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Session: 2022/23
Last modified: 17/05/2022 10:24:11
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Title of Module: Introductory Physics A |
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Code: PHYS07006 |
SCQF Level: 7
(Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework) |
Credit Points: 20 |
ECTS: 10
(European Credit Transfer Scheme) |
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| School: | School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences |
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| Module Co-ordinator: | John
F
Smith |
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| Summary of Module |
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This module is one of two introductory physics modules offered at Level 7. The other Level 7 module is Introductory Physics B, in Trimester 2. The two modules are, however, self contained and are not co-requisites. The module is a core module for students intending to continue on the Physics degree programme; students intending to take Chemistry and Mathematics degrees will find the content helpful.The course material is primarily delivered in lectures with complementary problems classes. The module also includes laboratory classes which enable students to put into practice the principles covered in the lectures. A brief outline of the content is given below.
Mechanics: calculus treatment of equations of linear motion; work energy theorem; rest mass; relativistic mass; relativistic energy; circular motion; simple harmonic motion; damping.
Gravitation: law of gravitation; gravitation potential; conservative fields; equipotentials; escape velocity; black holes.
Heat: temperature: scales, expansion, stress; heat: specific and latent heat, methods of transfer.
Gases: ideal gas law; kinetic model.
Wave phenomena: Introduction to wave motion (definitions of frequency, wavelength, intensity, amplitude); the traveling wave equation; phase and phase difference; superposition; the Doppler effect; interference by division of amplitude (thin film, air wedge, Newton’s rings, anti-reflection coating); interference by division of wavefront (Young’s double-slit experiment; the Fresnel biprism); polarization (Malus’s law, the Brewster angle, polarization by scattering).
- We have defined a set of Graduate Attributes that are the skills, personal qualities and understanding to be developed through your university experience that will prepare for life and work in the 21st century (https://www.uws.ac.uk/current-students/your-graduate-attributes/). The Graduate Attributes relevant to this module are listed below.
- Graduate Attributes - Academic: Critical thinker; analytical; inquiring; knowledgeable; digitally literate; problem solver; autonomous; incisive; innovative
- Graduate Attributes - Personal: Effective communicator; influential; motivated
- Graduate Attributes - Professional: Collaborative; research-minded; enterprising; ambitious; driven
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| Module Delivery Method |
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| Face-To-Face | Blended | Fully Online | HybridC | HybridO | Work-based Learning |
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Face-To-Face
Term used to describe the traditional classroom environment where the students and the lecturer meet synchronously in the same room for the whole provision.
Blended
A mode of delivery of a module or a programme that involves online and face-to-face delivery of learning, teaching and assessment activities, student support and feedback. A programme may be considered “blended” if it includes a combination of face-to-face, online and blended modules. If an online programme has any compulsory face-to-face and campus elements it must be described as blended with clearly articulated delivery information to manage student expectations
Fully Online
Instruction that is solely delivered by web-based or internet-based technologies. This term is used to describe the previously used terms distance learning and e learning.
HybridC
Online with mandatory face-to-face learning on Campus
HybridO
Online with optional face-to-face learning on Campus
Work-based Learning
Learning activities where the main location for the learning experience is in the workplace.
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| Term(s) for Module Delivery |
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(Provided viable student numbers permit).
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| Term 1 | | Term 2 | | Term 3 | |
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| Learning Outcomes: (maximum of 5 statements) |
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On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:
L1.
To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of introductory aspects of mechanics, gravitation, heat, and wave phenomena.
L2.
To apply the knowledge and understanding to solve relevant numerical and non-numerical problems.
L3.
To conduct prescribed laboratory experiments, collect and analyze data, identify sources of experimental uncertainties, and draw conclusions.
L4.
Record experimental procedures and observations in a log book, and present an experiment in a formal lab report. |
| Employability Skills and Personal Development Planning (PDP) Skills |
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| SCQF Headings |
During completion of this module, there will be an opportunity to achieve
core skills in:
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| Knowledge and Understanding (K and U) |
SCQF Level 7.
Demonstrate and work with the following.
A broad knowledge of introductory aspects of mechanics, gravitation, heat, and wave phenomena.
Knowledge that is embedded in the main theories, concepts, and principles.
An awareness of the evolving nature of the knowledge and understanding.
An understanding of the difference between explanations based in evidence and other forms of explanation and of the importance of this difference. |
| Practice: Applied Knowledge and Understanding |
SCQF Level 7.
Use some of the basic and routine professional skills, techniques, practices and materials used in physics. |
| Generic Cognitive skills |
SCQF Level 7.
Present and evaluate arguments, information and ideas in physics.
Use a range of approaches to addressing problems and issues in physics. |
| Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills |
SCQF Level 7.
Use a wide range of routine skills and some advanced skills in physics. Some examples are given below.
Convey ideas in well-structured and coherent form.
Use a range of forms of communication effectively in both familiar and new contexts.
Use standard applications to process and obtain a variety of information and data.
Use a range of numerical and graphical skills in combination.
Use numerical and graphical data. |
| Autonomy, Accountability and Working with others |
SCQF Level 7.
Exercise some initiative and independence in carrying out defined activities.
Take account of own and others’ roles and responsibilities in carrying out and evaluating tasks.
