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PX1015: THE PHYSICAL UNIVERSE A (2021-2022)

Last modified: 31 May 2022 13:05


Course Overview

Physics is the most fundamental of the sciences, and if we wish to better understand the nature and behaviour of the Universe, it is perhaps the best place to start. This course introduces the basic topics of Physics, from the sub-microscopic scale of electrons and atoms, to the orbits of the planets and stars, to the celestial mechanics of galaxies. It encompasses the work of Physicists like Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Marie Curie and Jocelyn Bell Burnell. If you’ve ever been curious about how the world works, you will hopefully find this course, typically well-regarded by students, interesting.




Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 1
Session First Sub Session Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Ross Macpherson

Qualification Prerequisites

  • Higher Grade (Sce/Sqa) Mathematics at Grade A
  • Higher Grade (Sce/Sqa) Physics at Grade B
  • Higher Grade (Sce/Sqa) Physics at Grade B3
  • Higher Grade (Sce/Sqa) Physics at Grade B4
  • Higher Grade (Sce/Sqa) Mathematics at Grade A1
  • Higher Grade (Sce/Sqa) Mathematics at Grade A2
  • Higher Grade (Sce/Sqa) Mathematics at Grade B
  • Higher Grade (Sce/Sqa) Mathematics at Grade B3
  • Higher Grade (Sce/Sqa) Mathematics at Grade B4
  • Higher Grade (Sce/Sqa) Physics at Grade A
  • Higher Grade (Sce/Sqa) Physics at Grade A1
  • Higher Grade (Sce/Sqa) Physics at Grade A2
  • Either Programme Level 1 or Programme Level 2

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Any Undergraduate Programme

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

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.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2023 for 1st half-session courses and 22 December 2023 for 2nd half-session courses.

Summative Assessments

Alternative Assessment

50% Final Exam

25% Lab Work

12.5% Tutorials

12.5% Midterm Exams

Alternative Resit Assessment

Resubmission of failed elements (pass marks carried forward)

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualRememberILO’s for this course are available in the course guide.

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