOLOGY
CREDIT POINTS
10
LEVEL
1
SEMESTER
1
CONTACT HOURS
28
PRE-REQUISITE
CO-REQUISITE
LECTURER/S
Prof D C Dunbar
MONITOR/S
Dr C R Allton
METHOD OF
ASSESSMENT
20% Continuous Assessment and 80% Written Examination
OBJECTIVES
To provide a broad view of Modern Astronomy.
SYLLABUS
1. Earth Based Observations
2. Schemes of the Solar System
3. A Modern view of the solar system
4. Exploration of the Solar System
5. Planetary Zoology
6. Understanding our Sun
7. Understanding Stars
8. The Birth of Stars
9. Stellar Death
10. Red Giants, Supernovae, Neutron Stars and Black Holes
11. Galaxies
12. The Universe: stars galaxies, distances times and masses
13. The Expanding Universe and its Thermal History
14. The Contents of the Universe
1. An understanding of modern astronomy
LEARNING
OUTCOMES
SUGGESTED READING
1.
2.
3.
“Universe” 7th Edition by R Freedman & W Kaufmann ISBN 0-71678694-X.
“Discovering the Universe” 6th Edition by N Comins and W Kaufmann
ISBN 0-7167-9673-2.
“The First Three Minutes” by S Weinberg ISBN 0-465-024378
4
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS MODULE DATA
MODULE CODE
PH-105
TITLE OF MODULE
MODERN PHYSICS
CREDIT POINTS
10
LEVEL
1
SEMESTER
2
CONTACT HOURS
22
PRE-REQUISITE
CO-REQUISITE
LECTURER/S
Prof S J Hands
MONITOR/S
Dr W Perkins
METHOD OF
ASSESSMENT
50% Continuous Assessment (1 essay assignment), 50% written (multiple
choice) examination
OBJECTIVES
The course aims to review important aspects of modern physics in
informal fashion, designed to stimulate any level 1 Science or Engineering
student. Elementary mathematics (but NOT calculus) is required. The
module consists of three sections: special relativity, quantum mechanics, and
particle physics.
SYLLABUS
Special Relativity:
Speed of light
Einstein’s postulates
Relativistic Doppler effect
Twin paradox and Time Dilation
Length Contraction and the Lorentz Transformation
Addition of velocities
Relativistic Dynamics and E=mc2, nuclear energy
Quantum Mechanics: “Corpuscular” vs. “Wave” models for light, evidence
Wave-Particle Duality
Atomic structure and the Bohr atom
The Two Slit experiment and the Uncertainty Principle
Wavefunctions and the Schrodinger equation
Tunnelling
Particle Physics: Relativity and quantum mechanics
Anti-particles
Virtual particles and the Yukawa potential
Electromagnetic, Strong and Weak forces
Quarks, leptons and neutrinos
LEARNING
OUTCOMES
1.
2.
SUGGESTED READING
1.
A sense of wonder.
An appreciation of the scope of modern physics
“Fundamentals of Physics” (Halliday Resnick and Walker) chs. 38-45
ISBN 0-471-60012-1
2. “The Quantum Universe” (Hey and Walters) (CUP ISBN 0-52131845-9)
3. “Einstein’s Mirror” (Hey and Walters) (C.U.P. ISBN 0-521-43532-3)
4. “Quarks, Leptons and the Big Bang” (Allday) (IOP ISBN 0-75030462-6)
5
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS MODULE DATA
MODULE CODE
PH-106
TITLE OF MODULE
THERMAL PHYSICS
CREDIT POINTS
10
LEVEL
1
SEMESTER
1
CONTACT HOURS
22 to include 16 lectures
PRE-REQUISITE
CO-REQUISITE
LECTURER/S
Dr C R Allton
MONITOR/S
Prof G M Shore
METHOD OF
ASSESSMENT
20% Continuous Assessment, 80% Written Examination
OBJECTIVES
To provide a grounding in classical thermodynamics together with the prerequisite mathematical methods that are essential for the development of this
topic.
SYLLABUS
1.
LEARNING
OUTCOMES
2.
3.
SUGGESTED READING
4.
1.
