The aim of this course is to provide the basis for scientific understanding of the world and the technologies around us. Based on observation, experimentation and reflection, physics seeks a simple explanation that leads to the formulation of laws or principles. This approach requires precise formulation of concepts and ideas and rigourous reasoning. The course therefore emphasises the understanding of concepts and principles.
At the end of this course, students will be able to :
Make appropriate use of equations, laws and principles of physics in order to analyse and interpret a simple observation;
Work with orders of magnitude and units correctly;
Explain and interpret observable phenomena using concepts from the physical sciences;
Develop a critical scientific mind and establish scientific reasoning when faced with a given problem.
In this course, students will learn the basic concepts of physics, which will be essential for the courses and projects of the following years in which more advanced physical concepts will be addressed. It is important to train the student to observe physical phenomena and the thinking, reasoning and rigour associated with them.
In this course, students will learn the basic concepts of physics, in particular the laws of mechanics and electromagnetism.
Mechanics :
Electricity :
During the tutorials, the students will actively solve problems themselves with the help of the teacher.
All the material in this course (theory and exercises) will be assessed in a single written examination comprising, in a balanced way, theoretical questions from both parts (mechanics and electricity & magnetism) and problems to solve. Questions may be either open-ened questions or multiple choice. The exam will last two hours.
For the part on electricity and magnetism :
The textbook is available online (webcampus) free of charge or in printed version from the university shop.
All slideshows along with summaries are available online.
Interested students may also use the following textbooks: