Problem Solving in Physics (U03739)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 8 ? Acronym : PHY-2-PSiP

This course is designed for pre-honours physics students, primarily to develop their problem solving skills. A key element in understanding physics is to be able to apply elementary mathematics effectively in physical applications. For this, knowledge of mathematics is not enough, one also needs familiarity and practice. The aim of this course is to help students apply the mathematics they already know to the solution of typical physics problems, developing fluency and confidence through practical problem solving.

It is limited in number to 40 students in the year 2007/08.

Entry Requirements

? This course is not available to visting students.

? Pre-requisites : U00380 Physics 1A: Foundations (PHY-1-A); U00533 Physics 1B: The Stuff of the Universe (PHY-1-B); alternatively SCE Advanced Higher or A-level Physics and Mathematics at A-grade.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Undergraduate (School of Physics), (School of Physics, Schedule Q)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 2nd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 6 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
20/09/2007	14:00	17:00			Rm 2209 - JCMB

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Laboratory	Monday	14:00	17:00	KB
Laboratory	Thursday	14:00	17:00	KB

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, it is intended that a student will be able to:

1) understand and apply elementary mathematics to physical problems
2) to acquire fluency and confidence in basic problem solving techniques
3) to acquire the ability to interpret unfamiliar equations and in particular to be able to sketch behaviour and interpret special cases.
4) to be able to provide clear, written extended solutions to problems.