1.
2.
Zeroth law: temperature scales, the gas scales-gas thermometers.
Thermal Expansion
3.
First law: heat and work, reversible and irreversible processes, heat
capacities, Cp-Cv, adiabatics, Dulong-Petit.
4.
Maths: partial differentiation, differentials, exact differentials,
integration.
5.
Second law: heat engines, Carnot cycle, Clausius, Kelvin-Planck
statements of second law and their equivalence, Carnot’s theorem.
Entropy and disorder (basic). Thermodynamic potentials. Phase
transitions, Clausius-Clapeyron equation.
6.
Kinetic theory: basic assumptions, pressure, Maxwell’s law of
distribution of velocities, mean free path..
Students will gain an understanding of the basic concepts of classical
Thermal Physics such as the notion of Temperature, work done by a
gas, and heat exchanged.
The concept of Entropy will be introduced and defined in a macroscopic
context.
Students will acquire a working knowledge of the three laws of
thermodynamics.
The fundamentals of kinetic theory will be introduced.
“Fundamentals of Physics-Extended” Fifth Edition by Halliday,
Resnick, Walker (Wiley) ISBN 0-471-10559-7
6
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS MODULE DATA
MODULE CODE
PH-107
TITLE OF MODULE
EXPERIMENTAL TECHNIQUES I
CREDIT POINTS
20
LEVEL
1
SEMESTER
1, 2
CONTACT HOURS
80 to include 4 lectures
LECTURER/S
Prof A J Davies
MONITOR/S
METHOD OF
ASSESSMENT
100% Continuous Assessment
OBJECTIVES
The laboratory experiments cover a wide range of topics and are aimed at
improving the practical skills of students as well as illustrating topics
covered in the lecture modules. A number of the experiments are interfaced
directly to computers and thus an introductory lecture is given to introduce
students to the use of computers in the laboratory. Lectures are also given
on observational uncertainties.
A selection of the following experiments will be carried out:Dynamics
Radial forces using a rotating mass.
Compound pendulum for the measurement of g.
Damped oscillations of a torsion pendulum
Vibrations and Waves
Interference of acoustic waves.
Dispersion of light waves using a spectrometer.
Diffraction of a laser beam by a slit.
Transmission of thermal, acoustic and light radiation.
Measurement of the speed of light.
Properties of materials
Coefficient of increase resistance.
Thermal expansion of a solid. Thermal expansion of water.
Temperature dependence of the resistance of a thermistor.
Electrical experiments
Charge and discharge of a capacitor. A/D conversion.
Damped oscillations in an LCR circuit. Forced electrical oscillations and
resonance.
Computers in the Laboratory
Introduction to Network and Laboratory Software.
Excel spreadsheets and their use in practical physics.
Observational uncertainties.
1. Practical experience in carrying out laboratory experiments in Physics,
keeping a laboratory diary and preparing reports on experiments.
2. Further insight into selected topics covered in the lecture modules.
3. Experience of using specialised IT software in on-line experiments, data
analysis and presentation of reports.
4. The treatment of observational uncertainties.
SYLLABUS
LEARNING
OUTCOMES
7
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS MODULE DATA
MODULE CODE
PH-108
TITLE OF MODULE
EXPERIMENTAL TECHNIQUES II
CREDIT POINTS
10
LEVEL
1
SEMESTER
1, 2
CONTACT HOURS
40 to include 4 lectures
LECTURER/S
Prof A J Davies
MONITOR/S
METHOD OF
ASSESSMENT
100% Continuous Assessment
OBJECTIVES
An introduction to practical physics and the use of computers in the
laboratory for non-intending single honours physicists.
A selection of the following experiments will be carried out:Dynamics
Radial forces using a rotating mass.
Compound pendulum for the measurement of g.
Damped oscillations of a torsion pendulum
Vibrations and Waves
Interference of acoustic waves.
Dispersion of light waves using a spectrometer.
Diffraction of a laser beam by a slit.
Transmission of thermal, acoustic and light radiation.
Measurement of the speed of light.
Properties of materials
Coefficient of increase resistance.
Thermal expansion of a solid. Thermal expansion of water.
