FYO-00207 - Advancing Physics
Advancing Physics (30 credits)
In Advancing Physics you will build on the previous model and learn a whole new set of mathematical skills. You will begin to look at more complex algebra, introduce calculus into your physics equations and revisit some of the topics covered in foundations and see how you can solve more interesting and advanced problems using these new techniques.
You will begin to move beyond Newtonian physics as we start to apply our skills to other areas such as quantum physics and relativity. You will study the use of models, look at their limitations and how they can be used to model new ideas, for example looking at gravitation and circular motion equations to create a model for orbital motion. You will also look at how to recognise when a model can be applied and when it can be adapted for instance with relativity (which changes the Newtonian Law’s model) and quantum physics (which requires an adaptation of both Newton’s Laws and our understanding of waves and particles).
The principle is still the same as the foundations module. You will study a range of topics and see how you can apply the mathematical tools you have learned in each case. Again, you will develop greater confidence in solving far more complicated problems and in using mathematical tools in a physics context. You will attend a series of lectures and examples classes, which will run through techniques and example problem solutions, and then be supported while you attempt similar problems for yourself.
The module will also involve a series of practical experiments that will build on previous work and develop your laboratory and experimental ability. You will look at how to properly write experimental procedures to develop your knowledge about how to record, process, analyse and present data as well as evaluate findings by consideration of errors in both a qualitative and quantitative context. You will be able to apply the ideas about models to construct and design experiments for a range of purposes including testing and using existing models, to investigating relationships and creating new models from data.
