Key facts
Details for course being taught in current academic year
Level 1 - 18 credits - autumn term
E-learning links
Resources
Timetable Link
course web pages
Course description
Course outline
Motion in a straight line; motion in two dimensions; Newton’s laws of Motion; statics; circular motion; work, energy and power; linear and angular momentum; vibrational motion; temperature and thermodynamics; thermal properties of matter; fluids - pressure, Archimedes Principle, viscosity, flow of liquids; gases - temperature, ideal gas law, partial pressure. Applications including those to astrophysics and biology (e.g. kinesiology, metabolic temperature regulation) will be emphasized. Experimental work is integral to the course.
Pre-requisite
Although the course includes the word “introductory” in its title, it is desirable for students to have had some earlier exposure to mathematics and physical concepts. The level of these normally met in North American high schools is sufficient. For UK students a GCSE in mathematics and physics is also sufficient.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, a successful student should be able to demonstrate their understanding of the following concepts and principles:
1 Velocity and acceleration of an object;
2 The gravitational force and the weight of an object;
3 Work and both potential energy and kinetic energy;
4 Torque and rotational motion;
5 Impulse and both linear momentum and angular momentum;
6 Pressure in a fluid and viscous flow;
7 Elastic deformation and oscillatory motion;
8 Wave motion;
9 Transmission of sound;
10 The properties of an ideal gas;
11 The nature of heat;
12 Thermodynamics;
13 Students will also be expected to demonstrate skills in practical work, including a proper awareness of health and safety, familiarity with basic equipment, and an ability to present experimental results according to subject conventions.
Library
One main textbook will be used in the course and, indeed, the syllabus will be defined in terms of particular sections of this book. The text is
“College Physics” by Giambattista, Richardson & Richardson - published by McGraw Hill. All students taking this course are advised to purchase this book. In addition, the following books will be used for supplementary reading and to provide suitable questions for the weekly set of assigned problems:
“Physics” by Cutnell & Johnson - published by Wiley
“Physics” by Kane & Stenheim - published by Wiley
“Physics” by Halliday, Resnick & Walker - published by Wiley.
Assessments
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 100.00% | |
| Problem Sets | Autumn Week 3 | 1.25% |
| Problem Sets | Autumn Week 4 | 1.25% |
| Problem Sets | Autumn Week 5 | 1.25% |
| Problem Sets | Autumn Week 6 | 1.25% |
| Test | Autumn Week 6 (1 hour ) | 15.00% |
| Problem Sets | Autumn Week 7 | 1.25% |
| Problem Sets | Autumn Week 8 | 1.25% |
| Problem Sets | Autumn Week 9 | 1.25% |
| Practical Report | Autumn Week 10 | 25.00% |
| Problem Sets | Autumn Week 10 | 1.25% |
| Test | Autumn Week 10 (2 hours ) | 50.00% |
Resit mode of assessment
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Report | Summer Vacation | 25.00% |
| Unseen Examination | Summer Vacation (2 hours ) | 75.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
Teaching methods
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | LECTURE | 1 hour | 3333333333 |
| Autumn Term | LABORATORY | 3 hours | 1111111111 |
| Autumn Term | WORKSHOP | 1 hour | 0111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Contact details
Dr Penny Chaloner
Assess convenor
http://www.sussex.ac.uk/iss/profile452.html
Dr Low Thomson
Assess convenor
http://www.sussex.ac.uk/physics/profile2678.html
Dr Lesley Onuora
Assess convenor
http://www.sussex.ac.uk/physics/profile28526.html