Level 1 Courses

Course Title: Mechanics

Course Code: PHYS 1411

Semester: I

No. of Credits: 3

Prerequisites: CAPE/A-Level Physics or PHYS0411 and PHYS0412 and PHYS 0421 and PHYS 0422 or CSEC Physics with CAPE/A-Level Maths

Course Rationale:

This course is one part of four that constitute the Introductory Physics program for Physics Majors. It is a stepping stone to all the upper-level Physics courses providing fundamental knowledge, mathematical techniques and laboratory practices. Many of the concepts in mechanics introduced in this course will be encountered again & expanded upon in later courses. Thus the main objective of this course is to provide students an introduction to the fundamental concepts of mechanics, and a thorough grounding in the mathematical and laboratory techniques, required in future courses.

Course Description:

This is a calculus-based physics course covering the basic laws and phenomena in mechanics.

Learning Objectives:

After completing this course, students should be able to:

· Distinguish between a scalar quantity and a vector quantity and perform vector algebra.

· Describe and perform calculations related to one and two dimensional motion, as well as rotational and rolling motion, using the basic equations of kinematics.

· Identify, describe and determine mathematically, the cause of linear, rotational and rolling motions, by describing/determining forces, torques, work and energy, impulse and momentum associated with objects undergoing each type of motion.

· Describe mathematically simple harmonic motion and perform simple calculations.

· Perform and interpret the results of simple experiments and demonstrations of physical principles.

Course Structure:

Mechanics (18 Lectures)

Scalars and Vectors: Scalar and Vector products. Vectors and their components. Unit vectors. Vector algebra in terms of their components.
Vector Treatment of Motion: Position vector and particle trajectory. Average and instantaneous acceleration. Application to uniform circular motion. Derivation of a = -w2r. Relative velocity.
Work and Kinetic Energy: General definition of work. Work done by a variable force. One-dimensional analysis. Interpretation of work as area under graph of F vs. x. Proof of Work-Kinetic Theorem.
Conservation of Energy: Conservative Forces. General definition of potential energy and examples of its calculation. Mechanical Energy. Proof of conservation of Mechanical Energy. Non-conservative forces. Conservation of total energy.
System of Particles: Centre of mass for systems of particles and extended objects. Newton's Second Law for systems of particles and extended objects and consequences. Proof of conservation of linear momentum.
Rotation: Description of rotation using θ, w and α . Kinematic equations. Kinematic energy of rotation. Rotational inertia and its calculation for some symmetrical objects. Parallel and Perpendicular Axes Theorem. Torque τ = r x F and τ = Iw. Work and Torque.
Rolling: Definition of Rolling. Rolling as a combination of rotation and translation. Rolling as pure rotation about an instantaneous axis. Role of friction in rolling. Kinetics and dynamics of rolling. Definition of Angular Momentum. Newton's Second Law in angular form. Angular momentum for a system of particles. Conservation of angular momentum and its application.
Simple Harmonic Motion: Equation of Linear SHM in differential form and solution as x = A sin (ωt + θ). Definition of angular SHM in terms of torque and angular displacement. Differential equation of motion and its solution. Examples such as physical pendulum (and limiting case of simple pendulum) and suspended oscillating disc.

Delivery Methods / Approaches:

The teaching of this course will be carried out using the following strategies:

Method/Approach	Contact Hours
Formal Lectures	18
Tutorials	10
Practical work (6 x 4 hrs)	12
Total	40

Assessment Procedures/Methods:

One 2-hour theory examination paper 60%

Two 1-hour in-course tests (15% each) 30%

Laboratory Report (Averaged of 6 labs at 10% each) 10%

Materials/Bibliography/Reading List

Required Textbook:

Halliday, Resnick, and Walker; “Fundamentals of Physics Extended”; 8^th Edition, 2007. ISBN 978-0-471-75801-3

Alternative text

Paul A. Tipler and Gene Mosca, Physics for Scientists and Engineers. 6^th Edition, 2007. ISBN-10: 0716789647.

Internet Sources:

Online lectures: http://academicearth.org/courses/fundamentals-of-physics
Online tutorials: http://www.dmoz.org/Science/Physics/Education/Tutorials/

Course Title: Waves, Optics and Thermodynamics

Course Code: PHYS 1412

Semester: I

No. of Credits: 3

Prerequisites: CAPE/A-Level Physics or PHYS0411 and PHYS0412 and PHYS 0421 and PHYS 0422 or CSEC Physics with CAPE/A-Level Math

Course Rationale:

This course is one part of four that constitute the Introductory Physics program for Physics Majors. It is a stepping stone to all the upper-level Physics courses providing fundamental knowledge, mathematical techniques and laboratory practices. Many of the concepts in Waves, Optics and Thermodynamics introduced in this course will be encountered again & expanded upon in later courses. Thus the main objective of this course is to provide students an introduction to the fundamental concepts of Waves, Optics, and Thermodynamics along with a thorough grounding in the associated mathematical and laboratory techniques.

