Course Co-ordinator: Dr N J C Strachan

Pre-requisite(s): SCE H in Mathematics and Physics, or equivalent.

Note(s): Two of the practicals are optical and as such they may be difficult to complete if the student is blind/partially sighted. However the practicals are carried out in groups of two (or occasionally three). Hence, in this instance the work would be carried out in a group of three so that the tasks can be shared appropriately.

The Physical Universe A is an introduction to some of the most fundamental areas in Physics and provides a foundation for later years of study. There will be lectures on kinematics and dynamics, covering the equations of motion and Newton's Three Laws; there's an introduction to Special Relativity, including the twin paradox; energy and power are covered, as well as considerations for generating electricity in the modern world; gravitation is studied in some depth, including the Law of Universal Gravitation, Kepler's laws governing the orbits of planets, and the behaviour of satellites; the course concludes with discussions of fluids, momentum and centres of mass.

The course objectives are:

• To give an overview of some of the universal laws of physics;


• To show how the concepts embodied in these laws form the basis of our understanding of nature and our application of science in selected fields.

2 one-hour lectures and up to 2 one-hour tutorials per week. 6 three-hour practicals.

1st Attempt: Final two-hour multiple choice exam (50%), completion of practical class notebook and laboratory reports (25%), tutorial sheets (12.5%), multiple choice tests during term (12.5%).

Resit: Final two-hour multiple choice exam (50%), completion of practical class notebook and laboratory reports (25%), tutorial sheets (12.5%), multiple choice tests during term (12.5%).