2023-2024 / PHYS0986-1

General physics II

Duration

45h Th, 35h Pr

Number of credits

 Bachelor in biology6 crédits 
 Bachelor in geography : general6 crédits 
 Bachelor in geology6 crédits 

Lecturer

Alejandro Silhanek

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

The course General Physics II is the natural continuation of the course General Physics I
given in block 1 and covers the following subjects: electricity and magnetism, electromagnetic waves, optics, elements of atomic and molecular physics, notions of nuclear physics.  

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

This course addresses a number of fundamental concepts concerning different areas of physics relevant in the training of students in biological, geological and geographic sciences. The course deals with different aspects of the scientific process: observation, the development of models, the use of these. It combines intuition and mathematical rigor. The student will have to demonstrate an active and practical knowledge of the subjects taught.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Mathematics (Algebra, Analysis and Geometry) and knowledge acquired from the physics course in block 1.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Oral teaching is illustrated by experimental demonstrations (videos) which aim, along with practical work, to make students aware of the importance of observing phenomena. The emphasis is on a phenomenological and intuitive presentation in order to ensure the "physical" understanding of the phenomena. The problem sessions aim at a better understanding of the theoretical models and concepts introduced in the course, by their use in concrete situations.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Theoretical course: 4 hours per week. Exercises and practical work: students will be divided into series; the schedule and the premises will be communicated at the start of the course. The presence of students in practical work is MANDATORY.
The course includes ex cathedra theoretical lectures oriented on fundamental concepts. These presentations are occasionally accompanied by experimental demonstrations (videos). During the sessions of exercices and practical work, these concepts are put into practice.

Recommended or required readings

The course slides will be available on the platform eCampus. The format adopted for the presentation of these slides will aim to encourage student participation during oral presentations.

A booklet of exercises as well as short videos presenting typical problem resolutions are available on eCampus.


The course is inspired by many textbooks such as:

PHYSIQUE de H. Benson (De Boeck, volumes 2 et 3).

PHYSIQUE de J. Kane et M. Sternheim

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire, open-ended questions ) AND oral exam


Additional information:

The course ends in December. The exam takes place in January and consists of three tests: (i) a exam about the theoretical aspects of the course (multiple-choice), (ii) a written problem exam and (iii) a practical work exam on the content of the laboratory sessions.

The presentation of the student card is required for each test. Attendance at each of the three tests is compulsory. The partial grade deferral for one of the exams will not be accepted.

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

Contacts

Practical work: Christelle.Prosperi@uliege.be

Exercices: eric.opsomer@uliege.be

Lectures :
Alejandro Silhanek
Département de Physique
Bât. B5A, R/53
Allée du 6 août, 19
B- 4000 Sart Tilman
Email: asilhanek@uliege.be

Association of one or more MOOCs