Temperature dependence of the resistance of a thermistor.
Electrical experiments
Charge and discharge of a capacitor. A/D conversion.
Damped oscillations in an LCR circuit. Forced electrical oscillations and
resonance.
Computers in the Laboratory
Introduction to Network and Laboratory Software.
Excel spreadsheets and their use in practical physics.
Observational uncertainties.
1. Practical experience in carrying out laboratory experiments in Physics,
keeping a laboratory diary and preparing reports on experiments.
2. Further insight into selected topics covered in the lecture modules.
3. Experience of using specialised IT software in on-line experiments, data
analysis and presentation of reports.
4. The treatment of observational uncertainties.
SYLLABUS
LEARNING
OUTCOMES
8
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS MODULE DATA
MODULE CODE
PH-111
TITLE OF MODULE
INTRODUCTION TO THE ANALYSIS OF SCIENTIFIC DATA AND
MODELLING OF PHYSICAL SYSTEMS
CREDIT POINTS
10
LEVEL
1
SEMESTER
1
CONTACT HOURS
22
PRE-REQUISITE
CO-REQUISITE
LECTURER/S
Dr C R Allton
MONITOR/S
Prof T J Hollowood
METHOD OF
ASSESSMENT
100% Continuous Assessment
OBJECTIVES
This module is concerned with the analysis of scientific data and the
modelling of simple Physics systems. Numerical algorithms will be
developed for solving particular problems and students will be shown how
to encode these algorithms in Visual Basic and Mathematica. The module
will involve a considerable practical element in addition to the lectures.
SYLLABUS
1.
2.
3.
4.
Structured programming using Visual Basic; the Visual Basic
environment; programming basics; input and output; program control,
functions and procedures; working with files; graphics.
Elements of Mathematica.
Solution of physical systems using Visual Basic and Mathematica.
These will vary from year to year but will include, for example, orbit
problems in Mechanics and oscillations in electrical circuits.
Students will also be expected to solve more-extended problems in their
own time and to write-up the solutions for assessment. Particular
attention will be paid to quality of presentation and graphical output.
LEARNING
OUTCOMES
1. The use of Visual Basic to analyse problems in Physics.
2. The use of symbolic manipulation packages to analyse problems in
Physics.
3. Numerical solution of elementary models of physical systems.
4. Writing reports on specific problems.
SUGGESTED READING
1.
2.
3.
“Practical Physics” by GL Squires (Cambridge University Press) ISBN
0-521-77940-5
“Using Visual Basic” by PRM Oliver and N Kantaris (Bernard Babani
Publishing Ltd) 2001 ISBN 0-85934-498-3
“The Mathematica Book” 4th edn (Cambridge University Press) 1999
ISBN 0-521-643147
9
MAG130 Mathematics for Scientists 1*
Semester 1
Lecturer Dr AD Thomas
10 UWS credits, 5 ECTS credits
Assessment by Coursework 20%
Assessment by Examination 80%
Exam January, length 2 hours
The continuous assessment component comprises 4 exercise sheets, each worth 5%.
At the end of this module, the student should:
• know how to calculate with complex numbers
• understand the meaning of continuity and differentiability
• have learned the methods for differentiation for functions of a single variable
• have learned the methods for integration for functions of a single variable
Syllabus:
Basics of algebraic manipulation and use of brackets.
Functions of a real variable, sketching graphs and asymptotes. Even and odd functions, 1-1 functions and
their inverses. The inverse trig functions. Powers, exponentials and logs (base e, 2 and 10). The binomial
expansion for integer powers and the binomial coefficients.
Quadratic equations, roots and complex numbers. Complex arithmetic, including conjugate, modulus and
argument. De Moivre's theorem and nth roots.
Continuous and discontinuous functions, left and right limits (to be done by looking at graphs). The slope of
a graph. Derivatives, including trig, exp and log functions. The rules for differentiating a sum, product and
quotient. The chain rule and derivatives of inverse functions. Applications of calculus to find maxima,
minima and curve sketching. Points of inflection.
Areas under graphs, integration as a reverse to differentiation. Definite integrals, indefinite integrals. Some
standard integrals. Methods of integration: substitution, parts and partial fractions.
