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 |
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:
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 ).
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:
Weekly synchronous group tutorial discussions together with guided independent learning.
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.
To be decided in consultation with the tutor