Course content

Main topics: Dynamics incl mechanical waves. Thermal physics.

Detailed content:

Dynamics: Kinematics. Newton's laws. Work and energy. Momentum. Torque. Moment of inertia. Angular momentum. Oscillations. Resonance.

Waves: Mechanical waves. Sound. Wave phenomena.

Thermal physics: Pressure. Temperature. Heat. Heat capacity. Heat transport. Laws of thermodynamics. Cyclic processes. Kinetic gas theory.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The candidate shall have knowledge about:

• To gain an understanding of physics as a scientific discipline, various physical phenomena, and scientific methods and ways of thinking.
• 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.

Skills

The candidate shall be able to:

• Acquire a basic understanding of physical phenomena and physics as a scientific discipline, by using, among other things, mathematics (vectors, integrals and differential equations)
• Gain 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.

General competence

The candidate should be able to do:

• 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, compulsory assignments, compulsory laboratory exercises. Expected workload in the course is 225 hours.

Compulsory assignments

• Calculation exercises
• Laboratory exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

Physics at (Norwegian) high school level, as well as basic mathematics (vectors, differentiation, integration). For the study programs Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Engineering and ICT.

Course materials

English: https://openstax.org: University Physics (free) H. D. Young and R. A. Freedman: University Physics with Modern Physics.

Norwegian: J. R. Lien, G. Løvhøiden. Generell fysikk for universiteter og høgskoler. Bind 1 Mekanikk and E. Lillestøl, O. Hunderi, J. R. Lien. Generell fysikk for universiteter og høgskoler. Bind 2 Varmelære og elektromagnetisme.

Credit reductions