Work with others in support of current professional practice under guidance. |
| Pre-requisites: |
Before undertaking this module the student should have
undertaken the following:
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Module Code:
| Module Title:
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| Other: | Higher, A Level, or AS-Level Physics or equivalent. Higher, A Level, or AS Level Mathematics or equivalent |
| Co-requisites | Module Code:
MATH07003
| Module Title:
Mathematics of Space & Change
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* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.
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| Learning and Teaching |
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This is an introductory Level-7 module, with a strong lecture-based component which facilitates the learning and teaching of new concepts and new ideas. However, physics is a practical subject, and there is also a significant practical component to the module. All of the material, from both lecture and practical classes, will be consolidated and supported in tutorials or "problems classes" in which the students can discuss issues and problems with the course material on an informal one-on-one basis with a member of staff.
The majority of the material of this module is presented in the form of lectures. The lecture notes (either presented traditionally to students in the lectures, or made available via the VLE) will be self-contained and will cover all of the areas of the module. A list of recommended text books will be issued which cover all aspects of the course which serve as a source of background information, greater detail or alternative explanations of the lecture material.
The lecture material will be put into practice in practical laboratory classes. The practical classes go hand-in-hand with the lecture classes - the lectures and the practical classes can be regarded as complementary. Students are expected to relate the material taught in lectures to the experiments performed in the practical classes.
Tutorials (or problems classes) will enable students to further test the material taught in lectures. Generally, Problem Sheets (containing several questions and problems) will be issued by the lecturers which will carried out by the students in their own time in advance of the tutorials; difficulties relating to solving the problems on the tutorial sheets can be discussed and remedied in the tutorials. Tutorials are thus of great value to the students as they facilitate informal contact with a member of staff, enabling misunderstandings and conceptual difficulties to be sorted out. The tutorials are also of immense value to the staff: liaison between lecturer and tutors will enable problematic areas of the course material to be identified.
As with most modules, the ability to communicate information and ideas effectively is very important to successful completion. Verbal communication will be encouraged in the tutorials while written communication will be necessary for the completion of submitted coursework and class tests, in particular, the submitted coursework will require new concepts and ideas to be described clearly and will require clearly-expressed solutions to set problems. A formal written laboratory report will require report-writing and organizational skills to be demonstrated.
Many aspects of this module (such as consolidation of lecture notes) require self-study but other aspects (such as practical work or discussions in tutorials) require an element of group work. |
Learning Activities
During completion of this module, the learning activities undertaken to
achieve the module learning outcomes are stated below:
| Student Learning Hours
(Normally totalling 200 hours):
(Note: Learning hours include both contact hours and hours spent on other learning activities) |
| Lecture/Core Content Delivery | 24 |
| Tutorial/Synchronous Support Activity | 12 |
| Laboratory/Practical Demonstration/Workshop | 12 |
| Independent Study | 152 |
| 200
Hours Total
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**Indicative Resources: (eg. Core text, journals, internet
access)
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The following materials form essential underpinning for the module content
and ultimately for the learning outcomes:
· Young and Freedman, University Physics, Addison Wesley (2007) 12th Edition[ISBN: 978-0805321876]
· Serway and Jewett, Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics, Thomson Learning (2007) [ISBN: 978-0495112402]
· Cutnell and Johnson, Physics, John Wiley (2006) [ISBN: 978-0471663157]
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(**N.B. Although reading lists should include current publications,
students are advised (particularly for material marked with an asterisk*) to
wait until the start of session for confirmation of the most up-to-date
material)
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| Engagement Requirements |
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In line with the Academic Engagement Procedure, Students are defined as academically engaged if they are regularly engaged with timetabled teaching sessions, course-related learning resources including those in the Library and on the relevant learning platform, and complete assessments and submit these on time. Please refer to the Academic Engagement Procedure at the following link: Academic engagement procedure |
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Supplemental Information
| Programme Board | Physical Sciences |
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| Assessment Results (Pass/Fail) |
No
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| Subject Panel | Physical Sciences |
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| Moderator | Carlos Garcia |
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| External Examiner | H Boston |
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| Accreditation Details | Institute of Physics |
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| Version Number | 2.10 |
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| Assessment: (also refer to Assessment Outcomes Grids below) |
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| Coursework total 60% (class test(s) [40%], written coursework assignment(s) [20%]) |
| Laboratory Work total 40% (supervised laboratory work [30%], formal laboratory report [10%]) |
(N.B. (i) Assessment Outcomes Grids for the module
(one for each component) can be found below which clearly demonstrate how the learning outcomes of the module
will be assessed.
(ii) An indicative schedule listing approximate times
within the academic calendar when assessment is likely to feature will be
provided within the Student Handbook.)
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Assessment Outcome Grids (Footnote A.)
Footnotes
A. Referred to within Assessment Section above
B. Identified in the Learning Outcome Section above
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Note(s):
- More than one assessment method can be used to assess individual learning outcomes.
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Schools are responsible for determining student contact hours. Please refer to University Policy on contact hours (extract contained within section 10 of the Module Descriptor guidance note).
This will normally be variable across Schools, dependent on Programmes &/or Professional requirements.
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| Equality and Diversity |
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In order for the student to complete this module an element of laboratory work will require to be undertaken
UWS Equality and Diversity Policy |
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(N.B. Every effort
will be made by the University to accommodate any equality and diversity issues
brought to the attention of the School)
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