PHYS0035-2 : Notions in physics

University of Liege | Version française

Study programmes 2011-2012

Last update : 14/06/2012

PHYS0035-2

Notions in physics

Duration :

30h Th, 30h Pr

Number of credits :

Bachelor in computer sciences, 1st year		Toute l'année		6

Lecturer :

Matthieu Verstraete

Language(s) of instruction :

French language

Course contents :

This course aims to give students an understanding of the fundamental laws which govern the physical phenomena which surround us.
1) The laws of classical mechanics, which give a systematic, mathematic, and universal approach to problems (in physics or elsewhere). 2) To understand the laws of electromagnetism, which describe the behavior of systems (in particular in electronics) which computer scientists will use in their future studies.

Learning outcomes of the course :

One central outcome is to learn to model processes in a mathematical, algorithmic, and efficient manner.
The second step is to solve problems by reasoning either in a

reductionnist (e.g. division of a system into components and integration of the equations of motion) or
global fashion (using conservation laws, e.g. of energy).

A third learning outcome is the conceptual preparation for physical electronics and other optional courses later in the informatics curriculum.

Prerequisites and co-requisites/ Recommended optional programme components :

No prerequisite

Planned learning activities and teaching methods :

30 hours of practical sessions divided between:

8 sessions of lab work
15 hours of problem questions on mechanics and electromagnetism

At the end of each semester, a question and answer session is held, in view of preparing for exams.
Timetables are established at the beginning of each year.

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :

All courses and problem sessions are in face-to-face format.
Information concerning the organization of the lectures and practical sessions will be communicated through myUlg

Recommended or required readings :

All slides for ex cathedra classes are on MyULg
Reference textbook: Kane&Sternheim Physique (1986) Dunod ed. ISBN 2 10 007169 6
French translation by Ph. Ghosez, M. Hoebeke, et G. Llabres
Other references: * University Physics, Harris Benson ISBN-10: 0471006890
* Fundamentals of Physics, Halliday & Resnick ISBN-10: 0470469110

Assessment methods and criteria :

January: intermediate examination on mechanics:

1 multiple choice section
open questions
problem questions

June: for those who have passed in January:
* A written examination on electromagnetism with:

open questions
exercises

* An exam on lab work
for those who did not succeed in January:
Same exam as above on EM, plus a written exam on mechanics in the same format as in January.
The final grade is a weighted average of Mechanics (40%) Electromagnetism (40%) and lab exam (20%)
Students who have passed with a grade of at least 12/20 may carry over their grade to future exam sessions and/or years.

Contacts :

Prof. Matthieu VerstraeteUniversite de Liège
Institut de Physique, Bat. B5, 3/7
Allée du 6 aout, 17
B- 4000 Sart Tilman, Liège
Belgium

Phone : +32 4 366 90 17
Fax : +32 4 366 36 29
Mail : matthieu.verstraete@ulg.ac.be

Items online :