- Course Code
- PX 1016
- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Dr F.J Perez-Reche
Pre-requisites
Standard Grade Physics or equivalent.
Notes
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. Hence, in this instance the work would be shared out appropriately.
Overview
This course will introduce the basic principles of physics and demonstrate their importance for applications in the biological, human life and environmental sciences. For example, the course will answer questions such as: "why are there no animals bigger than elephants on land?" (Newton's Laws and strength of materials) "How can renewable sources of energy be used to generate electricity?" (eg. wind power and tidal barrages) "Why do diamonds sparkle and how does a microscope work?" (optics) "How do settling chambers in factories reduce air pollution?" (properties of matter) "How can physics explain blood flow and how do plants and trees perspire?" (fluids) "How do nerve cells transmit signals to the brain?" (electricity).
Structure
Two lectures and one tutorial per week and 6 three-hour laboratory practicals.
Assessment
1st Attempt: Final two-hour exam (75%), completion of practical class notebook and laboratory reports (25%).
Resit: Two-hour exam (75%), completion of practical class notebook and laboratory reports (25%).
Formative Assessment
Formative informal assessment of tutorial work.
Feedback
Lab notebooks will be marked and returned within two weeks of submission.