Introduction to Physics 390-FS1-1WDF
Study profile: general academic
Mode of study: full-time
Course type: compulsory
Field and discipline: Field of exact and natural sciences, discipline: physical sciences
Level of education: first-cycle (Bachelor’s) studies
Year/semester: Year 1 / Semester 1
ECTS credits: 6
Prerequisites:
The student should possess the knowledge, skills, and understanding defined by the core curriculum in physics and mathematics for primary and secondary school.
Student workload:
- lectures (45 hours)
- tutorials (45 hours)
- laboratories (15 hours)
- consultations (15 hours)
- individual study at home (30 hours)
Quantitative indicators:
workload related to classes requiring direct participation of the instructor – 4.8 ECTS
workload related to independent study – 1.2 ECTS
Rules for the use of artificial intelligence (AI):
During classes, the use of AI systems is permitted for:
1. Machine translation of source texts from foreign languages.
2. Searching for and organizing scientific sources.
3. Creating simulations and models of physical phenomena discussed in lectures.
During the exam, the use of AI systems is prohibited.
In case of violations of the above rules, the student may be subject to disciplinary action under separate regulations.
Lecture content:
- Observation of the world, physical phenomena, measurement of physical quantities, measurement uncertainty, repeatability.
- Basic physical quantities and their units, definitions.
- Presentation of experimental results.
- Motion, resistance to motion and its elimination, isolated systems, motion of a free body, inertial frames, phenomenological description of resistance.
- Description of motion in inertial frames, concept of events, synchronization of clocks, position and velocity vectors, Galilean transformation.
- Principle of relativity and Lorentz transformation, limiting velocity, elements of special relativity: time dilation, Lorentz contraction, relativity of simultaneity.
- Inertia, concept of mass, Newton’s laws of motion, acceleration and force.
- Motion under the influence of forces, circular motion, composition of motions.
- Conservation laws in physics.
- Oscillations, classical and quantum oscillator, resonance.
- Wave phenomena, wave propagation, reflection, polarization, interference, standing waves.
- Laws of physics for many-body systems, success and crisis of classical physics.
- Many-body systems – success of quantum physics.
- Classical and quantum physics, wave–particle duality.
Scope of the seminar:
- Scalars, vectors, reference frames.
- Kinematic and dynamic quantities, point mechanics of matter
- Macroscopic bodies.
- Gravity.
- Springs, vibrations, and waves.
- Conservation laws
- Elements of thermodynamics.
- Elements of electrostatics.
- Elements of magnetostatics.
- Elements of electromagnetic wave physics.
- Elements of atomic physics.
- Elements of atomic nuclear physics.
Laboratory Scope:
- Introduction to the principles of using laboratory equipment and kits. Laboratory work and occupational health and safety regulations. Information on literature sources and the laboratory website will be provided.
- Performing 6 experiments selected from the list:
-- Measuring pi
-- Examining spring vibrations – determining mass
-- Determining statistical distribution
-- Determining the speed of sound in CO2
-- Radioactive decay
-- Thermal expansion of solids
Type of course
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Term 2024: | Term 2025: |
Learning outcomes
Knowledge: The graduate knows and understands:
KP6_WG1 at an advanced level the concepts, principles, and theories relevant to physics within the field of Introduction to Physics;
KP6_WG3 at an advanced level the elements of measurement uncertainty theory applied to physical experiments;
KP6_WG5 at an advanced level the basic knowledge of the components of matter and the interactions that govern them, understanding the manifestations of these interactions in complex phenomena;
KP6_WG6 at an advanced level the principles of operation of measurement systems and research equipment used in experiments;
KP6_WG7 at an advanced level the principles of occupational health and safety enabling safe participation in classes in physics laboratories and workshops;
KP6_WK1 the fundamental dilemmas of modern civilization in the context of physics;
Skills: The graduate is able to:
KP6_UW1 analyze complex and unusual problems in the field of physical sciences and find solutions based on the theorems and methods learned;
KP6_UW2 perform quantitative analyses and draw qualitative conclusions based on them;
KP6_UW3 plan and conduct complex experimental studies or observations in physics and analyze their results;
KP6_UW6 learn independently by finding necessary information in specialist literature, databases, and other sources, and critically assessing information from unverified sources;
KP6_UK1 present and explain basic facts about phenomena and laws of physics in an accessible manner and communicate effectively with both specialists and non-specialists in the field of physics;
KP6_UK2 use higher mathematics and mathematical methods of physics to describe and model basic physical phenomena and processes; can independently reproduce theorems and equations describing basic phenomena and laws of nature, and can provide proofs of these theorems and laws;
KP6_UK5 discuss and critically analyze the results of measurements, theoretical calculations, or physical theories.
KP6_U01 organize one's own work and that of a team;
KP6_U02 cooperate and work in a group, in various roles.
KP6_UU1 pursue lifelong learning and inspire and organize the learning process of others.
Social competencies: Graduates are ready to:
KP6_KK1 critically evaluate their knowledge and the content they receive;
KP6_KK2 recognize the importance of knowledge in solving cognitive and practical problems;
KP6_KK3 collaborate with experts when faced with difficulties in independently solving problems.
KP6_KO1 fulfill social obligations and reject disinformation regarding acquired knowledge;
KP6_KR2 apply and promote the principles of intellectual honesty in their own actions and those of others, resolve ethical issues in the context of research integrity, promote the decisive role of experimentation in verifying physical theories, and apply the scientific method in knowledge acquisition.
Assessment criteria
Final exam, midterm tests, and reports from conducted experiments.
Students attend lectures enriched with experimental demonstrations illustrating the presented content. They are encouraged to ask questions and participate in discussions.
Lecture materials are uploaded to the e-learning platform. The platform also contains experimental assignments to be carried out independently at home. Reports from these assignments must be submitted on time via the platform and are subject to evaluation.
Attendance is taken during some lectures, and students receive points that count toward the final grade.
Grading scale:
Very good – 5 (100%–91%)
Good plus – 4.5 (90%–81%)
Good – 4 (80%–71%)
Satisfactory plus – 3.5 (70%–61%)
Satisfactory – 3 (60%–51%)
Fail – 2 (50%–0%)
Bibliography
1) D.Halliday, R.Resnick, J.Walker „Fundamental of physicsi” John Wiley & Sons, inc. 9 edition
2) Hugh D. Young, Roger A. Freedman "University Physics" with Modern Physics, tenth edition
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: