Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will be able to :

  • understand the basic concepts of electricity and magnetism
  • apply this knowledge to the understanding of various physical phenomena
  • understand the close links between electricity and magnetism
  • understand the basic concepts of nuclear physics and its applications in the life sciences

The student will be required to understand the material in depth. They will be required to apply it in simple situations (practical work, exercises).

Goals

The objectives of the course are 

  • to provide a solid foundation of knowledge in physics, plus specifically in the fields of electricity, magnetism and nuclear physics
  • to highlight the close links between these areas of physics and the life sciences.

The student will be led to understand the subject in depth, beyond the simple knowledge of laws and concepts.

Content

This physics course is most often based on observations, from which lessons are drawn, rigorous reasoning is applied and physical laws are deduced. These laws are then applied to explain phenomena related to the life sciences, everyday life or nature.

Table of contents

Part I: Electricity

  • Chapter 1: Electric charges and electrification.
  • Chapter 2: Electric force.
  • Chapter 3: Electric field.
  • Chapter 4: Electric Potential and Potential Energy.
  • Chapter 5: Electrical Capacity and Capacitors.
  • Chapter 6: Electric Current.
  • Chapter 7: Simple Electrical Circuits.
  • Chapter 8: The Magnetic Field and its Effects.
  • Chapter 9: The Magnetic Field Created by a Current.
  • Chapter 10: Magnetic induction.
  • Chapter 11: Magnetism at the Atomic Scale.
  • Chapter 12: Electromagnetic waves.

Part II: Nuclear physics

  • Chapter 13: Nuclear physics: basic concepts.
  • Chapter 14: Physical laws and principles.
  • Chapter 15: Radioactivity and time.
  • Chapter 16: The nature of radiation.
  • Chapter 17: Interactions with matter.

Assessment method

  • A written examination on the theoretical material and on the TDs (exercises) is organised in sessions (June and September). The modalities will be presented during the course.
  • The practical work (TP) is assessed continuously throughout the four-month period, which involves :
  • Attendance at practical sessions is compulsory (please note the practical arrangements which will be published on webcampus at the beginning of the second term)
  • Results obtained in the practical exercises are definitive; there is no examination of the practical exercises in session.

Sources, references and any support material

  • All course materials and information are posted on webcampus and/or Teams.
  • Slides. • The student is required to regularly check the distribution channels related to the course:
  • Teams is used for interactive activities (information, questions/answers, important messages, etc.)
  • Webcampus is used for the deposit of documents (slides, videos, practical exercises, etc.)

Language of instruction

Français