Last modified: 22 May 2019 17:07
Did you ever wonder about the efficiency of different forms of renewable energy, the mechanisms behind the formation of double rainbows or efficient ways of counting the number of termites in a nest? This non-calculus course provides an excellent opportunity to understand the basic principles of physics necessary to answer these and many other questions relevant to multiple disciplines, ranging from geology to engineering to biology and environmental sciences.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | None. | Sustained Study | No |
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A physics course without calculus and minimal algebra requirements designed for science students of disciplines other than physics. It is comprised of lectures, tutorials and practical laboratory sessions.
The course covers topics from mechanics to radioactivity and teach the students how to answer simple questions such as :
Mechanics: How is our food intake related to our physical size?. What forces work in a rugby scrum?. How efficient are the different forms of renewable energy?
Properties of matter: How fragile are our bones?. How can we distinguish between a fake and a real piece of gold?
Heat and molecular kinetic theory: How do bodies regulate temperature?. How many molecules are there in a glass of beer?
Capillary action, diffusion and osmosis: How does the sap rise in trees?. How does a pond skater walk on water?
Electricity: What is the link between a shark and an electric field?. How do nerve cells transmit signals?
Optics: Why do diamonds sparkle?. How does a light microscope work?
Radioactivity: How can you determine the age of a mammoth?. How can radioactivity be used to treat cancer?
Some of the practical laboratory sessions are optical experiments and as such they may be difficult to complete if the student is blind or partially sighted. However, the labs are carried out in groups of two. Hence, in this instance the work would be shared out appropriately.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
1st Attempt: Final two-hour exam (75%), completion of practical class notebook and laboratory reports (25%).
Formative informal assessment of tutorial work.
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