Course Description:

This is a calculus-based physics course covering the basic laws and phenomena in waves, optics, and thermodynamics.

Learning Objectives:

After completing this course, students should be able to:

· Describe wave motion, including differentiating between transverse vs longitudinal waves, and standing vs progressive waves.

· Derive and solve the equation for a propagating wave and a standing wave.

· Describe the energy transported by a wave and the resonance condition,

· Explain Huygen's Principle and perform calculations involving the Doppler effect.

· Perform calculations related to the concept of superposition, including interference & diffraction.

· Apply concepts of temperature and heat as energy to solve problems concerning the transfer of heat and effects of heat on systems.

· Apply 1st and 2nd laws of Thermodynamics to systems to solve problems involving work, heat, and thermodynamic cycles.

· Perform and interpret the results of simple experiments and demonstrations of physical principles.

Course Structure:

WAVES AND OPTICS (11 lectures)

· Waves on a String: Transverse and longitudinal waves; The wave equation. Phase velocity. The sine wave. Power transmission. Superposition principle. Interference. Standing waves and Resonance.

· Sound waves; Wave speed (without derivation). Displacement and pressure waves. Beats. Doppler effect for sound waves.

· Optics; Huygen's Principle (eg. in Refraction). The electromagnetic wave.

· Coherence; Young's experiment. Intensity in double slit interference. Thin film interference (including wedge films and Newton's rings).

· The Phasor Method; Single slit diffraction. The diffraction grating.

HEAT AND THERMODYNAMICS (7 lectures)

· Temperature. Heat and the First Law Measuring temperature. Constant Volume gas thermometer. Ideal gas temperature. Measurement of thermodynamic temperature. Absorption of heat by solids and liquids. Molar specific heat. Heat and Work. Calculation of work done by an ideal gas at constant temperature. Differential form of First Law of Thermodynamics and application to selected cases.

· Kinetic Theory of Gases; RMS speed, pressure, translational kinetic energy and pressure. Adiabatic equation of an ideal gas.

· Entropy and the Second Law; Entropy and the second law of Thermodynamics. Heat engines and refrigerators

Delivery Methods / Approaches:

The teaching of this course will be carried out using the following strategies:

Method/Approach	Contact Hours
Formal Lectures	18
Tutorials	10
Practical work (6 x 4 hrs)	12
Total	40

Assessment Procedures/Methods:

One 2-hour theory examination paper 60%

Two 1-hour in-course tests (15% each) 30%

Laboratory Report (Averaged of 6 labs at 10% each) 10%

Materials/Bibliography/Reading List

Required Textbook:

Halliday, Resnick, and Walker; “Fundamentals of Physics Extended”; 8^th Edition, 2007. ISBN 978-0-471-75801-3

Alternative text

Paul A. Tipler and Gene Mosca,Physics for Scientists and Engineers. 6^th Edition, 2007. ISBN-10: 0716789647.

Internet Sources:

Online lectures: http://academicearth.org/courses/fundamentals-of-physics
Online tutorials: http://www.dmoz.org/Science/Physics/Education/Tutorials/

Course Title: Electricity and Magnetism

Course Code: PHYS1421

Semester: II

No. of Credits: 3

Prerequisites: CAPE/A-Level Physics or PHYS0411 and PHYS0412 and PHYS 0421 and PHYS 0422 or CSEC Physics with CAPE/A-Level Math

Course Rationale:

This course is one part of four that constitute the Introductory Physics program for Physics Majors. It is a stepping stone to all the upper-level Physics courses providing fundamental knowledge, mathematical techniques and laboratory practices. Many of the concepts in Electricity and Magnetism introduced in this course will be encountered again & expanded upon in later courses. Thus the main objective of this course is to provide students an introduction to the fundamental concepts of Electricity and Magnetism, and a thorough grounding in the mathematical and laboratory techniques, required in future courses.

Course Description:

This is a calculus-based course covering the basic laws and phenomena in Electricity and Magnetism.

Learning Objectives:

After completing this course, students should be able to:

· Perform quantitative analyses of basic problems in Electrostatics and Electrodynamics.

· Apply Gauss’s Law, Ampere’s Law, and Biot-Savart Law to solving practical problems in electricity and magnetism.