Recommended Reading:
Dennis T Christy, Pre calculus, W.C. Brown, 1993, QA331.3.CHR2, [Primary]
DW Jordan & P Smith, Mathematical Techniques, OUP, 1994, TA303.JOR, [Primary]
SG Krantz, Calculus Demystified, McGraw Hill, 2003, [Primary]
F Safier, Schaum's Outline of Precalculus, McGraw Hill, 1998, [Primary]
* Cannot be taken as part of a Mathematics Degree Scheme.
10
Needed by
MAG131
MAG133
MAG131 Mathematics for Scientists 2*
Semester 2
Lecturer Dr EJ Beggs
10 UWS credits, 5 ECTS credits
Assessment by Coursework
Assessment by Examination
Exam June, length 2 hours
30%
70%
The continuous assessment component is 15% from exercise sheets, and 15% from computing exercises.
At the end of this module, the student should:
Pre/Coreq
• be able to set up a simple mathematical model of a real world situation
MAG130 C
• know analytical techniques for solving first and second order ODEs
• be able to solve (using computers if necessary) the ordinary differential equations resulting
from simple models
• understand interdependence of Calculus and the theory of ODEs
• be able to analyse models of growth and decay and state the corresponding initial value
problems for ODEs
Syllabus:
Mathematical modelling: How to set up differential equations.
First order differential equations.
Separation of variables.
Population growth, the logistic equation, radioactive decay.
Integrating factor method.
Second order equations with constant coefficients.
Homogeneous and non-homogeneous equations.
Damping and resonance.
Complementary functions and particular integrals.
Taylor series, and series solutions of differential equations.
Special cases of series solutions.
Nonlinear differential equations and equations with several dependent variables, e.g. the predator-prey
equations or enzymemediated chemical reactions.
Computing (Mathematica) Starting Mathematica. Basic arithmetic and the use of brackets. Plotting graphs of
functions of one variable. The Solve and NSolve commands. Complex numbers. Differentiation and
integration. Numerical integration. Solving ordinary differential equations.
Recommended Reading:
DW Jordan & P Smith, Mathematical Techniques, OUP, 1994, TA303.JOR, [Secondary]
Stephen Wolfram, The Mathematica Book, 4th edn, CUP, 1999, QA76.95.WOL4,
[Background]
* Cannot be taken as part of a Mathematics Degree Scheme.
11
Needed by
MAG133
MAG133 Additional Maths for Scientists*
Semester 2
Lecturer Dr EJ Beggs
10 UWS credits, 5 ECTS credits
Assessment by Coursework
Assessment by Examination
Exam June, length 2 hours
At the end of this module, the student should:
• know the methods for differentiation and integration for functions of several variables
• understand the relevance of vectors and vector products to forces, work and turning moments
• understand vector calculus which is vital for electrodynamics and fluid dynamics
• be able to use vectors for solving problems with positions, velocities and geometry
• be able to use Taylor series, including their use for solving differential equations
None
100%
Pre/Coreq
MAG130 C
MAG131 C
Syllabus:
The Sinh and Cosh functions. Some trig identities. Functions of two and three variables. Partial derivatives
and the chain rule for partial derivatives.
Exact differentials and their physical significance (2 dimensions only). The gradient, divergence and curl of a
vector field. Polynomials: Roots, factors and the remainder theorem. Finding approximate roots from
graphs.
Matrices and matrix arithmetic, determinants and inverses.
Solving systems of linear equations.
Matrices acting on vectors, eigenvectors and eigenvalues.
Fourier series.
Partial differential equations and separation of variables.
The heat and wave equations.
Computing (Mathematica) Vectors. Plotting functions of two variables and partial derivatives. Polynomials
and roots, the Factor command.
Recommended Reading:
DW Jordan & P Smith, Mathematical Techniques, OUP, 1994, TA303.JOR, [Secondary]
Stephen Wolfram, The Mathematica Book, 4th edn, CUP, 1999, QA76.95.WOL4,
[Background]
* Cannot be taken as part of a Mathematics Degree Scheme
12