Unit information: Problem Solving Skills in Physics in 2020/21

Unit name	Problem Solving Skills in Physics
Unit code	PHYS00002
Credit points	20
Level of study	QCA-3
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Lindsay
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	Normally at least Grade C in GCSE Mathematics; Physics or Science
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Physics
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

The unit is mandatory (TB2 -20 CP) for Physics Preliminary Year students focused on the development of physics understanding through problems solving, application of mathematics and self-study.

The unit will include different assignments and problem sets. Unit assignments will involve problem analysis, teamwork and presentations of the results.

The unit aims are to enable students to:

• develop analytical and data analysis skills
• develop programming skills and improve IT proficiency
• develop modelling and programming skills
• experience collaborative and independent learning
• improve maths skills and confidence applying them in physics problems

Projects assignments will include: 1) graphical and statistical data analysis using advanced software, 2) development and improvement of mathematics skills using online problems sheets and 3) development of basic programming skills (for example using Vpython) to create interactive visualizations of simple phenomena/systems (such as the electric field, waves superposition, simple harmonic motion, etc ).

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will acquire deeper knowledge of physics and develop skills for self-study, critical thinking and communication of physics concepts.

The students will be able to:

• to tackle problems in physics and formulate an appropriate solution.
• use mathematics to describe the physical world
• to compare results critically with predictions from theory.
• communicate effectively their findings to their peers and general audience – in written or presentation format
• work in a small group
• work independently

Teaching Information

Weekly synchronous group tutorial discussions together with guided independent learning.

Assessment Information

The unit mark will be based on evaluation of an electronic portfolio submitted at the end of the teaching block. To receive credit for the unit, students will be required to engage with weekly tutorials and to complete all coursework assignments satisfactorily.

Reading and References

To be decided in consultation with the tutor