· Calculate energy storage in capacitors

· Derive the time constants of Resistor-Capacitor circuits

· Explain and analyze the behavior of alternating currents in RLC circuits.

· Perform and interpret the results of simple experiments and demonstrations of physical principles.

Course Structure:

Electricity and Magnetism (18 Lectures):

Electric field and potential: The electric field E due to extended charge distributions; Integral and differential expressions relating the electric potential V to the E field; Potential due to a dipole and other extended charge distributions.
Gauss’ Law: Application to problems with spherical, cylindrical and rectangular symmetry.
Capacitance: Calculation of the capacitance of various capacitors; Energy stored in a capacitor; RC circuits; Time constant
Magnetism: Magnetic force on current-carrying wire and its application to cases needing calculus treatment; Magnetic torque on a current loop; Magnetic moment of a current loop; The Hall-Effect; Biot-Savart Law and Ampere’s Law, and their application to long current-carrying wire, loop, and solenoid.
Electromagnetic Induction: Faraday’s Law and Lenz’s Law; Electro-magnetic induction and its applications; Self Induction; Inductance; RL circuits
Electromagnetic Oscillations and Alternating Currents: LC Oscillation; Damped oscillation in an RLC circuit; Alternating current; Forced oscillation; RLC circuits; Power in AC circuits; the Transformer; Introduction to the Electromagnetic wave.

Delivery Methods / Approaches:

The teaching of this course will be carried out using the following strategies:

Method/Approach	Contact Hours
Formal Lectures	18
Tutorials	10
Practical work (6 x 4 hrs)	12
Total	40

Assessment Procedures/Methods:

One 3-hour theory examination paper 60%

Two 1-hour in-course tests - (15% each) 30%

Laboratory Report (Averaged of 6 labs at 10% each) 10%

Materials/Bibliography/Reading List

Required Textbook:

Halliday, Resnick, and Walker; “Fundamentals of Physics Extended”; 8^th Edition, 2007. ISBN 978-0-471-75801-3

Alternative text

Paul A. Tipler and Gene Mosca, Physics for Scientists and Engineers. 6^th Edition, 2007. ISBN-10: 0716789647.
Internet Sources:

1. Introductory Electromagnetics: http://ecee.colorado.edu/~ecen3400/wbf.pdf

2. Online lectures: http://academicearth.org/courses/fundamentals-of-physics

3. Online tutorials: http://www.dmoz.org/Science/Physics/Education/Tutorials/

Course Title: Modern Physics

Course Code: PHYS1422

Semester: II

No. of Credits: 3

Prerequisites: CAPE/A-Level Physics or PHYS0411 and PHYS0412 and PHYS 0421 and PHYS 0422 or CSEC Physics with CAPE/A-Level Math

Course Rationale:

This course is one part of four that constitute the Introductory Physics program for Physics Majors. It is a stepping stone to all the upper-level Physics courses providing fundamental knowledge, mathematical techniques and laboratory practices. Many of the concepts in Modern Physics introduced in this course will be encountered again & expanded upon in later courses. Thus the main objective of this course is to provide students with an introduction to the fundamental concepts of Modern Physics, and a thorough grounding in the mathematical and laboratory techniques, required in future courses.

Course Description:

This is a calculus-based physics course covering the basic laws and phenomena in Modern Physics.

Learning Objectives:

After completing this course, students should be able to:

· Apply Lorentz transform to physically and quantitatively interpret concepts of time-dilation and length-contraction in Relativity Theory.

· Explain the wave-particle duality of the photon.

· Apply concepts of 20^th Century Modern Physics to deduce the structure of atoms.

· Analyze the structure of matter at its most fundamental.

· Describe the evolution of the Universe and explain the ideas of the Big Bang theory.

· Perform and interpret the results of simple experiments and demonstrations of physical principles.

Course Structure:

Modern Physics (18 Lectures):

Bohr Atom: Spectral series for hydrogen, Bohr’s postulates, derivation of energy levels, blackbody radiation and quantized energy levels (qualitative)
Waves & Corpuscles: Wave-particle duality; photo-electric effect; Compton-effect; energy, momentum and wavelength of a photon, deBroglie’s equation, wave function, particle in a box.
Special Relativity: Galilean relativity; Einstein postulates; Lorentz transformation; simultaneity; time dilation; length contraction; derivation of velocity transformations, the equation E²= p²c² + m_o²c⁴ and its applications.
Particle Physics and the Big Bang: Elementary particles; Three groups; Conservation Laws; Eightfold way; Quarks; Fundamental interactions and their unification; The standard model; The history of the universe.

Delivery Methods / Approaches:

The teaching of this course will be carried out using the following strategies: