Learning objectives
1. Knowledge and understanding skills
Understand and know the basics of classical physics and the physical laws ruling it.
Recognize and exemplify the fundamental laws of Classical Physics, Dynamics, Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism, with particular attention to the principles of conservation.
Explain the meaning of the introduced physical quantities
Remember the fundamental units of measurement
Compare physical systems by detecting analogies and differences
Inferring from direct observation of a simple phenomenon the physical laws that describe it
2. Applied knowledge and understanding
Apply the known physical laws to describe a system
Apply known physical laws to symbolically set up simple problems
Perform dimensional analysis
Apply the acquired knowledge to expose the relationship between physical quantities
Solve simple exercises with numerical calculations
Students should be able to orient themselves in the evaluation of analogies and differences between physical systems and the understanding of physical laws. They must have acquired the ability to understand the laws of classical physics in the essential aspects, to perform simple exercises with a reasonable degree of autonomy, to statistically process and measure the results of experiments and to summarize the problems in their essential aspects.
3. Autonomy of judgment
Know how to interpret data of a problem
Know how to analyze definitions
Know how to critically evaluate the validity limits of the developed physical models
Recognize the correct formulation of physical laws.
Know how to attribute a reference framework of physical laws to each phenomenon under investigation
Students at the end of the course will have to demonstrate an improvement of their critical skills and judgment formulation, in particular to interpret of the data of a problem, to reflect on the phenomena that they observe, to study independently, to communicate ideas-problems-solutions so to develop those learning skills that are necessary to undertake subsequent studies in the field of biophysics or to engage in related professional activities.
4. Communicative Skills
Be able to explain the Physical Laws of Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electromagnetism in a clear, synthetic and effective way
5. Learning Skills
Study independently
Link different topics discussed in the course and topics addressed in other subjects (Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology)
Evaluate the degree of understanding by trying to solve similar problems but not identical to those already shown during lessons
Read basic texts and even more advanced levels with a reasonable degree of autonomy
Know how to change your conceptual framework when facing simple problems that you cannot immediately solve
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
Mechanics
Fluid mechanics
Thermodynamics
Electromagnetism
The course gives, with a simplified approach, some basic concepts which are necessary to some of the following biology and chemistry courses.
Full programme
MECHANICS Physical quantities and Units. Vectors and scalars. Operations with vectors. Space-time diagram. Position, velocity, acceleration. Newton’s laws. Fundamental interactions. Newton's universal gravitation force. Friction. Work. Work-kinetic energy theorem. Conservative forces. Potential energy. Conservation of energy. Equilibrium. Collisions. Linear momentum. Rotary motion. Kinetic energy of a rotating body. Moment of inertia. Torque. Levers. Molecular diffusion.
FLUID MECHANICS Pressure. Bulk modulus. Pascal's law. Stevino’s law. Archimede’s law. Continuity equation. Bernoulli’s theorem and applications. Viscosity. Laminar and turbulent flow. Stoke’s law. Surface tension. Capillaries and Laplace law.
THERMODYNAMICS Temperature scales. Thermal expansion. Ideal gases. Kinetic theory of gases. Equipartition of energy. Internal energy. Heat. Specific heat capacity. Latent heat and phase transitions. Work and heat. First law of thermodynamics. Special transformations. Heat propagation. Heat engines. Black body radiation. Reversible and irreversible transformations. Entropy. Second law of thermodynamics. Carnot’s cycle. Osmotic pressure.
ELECTROMAGNETISM Electric charge. Insulators and conductors. Induction and polarization. Coulomb’s law. Electric field. Electric field of particular charge distributions. Electric flux. Gauss's Theorem and applications. Voltage. Isopotential surfaces. Electric potential energy. Capacity. Capacitors. Energy stored in capacitors. Dipole orientation in an electric field. Effect of insulators on capacity. Electric current. Resistors. Ohm’s and Joule’s laws. Magnets. Magnetic field. Lorentz force. Current and magnetic fiels. Biot-Savart's law. Ampère’s law. Faraday’s law. Electromagnetic induction. Energy of magnetic field. Generalized Ampère’s law. Maxwell's equations. Electromagnetic waves. Energy associated with the electromagnetic waves. Spectrum of electromagnetic waves. Light. Polarization. Refractive index. Light refraction. Light dispersion. Simple optical elements.
Bibliography
Fondamenti di Fisica Serway Jewett EdiSES
Fondamenti di Fisica J.S. Walker Pearson Addison- Wesley
Teaching methods
Teaching activities will take place with lessons, sometimes alternating with a Socratic heuristic approach. The topics discussed will be punctually accompanied by examples and simple exercises that allow the student to understand how to apply the concepts outlined.
The slides used during lessons will be uploaded to Elly before the beginning of the course.
The course slides are considered an integral part of the reference material.
It is recommended that non-attending students check the available teaching material and the instructions provided by the teacher through the Elly platform.
Assessment methods and criteria
The overall evaluation of the learning involves a written examination, including 30 multiple-choice questions, aimed to assess the understanding and the ability to apply the laws of physics. The duration of the test is 1 hour. Assigning the test score (0-30) is done by counting the correct answers.
During the course 2 partial tests are given, the passing of which allows you to have a bonus point for each test, for a maximum of 2 points, which is summed up to the score obtained in the written test.
Upon completion of the written test, the student may eventually complement the examination with an oral test to improve the score obtained.
To assist in the preparation of the written test, Elly is provided with exemplifying evidence.
Students can use scientific calculators during the test.
Scores will be published on esse3.
Other information
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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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