PH101-Physics of the Natural World

Module Provider: Meteorology
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Matt Owens
Email: m.j.owens@reading.ac.uk

Module Co-convenor: Prof Maarten Ambaum
Email: m.h.p.ambaum@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
A lecture and tutorial course which covers the physics essential to understanding the natural world, namely classical mechanics, thermodynamics and electromagnetism.

Aims:
The aim of the module is to equip students with a solid background in classical physics, which constitutes a crucial piece of basic scientific knowledge needed to develop further skills in quantitative natural science.
Students should be able to apply this knowledge to a range of situations, both familiar and unfamiliar, by conceptualising the core physical principles required to understand the system. They should be able to make appropriate approximations and hence compute the physical behaviour of a system.

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Ability to describe and explain the fundamental principles of classical physics (i.e., mechanics, thermal physics and electromagnetism);


• Ability to manipulate equations in order to quantitatively solve classical physics problems;


• Ability to analyse a problem or system and determine which physical processes are most important/relevant;


• Ability to then make appropriate approximations in order to simplify/conceptualise complex systems;


• Ability to recognise and apply familiar physical processes in unfamiliar systems.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

1. Classical mechanics - Linear motion (position, velocity and acceleration. Equations of constant acceleration) - Forces (friction. Newton’s Laws). - Energy (work, potential energy, kinetic energy). - Momentum. - Gravity (universal law. Potential energy. Physical basis of Kepler’s laws. Escape velocity). - Rotational motion (rotational analogies to linear motion. Central forces. Centre of mass);


2. Introduction to electromagnetism - Electric fields (forces, potential energy, voltage, current). - Magnetic fields (Lorentz force, charged particle motion);


3. Thermal physics - Temperature (Measurement and relation to microscopic parameters) - Kinetic theory (Relation to macroscopic parameters. Ideal gases). - The first law of thermodynamics (Heat. Work. PV diagrams. Equipartition of energy). - The second law of thermodynamics (Irreversibility. Entropy). - Thermal properties of matter (Phase changes . Expansion).

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures and tutorials.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20	20
Seminars	10	10
Guided independent study:	70	70
Total hours by term	100	100
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	70
Written assignment including essay	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Written 2 hour exam contributes 70% of the final mark.

The examination for this module will require a narrowly defined time window and is likely to be held in a dedicated exam venue.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Coursework: Two assignments (15% each towards the final mark), in the form of assessed problem sheets.  Relative percentage of coursework: In total, the coursework assignments contribute 30% of the final mark.

Formative assessment methods:

Problem sheets during guided tutorials. Marked problem sheet early in the first term.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
An average of 40% across the whole module.

Reassessment arrangements:
The final resit mark is determined wholly by written exam in August/September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023