Learning outcomes

Trying to understand the universe surrounding us, being able to explain everyday phenomena... Based on observations, experiments and reflection, physics seeks a simple but as complete as possible explanation to lead to the formulation of laws or principles.

At the end of this course, the students will be able to :

  • Organise their thoughts and express themselves clearly in writing and orally, using a precise and appropriate vocabulary;
  • Handle orders of magnitude and units appropriately;
  • Explain and interpret natural/daily phenomena on the basis of theoretical concepts covered in the course;
  • Develop a critical scientific mind and establish scientific reasoning in the face of a given problem.

Goals

The aim of this course is to provide a good level of basic knowledge of electricity, in relation to the life sciences and everyday phenomena. Particular attention will be paid to understanding applications to the biological, geographical, geological and veterinary sciences, based on the physical phenomena detailed in the theory course.

Content

This teaching unit is an introduction to the main chapters of electricity: electrostatics, electrokinetics and electromagnetism.
Wherever possible, new concepts are introduced using pre-recorded videos and/or simple experiments or demonstrations performed live in front of and with the students. The ensuing presentation of the fundamental laws focuses on the physicist's usual approach: description, analysis and generalisation of the phenomenon.
Practical work sessions and tutorials are also associated with this teaching unit.

Table of contents

Electrostatics

  1. The electric force
  2. The electric field
  3. Electric potential
  4. Applications (EEC, Electric fish, Spike effect, Electrostatic hair, ...)

Electrokinetics

  1. Basic concepts
  2. Current and resistance
  3. Capacitors and dielectrics
  4. Simple electrical circuits
  5. Applications (ECG, Defibrillator, Nerve fibre, ...)
  6. Alternating current circuits
  7. Dangers of electricity

Electromagnetism

  1. The magnetic field
  2. Magnetic field sources
  3. Electromagnetic induction
  4. Applications (van Allen belts, polar aurorae, nuclear fusion energy, proton therapy, electric motors, generators, transformers, eddy currents, MRI)

Exercices

Exercise sessions organised by an assistant in small groups (20 to 27 students per group).

10 hours of practical sessions are linked to this teaching unit. These sessions are part of a group of practical sessions associated with teaching units SPHYB113 and SPHYB114.

Assessment method

This teaching unit comprises three distinct but complementary parts:

  • An examination covering the theory is organised in a session corresponding to 65% of the total score. The examination is closed book. The subject covered by the assessment includes everything covered in the course.
  • TD: written examination organised in June and August sessions. The TD score accounts for 20% of the overall score.
  • Practical work (TP): continuous assessment throughout the year (the results obtained are definitive, there is no practical work examination in exam session) corresponding to 15% of the overall score. Please note that practical sessions are compulsory. In the event of illness or exceptional absence, which must be justified to the faculty secretariat, the student must contact the assistant as soon as he/she returns to the University in order to organise a recovery session.

Sources, references and any support material

The reference work is the syllabus sold at the UNamur Reprography Service and available to students registered for this course, online and free of charge, on WebCampus. This syllabus is not compulsory.

Curious students should also consult :

  • Physics II - Electricity and Magnetism, Harris Benson, De Boeck, ISBN 9782804193805
  • Physics, Eugène Hecht, De Boeck, ISBN 978-2744500183
  • Physics, Joseph Kane and Morton Sternheim, Dunod, ISBN 2100071696
  • Physics 3 - Energy Electricity, Paul Avanzi et al, lep, ISBN 9782606012724

Language of instruction

Français