2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
PHAS1810 Core Physics 1 (JH) Mechanics, Thermodynamics and Solid State Physics
30 creditsClass Size: 50
Module manager: Almut Beige
Email: a.beige@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
Pre-requisite qualifications
'A' Level Maths or equivalentThis module is mutually exclusive with
| PHAS1000 | First Year Physics Assessment |
| PHAS1010 | Mechanics, Relativity and Astrophysics |
| PHAS1020 | Thermodynamics |
| PHAS1030 | Electronics, Solid State and Introduction to Quantum Physics |
| PHAS1040 | Vibrations, Waves and Optics |
| PHAS1050 | Coding and Experimental Physics |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Module summary
This module covers fundamental physical theories and associated mathematical concepts that underpin the topics of mechanics, special relativity, thermodynamics and solid state physics.Objectives
In mechanics, students will learn to understand how to describe motion through physical space, together with the general causes of that motion: forces and energies. Students will also learn about using appropriate co-ordinate systems and learn the synergies between linear and circular motions. Students will develop the mathematical skills to describe mechanical processes, including vectors, unit vectors, scalar and vector products, calculus and summations.In special relativity, students will extend their knowledge of co-ordinate systems to study motion as it appears to observers moving at different speeds. They will learn the theories originally developed by Einstein to describe this motion at speeds approaching the speed of light, and how the forces and energies of classical mechanics extend into the regime.
In Solid State Physics students will learn about Mechanics of solids, Bohr atom, atomic electron states, elementary bonding, elasticity
Photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, De Broglie relation, Wave-particle duality, Crystal structure and X-ray diffraction
The module also covers the underpinning theories and concepts of thermodynamics. Examples and applications will be used to allow students to build their understanding and application of this branch of physics, which governs the behaviour of the universe we live in.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of the following:
In Mechanics
1. Kinematics
2. Dynamics, including gravity and other “types” of force
3. Work done & energy
4. Conserved properties
In Relativity
1. Relativistic kinematics
2. Relativistic dynamics
In Thermodynamics
1. Heat transfer and temperature
2. Kinetic theory and ideal gases
3. Degrees of freedom, heat capacity, equipartition
4. 1st law and thermodynamic processes
5. 2nd law of thermodynamics and entropy
6. Thermodynamic potentials and Maxwell relations
7. Phase equilibria and Clausius-Clapeyron equation
8. 3rd law and absolute zero
In Solid State Physics
1. Molecular bonding and potentials
2. Introductory quantum physics
3. Crystal structure and simple X-ray analysis
4. Material properties including elastic moduli
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to do the following:
1. Manage time and plan work to meet deadlines
2. Problem solving
3. Application of appropriate mathematics
Syllabus
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
Methods of Assessment
We are currently refreshing our modules to make sure students have the best possible experience. Full assessment details for this module are not available before the start of the academic year, at which time details of the assessment(s) will be provided.
Assessment for this module will consist of:
1 x Coursework
1 x In person open book exam
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 85 | 1.00 | 85.00 |
| Seminar | 22 | 1.00 | 22.00 |
| Independent online learning hours | 24.00 | ||
| Private study hours | 169.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 107.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300.00 | ||
Reading list
There is no reading list for this moduleLast updated: 23/08/2024
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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