Basic course in physics A, distance learning

The course is offered as a stand-alone course within the main subject of physics, taking didactic aspects into account. It is suitable as an introductory course in physics for prospective teachers and others interested in natural sciences.

The course provides an introduction to basic mechanics and thermodynamics and consists of four sub-courses. The course includes both theoretical and laboratory components, the latter of which aim to develop students' experimental skills and take into account the didactic aspects of experimental physics.

Module 1. Mechanics, examination, 6.0 credits

Mechanics deals with the scientific world view, the laws of motion in classical mechanics and the special theory of relativity. The module includes:

• Space, time, mass, position, velocity, acceleration.
• Force, Newton's laws, gravity, the movements of planets, stars and galaxies in the universe, inertial forces in accelerated systems.
• Conservation laws: momentum, energy and angular momentum.
• Introduction to the rotational motion of rigid bodies.
• Introduction to the special theory of relativity. Experimental problem solving aimed at developing the ability to plan, perform and evaluate experiments.
• The module includes dimensional and error analysis, curve fitting, as well as protocol writing and report writing.
• Milestones in the history of science for the development of the scientific understanding of mechanics, for example the difficulties with relative motion.

Module 2. Mechanics, experimental problem solving, 1.5 credits

During the course, there are approximately 6 home laboratory assignments using equipment that is mostly available in the normal home environment. In some cases, students may need to purchase certain experimental items.

The primary and secondary school curricula emphasise the importance of students understanding the connection between physical investigations and the development of concepts, models and theories. The home laboratory assignments are designed to encourage students to see this connection. During the home laboratory work, students should reflect on the learning process and suggest ways in which the phenomenon studied in the laboratory work should be presented to pupils or the general public.

Module 3. Thermodynamics, examination, 6.0 credits

This module focuses on understanding the first and second laws of thermodynamics as they apply to engines, refrigerators and heat pumps.

• Thermodynamic systems, state variables and thermodynamic processes, as well as thermal equilibrium and temperature.
• Temperature, work and heat are defined physically and compared with everyday use of the terms.
• The first law of thermodynamics, heat, work and internal energy.
• The second law and entropy.
• Equations of state, kinetic theory of gases, heat transfer, heat capacity, and isothermal and adiabatic processes.
• The concept of energy in everyday life, society and science. The complexity of energy issues and ethical considerations regarding them. Different energy sources are discussed. Energy conversions.
• Fission, radiation and radioactivity, decay and half-lives.

Subcourse 4. Thermodynamics, experimental problem solving, 1.5 credits

During the course, there are approximately six home laboratory assignments using equipment that is mostly available in a normal home environment. In some cases, students may need to purchase certain experimental items.

Primary and secondary school curricula emphasise the importance of students understanding the connection between physical investigations and the development of concepts, models and theories. The home laboratory assignments are designed to encourage students to see this connection. During the home laboratory, students should reflect on the learning process and come up with suggestions on how the phenomenon studied in the laboratory should be presented to pupils or the general public.

The overall aim of the course is for students to develop a conceptual understanding of physics based on the scientific foundations of physics. After completing the course, students should have developed a basic knowledge of the development and nature of physics. They should also be aware of the criteria that distinguish science from pseudoscience.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to:

Knowledge and understanding

• be able to describe, explain and predict physical phenomena in nature, everyday life and society,
• be able to use the scientific methods and models of physics,
• understand that experiments play a central role and that knowledge is built up through the interaction between observations, models and theories,
• be able to identify and discuss ethical issues from a scientific perspective, as well as ethical issues raised by science,

Skills and abilities

• be able to present simple physical problems orally and in writing,
• have developed their ability to plan and carry out experiments, and be able to use measuring instruments and analyse measurement data,
• be able to formulate hypotheses and models, and perform experiments to verify or revise a hypothesis or model,
• understand the connection between the ability to explain to others and to understand a physical phenomenon oneself,

Judgement and approach

• have developed their ability to analyse social issues from a scientific perspective,
• have developed their ability to explain physical phenomena.

The course is offered as a distance learning course with no compulsory attendance. However, a number of voluntary opportunities for practice exercises may be offered.

Examination takes place through compulsory problem-solving assignments, examinations (on campus) and home laboratory work and laboratory reports.

Subcourse 1: assignments and written examination, 6.0 credits
Subcourse 2: laboratory reports, 1.5 credits
Subcourse 3: assignments and written examination, 6.0 credits
Subcourse 4: laboratory reports, 1.5 credits

The grading scale comprises the grades Fail (U), Pass (G) and Pass with distinction (VG).

To obtain a Pass (G) for the entire course, a Pass (G) is required for all sub-courses.

To receive a VG grade for the entire course, a VG grade is required for sub-courses 1 and 3 and a G grade for sub-courses 2 and 4.

It is also possible to receive a VG grade for the entire course if the average of the two exam results for sub-courses 1 and 3 corresponds to the threshold for VG, in addition to the requirement of a G grade for sub-courses 2 and 4.

The following applies to each sub-course:

Sub-course 1: Classroom exam with a grade of U, G or VG.
Sub-course 2: A grade of G requires approved laboratory reports.
Sub-course 3: Classroom exam with a grade of U, G or VG.
Sub-course 4: A grade of G requires approved laboratory reports.

At the end of the course, you will have the opportunity to anonymously fill out a course evaluation.