This module is discontinued in the selected year. The information shown below is for the academic year that the module was last running in, prior to the year selected.
2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
PHYS0016 Thermal and Materials Physics
10 creditsClass Size: 125
Module manager: Dr Aleks Ponjavic
Email: A.Ponjavic@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
Pre-requisite qualifications
- GCSE in Mathematics and Science-Physics or- GCSE in Mathematics and Science.
Module replaces
PHYS0015 MechanicsThis module is not approved as a discovery module
Module summary
This module is designed for students who have not had the opportunity of an A level education in Physics, this module can teach you Physics to A level equivalent standards. The only prerequisite is GCSE level mathematics, or equivalent. PHYS0016 Materials teaches the basics of Thermal and Materials Physics.Objectives
On completion of the module students should be able to:- Understand and describe the 3 states of matter
- Understand the phenomenon of temperature and its behaviour in the 3 states of matter
- Understand the electronic structure of atoms, ad how this leads to different forms of atomic bond.
- Describe the concepts of thermal energy and thermal equilibrium and the First Law of Thermodynamics
- Perform calculations involving specific heat capacity and latent heat capacity
- Carry out calculations involving thermal conductivity and thermal radiation and thermal expansion
- Describe and perform calculations involving the kinetic theory of a gas
- Use Boyle's Law, Charles' Law and the Pressure Law
- Describe the mechanics of liquid matter and perform calculations involving pressure, flotation and hydraulics
- Apply the equations for simple harmonic motion to any system oscillating in relation to bonded atoms and different solid materials
- Use the atomic properties of matter to understand the bulk material properties
- Describe the structure of various solid materials and explain the relationship to their properties
- Carry out calculations relating to the elastic behaviour of solid samples.
This module forms part of a package of three Physics modules which help to prepare students for entry to the level 1 Physics component of an appropriate degree programme and in conjunction with suitable modules at the same level in other subjects will prepare students for entry to a level 1 Engineering degree.
Learning outcomes
Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of:
1. Properties of matter
2. Atomic structure
3. Molecular bonds
4. Thermal conductivity
5. Ideal gas behaviour
6. Elastic properties and behaviour of materials
Skills outcomes
- An understanding in the concepts underlying matter and materials at a level comparable with the Advanced Level core syllabus so that they can proceed to level 1 of a degree program in Science or Engineering.
- The ability to model a physical problem.
- The ability to solve physical problems using mathematics.
Syllabus
- Properties of matter and the 3 states of matter
- What is energy and internal energy?
- The relation between temperature and molecular kinetic energy, Boltzmann's constant
- First law of thermodynamics
- Thermal conduction and conductivity; convection and radiation
- The equation of state for an ideal gas
- Thermal expansion
- The molar gas constant R and Avogadro's constant
- Pressure in an ideal gas
- Pressure and forces in a liquid
- Bonding
- Simple harmonic motion
- Elastic properties and behaviour of materials
- Young's modulus.
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Workshop | 10 | 1.00 | 10.00 |
Lecture | 20 | 1.00 | 20.00 |
Private study hours | 70.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 30.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100.00 |
Private study
Reading, online study materials and examples: 70 hours.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Workshops and regular Top Hat quizzesMethods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Assignment | Coursework | 10.00 |
Assignment | Coursework | 10.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 20.00 |
Resits will be in standard exam format.
Exams
Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2 hr 30 mins | 80.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 80.00 |
Students will have to complete an in-person exam at the end of the module. This will take place during the examinations period at the end of the semester and will be time bound.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 29/04/2024 16:19:12
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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