- Course Code
- PX 1013
- Credit Points
- 20
- Course Coordinator
- Dr N J C Strachan
Pre-requisites
Standard Grade Physics or equivalent recommended
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?" (e.g. 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
12 week course - 3 one-hour lectures, 1 one-hour tutorial per week, and 1 three-hour practical session per week for 9 weeks.
Assessment
1st Attempt: 1 two-hour multiple-choice examination (75%) and in-course assessment (25%). A pass in this course requires a score of CAS 9 or higher in the in-course assessment.
Resit: 1 two-hour multiple-choice examination (75%) and in-course assessment (25%). A pass in this course requires a score of CAS 9 or higher in the in-course assessment.