IT Physics (5cr)

Objective

You understand the quantities and units used in physics. You can calculate how objects move with the equations of motion and energy principle. You understand the difference of heat and temperature, and methods of thermal conduction. You know the principles of how modern equipment rely on quantum physics. You understand the mechanics of signal transmission and attenuation. In addition, you can do basic measurements in the laboratory.

Content

What are SI units, and why are all calculations done with SI base units?
What do displacement, velocity and acceleration mean? How do the kinetic energy and linear momentum differ from each other?
What is the law of continuation and how is it described in fluid motion, in heat conduction and in electric current?
How are X-rays generated and what is the operation principle of laser?

Evaluation

Students can
a. use professional vocabulary systematically.
b. look for information in the key information sources of the field.
c. identify interrelated tasks.
e. use the key models, methods, software and techniques used in the field of physics.
f. work as team members in a goal-oriented way.

Course material

The following literature is used in the course

• Halliday, Resnick, and Walker, (2011). Principles of Physics, Wiley. 9th ed.
(old eds works also, some use the title Fundamentals of Physics)
• Other university level books are also welcome

Other study materials are provided by the teacher via the Learn platform.

Study forms and methods

• The course is carried out by way of contact teaching on Mikkeli campus according to a weekly schedule. Remote participation is not possible. As a rule, scheduled contact lessons are not recorded nor duplicated by online lectures. Some lesson activities are carried out in a laboratory environment. Participation in laboratory exercises is mandatory.
• Students make progress by attending scheduled lessons and completing tasks and assignments individually or in groups. The course consists of 14 lessons and 10 small-group laboratory assignments.
• The teacher provides guidance during and after contact lessons and on Learn Discussion forum.
• The assessed assignments are completed independently/in groups.
• Feedback is provided by different methods, in writing and orally.

RDI and work-related cooperation

The assignments are based on the needs of basic skills in the field.

Timing of exams and assignments

There are weekly homework assignments. An exam must be taken in the last scheduled lesson. The date and time is given on course Learn page and weekly schedule.

The course entails weekly assignments. A project assignment must be completed in a small group by the end of the course.

The end date of the course is presented in the course details. By this date, the student must submit all assignments, take the required exams and meet all other conditions set for an approved course completion.

Student workload

• 1 ECTS credits equals 27 hours of work by the student.
• In a 5-credit course, the student's total maximum workload is approximately 135 hours including 30 h lessons, 20 h laboratories and independent study. The independent study includes weekly tasks, laboratory report writing and exam preparations.

Further information

The best group size for lab work is 3 to 4 students. There is no need for extra protective garment in Physics labs.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

The student’s performance is assessed with reference to the learning objectives and assessment criteria of the course. The completion of the course requires a lab report and final exam to be completed with a passing grade. The weekly tasks give extra points to final exam.