To become a physicist

The course is part of the Bachelor's Programme in Physics and the Medical Physicist Programme, and is also offered as a stand-alone course.

Fundamental physical principles, scientific methodology, the SI system, base units, derived units, prefixes, unit conversions, dimensional analysis, dimensional correctness, technical report writing, writing conventions in physics, experimental planning, curve fitting of power relationships, linearisation, error analysis of measurement data, practices and systems for experimental work, development of model relationships based on experimental data, plausibility assessments, scientific perspectives related to ecological, economic and social aspects. Basic use of Matlab software, including programming, variables, expressions, vectors, programming conventions and practices, debugging, plotting and visualisation, iteration, recursion, vectorisation, functions and conditional statements.

The course also includes lectures by guest speakers who talk about their research and/or other topics related to the programme.

In Module 2, the material is applied in practice in a module where a model relationship is developed experimentally.

Modules

1. Basic physical principles and applications, 3 credits
   Grading scale: Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U)
2. Experimental problem-solving, 2 credits
   Grading scale: Pass (G) and Fail (U)
3. Programming with Matlab, 2.5 credits
   Grading scale: Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U)

After completing the course Becoming a Physicist, students are expected to be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• demonstrate an understanding of the scientific world view and the scientific method
• explain the concept of models in physics
• describe the differences and connections between the concepts of quantity, unit, measurement and dimension
• explain how knowledge in physics and associated physical models is built up in an interaction between experiment and theory
• the basic units of the SI system, their definitions, associated dimensions, the concept of dimensional correctness, prefixes and symbols
• understand the importance of structure and conventions in technical writing and be able to describe genre-specific conventions for texts in the field of physics
• understand and classify different sources of error in data from experiments, such as gross errors, systematic errors and random errors, and how they can be avoided and/or minimised
• distinguish between the concepts of precision and accuracy
• explain the role of physicists in societal issues related to, among other things, energy, the environment, health and the economy

Skills and abilities

• perform unit conversions and relate derived units to base units within the SI system
• perform simple dimensional analyses to tackle problems, check dimensional correctness, make size estimates and assess the plausibility of results
• adapt power relationships to measurement data
• perform simple error analysis
• plan, perform and analyse simple experiments to determine empirical model relationships using the scientific method
• keep continuous documentation in connection with experimental investigations
• write a scientific/technical report according to genre-specific conventions
• analyse and visualise measurement data in Matlab
• write simple programs in Matlab
• import and export data and figures from Matlab
• describe and analyse challenges related to sustainable development

Judgement and approach

• evaluate the plausibility of simple, empirically developed models based on knowledge of the underlying measurement data on which the models are based
• discuss social issues from a scientific perspective based on ecological, economic and social aspects

Module 1: Lectures and guest lectures

Module 2: Laboratory work

Module 3: Computer exercises

Module 1: Two written tests, 3.0 credits

Module 2: To receive a Pass (G) grade, students must submit an approved laboratory report and actively participate in all laboratory sessions. Active participation is assessed on an individual basis by the teacher responsible for the laboratory sessions. (Grading scale: U, G), 2.0 credits

Module 3: Presentation of exercises in the computer lab (Grades U, G). For a grade of Pass with distinction (VG), a written report is also required, 2.5 credits.

The course is graded on a scale of Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

To receive a Pass (G) grade for the entire course, a G grade is required for modules 1, 2 and 3.

To receive a Pass with Distinction (VG) grade for the entire course, a VG grade is required for at least one of the modules 1 or 3, as well as a G grade for the other modules.

After completion of the course, a course evaluation shall be conducted in which all participating students are given the opportunity to provide anonymous feedback via a course survey. The course coordinator shall review the survey responses together with student representatives, and the results shall be made available via the university's learning platform.