Form 20
Version 3.0 (2007/2008)
Heriot-Watt University - Module Descriptor Template (RAY)
Module Title
Thermal Physics and Relativity
School
EPS
Module
Co-ordinator
Physics Teaching Group Convener
SCQF
Level
8
1. Pre-requisites
Module
Code
B28TR
Semester
On or OffCampus
Credits
2
on
15
B27MW and B27FF or equivalent
2. Linked Modules
(specify if synoptic)
3. Excluded Modules
4. Replacement Module
Code:
5.
Date Of Replacement:
6. Degrees for which this
is a core module
B211-PHY
B2C1-COM
B281-ENV
B261-ENG
B2B1-PHO
B2PE-PRO
B271-EDU
B2N1-NAN
B2M1-MAT
B2G1-ENE
B2PS-SCI
B21M-PHY
B23M-COM
B26M-ENG
B2BM-PHO
B2NM-NAN
B2MM-MAT
B2GM-ENE
B2FM-SCI
B2DM-OPT
Availability as an
Elective
Yes
No
X
BSc Physics
BSc Computational Physics
BSc Physics with Environmental Science
BSc Engineering Physics
BSc Photonics and Lasers
BSc Physics with Professional Education
BSc Physics with Education
BSc Nanoscience
BSc Mathematical Physics
BSc Energy Science and Technology
BSc Physical Science
MPhys Physics
MPhys Computational Physics
MPhys Engineering Physics
MPhys Photonics and Lasers
MPhys Nanoscience
MPhys Mathematical Physics
MPhys Energy Science and Technology
MPhys Physical Science
MPhys Optoelectronics and Lasers
7. Aims
To introduce and develop the topics of thermal physics, properties of matter and special relativity.
To provide the mathematical techniques for analysing and solving problems in these topics.
1/3
Form 20
Version 3.0 (2007/2008)
Heriot-Watt University - Module Descriptor Template (RAY)
Module Title
Thermal Physics and Relativity
School
EPS
Module
Co-ordinator
Physics Teaching Group Convener
SCQF
Level
8
Module
Code
B28TR
Semester
2
On or OffCampus
Credits
on
15
8. Syllabus
Properties of matter
The three phases (gases, liquids, solids) and phase diagrams, kinetic theory of gases, dynamics of fluids; Gas Laws up to Van der Waal’s eqn; Maxwell-Boltzmann
distribution.
Mechanical properties of matter: elasticity and thermal expansion.
Concept of heat and temperature
Heat capacities, equipartition of energy, heat transport (conduction, convection and radiation), measurement of temperature and definition of temperature scales, blackbody 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
Special relativity
The Michelson-Morley experiment; Concept of inertial reference frames; Galilean and relativistic transformations between frames; Time dilation; Length contraction;
Relativistic Doppler effect; Relativistic particle dynamics.
2/3
Form 20
Version 3.0 (2007/2008)
Heriot-Watt University - Module Descriptor Template (RAY)
Module Title
Thermal Physics and Relativity
School
EPS
Module
Co-ordinator
Physics Teaching Group Convener
SCQF
Level
8
Module
Code
B28TR
Semester
2
On or OffCampus
Credits
on
15
9. Learning Outcomes (HWU Core Skills: Employability and Professional Career Readiness)
Subject Mastery
Understanding, Knowledge and Cognitive Skills
Scholarship, Enquiry and Research (Research-Informed Learning)
On completion of this module, the learner will be able to:
 Achieve a critical knowledge and understanding of the properties of matter, thermodynamics and relativity
 Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of the module topics
 Integrate previous knowledge from the physics course with the topics discussed in the module
 Apply the theory of the module topics to problems or situations not previously encountered
Personal Abilities
Industrial, Commercial & Professional Practice
Autonomy, Accountability & Working with Others Communication, Numeracy & ICT
Personal abilities are embedded in the module. The module 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
10. Assessment Methods
Method
11. Re-assessment Methods
Duration of Exam
Weighting (%)
Synoptic modules?
Method
(if applicable)
Exam
Coursework
2 hours
N/A
Duration of Exam
(if applicable)
70%
30%
no
no
Exam (100%)
2 hours
12. Date and Version
Date of Proposal
01/02/08
Date of Approval by
School Committee
Date of
Implementation
15 September 2008
Version
Number
3/3