Course content

Main topics: Dynamics, waves, thermodynamics, electricity. Detailed content: Dynamics: Kinematics. Newton's laws. Work and energy. Waves: Sound waves and other mechanical waves. Light. Thermodynamics: Thermal expansion. Heat capacity. Thermodynamic processes: Adiabatic processes in ideal gas, cyclic heat engines and refrigerators. The first and second law of thermodynamics. Electricity: Electric field and potential. Electrostatic energy. Current in electric circuits.

Learning outcome

Superior learning objectives: Through this physics course, the students shall develop an understanding of physics as a scientific discipline, various physical phenomena, and scientific methods and ways of thinking. Further, the students shall learn to describe physical phenomena with mathematical methods, and utilize these methods as a basis for courses that realize specific methodical learning objectives within their own study program. Detailed learning objectives: Through this physics course, the students shall:
- Establish a basic understanding of physical phenomena and physics as a scientific discipline, by using, among other things, mathematics.
- Establish a basic understanding of and insight into the scientific method of physics.
- Acquire knowledge to see fundamental relations between various physical phenomena and practical applications.
- Learn a relevant system of concepts and formulas.
- Develop a technical base and a methodical understanding that subsequent courses may build upon.
- Be trained in using ICT-based tools for mathematical modeling and numerical computations.
- Develop an understanding for the fundamental importance of physics within engineering and within their own education.
- Learn to explain basic physical phenomena.
- Be trained in experimental work and uncertainty analysis.
- Be trained in writing a scientific report.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and problem solving, teaching in groups. Some of the material will be supplemented with video lectures and group work. 2/3 of the calculation exercises and all the laboratory exercises must be approved before the final exam. A re-sit examination may be changed from written to oral.

Compulsory assignments

• Calculation exercises
• Laboratory exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

Physics at (Norwegian) high school level, as well as basic mathematics (vectors, derivation, integration). For the study programs Petroleum Geoscience and Engineering and Technical Geosciences.

Course materials

Young & Freedman, University Physics with Modern Physics.

Credit reductions