1000-level (first year) modules
This year the following modules are available in the School of Physics and Astronomy:
| Module | Coordinator | Room | |
| PH1011 Physics 1A | Dr Cameron Rae | 214 | cfr |
| PH1012 Physics 1B | Dr Lucy Hadfield | 304 | ljh11 |
| PH1013 The Physics of Sustainable Energy | Dr Lethy Krishnan Jagadamma | 285 | lkj2 |
| AS1001 Astronomy and Astrophysics 1 | Professor Ian Bonnell | 315A | iab1 |
| AS1111 Astronomy and Astrophysics 1 for Direct Entrants | Professor Ian Bonnell | 315A | iab1 |
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The two core first-year modules PH1011 and PH1012 introduce university physics, assuming a prior knowledge and understanding of mathematics and physics at SQA Higher grade BB (or equivalent, or higher) in these subjects. They are not a first course in physics. The modules include appropriate coverage of the traditional disciplines of classical physics, but also exposure to the ideas of modern physics including quantum concepts, and to applications including laser physics. The labs give experience in experimental investigations and techniques. It is intended that the two modules should be similar in standard to that of the SQA Advanced Higher in Physics although the syllabi will not match in detail. Students may find a much greater emphasis here on how mathematical and physical relations are determined.
Students who take Physics 1A and/or Physics 1B should acquire
- an understanding of the topics covered in the module.
- an ability to solve problems based on the lecture material.
- an ability to build mathematical models of physical systems.
- an increased interest in exploring and understanding the physical world.
- a competence in using some of the standard equipment in physics laboratories.
- an appreciation of uncertainty analysis in experimental work.
- an ability to model a real-world problem using physical concepts.
- experience of working in small groups to solve technical problems.
PH1011 Physics 1A (20 Credits)
This module covers the core subjects of mechanics, waves and optics, and the properties of matter. It includes lectures on Newton's laws, simple harmonic motion, the different types of wave motion, geometrical and wave optics, the nature and composition of nuclei, atoms, molecules, solids, and gases.
Syllabus
Mechanics I (10 lectures) Dr Helen Cammack
Kinematics: Vectors and scalars. Motion with constant acceleration in a straight line and in two dimensions. Motion under gravity. Calculation of projectile trajectories, including maximum height, time of flight, range etc.
Dynamics: Newton's laws of motion, force, mass, and acceleration, inertial reference frames. Work and energy, including potential energy, kinetic energy, and energy conservation.
Momentum: conservation of momentum in the absence of external forces, impulse of a force.Waves and Optics (14 lectures) Dr Cameron Rae
What is Light? Ideas of waves and particles, and how light is generated.
Ray Optics: Snell's law, and the use of a lens for imaging. Thin lens formula.
Oscillations: SHM of spring. Velocity, acceleration and phase, for mechanical oscillations. Extension to a pendulum. Relation between SHM and circular motion. Energy in SHM. Tuning fork and other resonators.
Travelling Waves: Transverse and longitudinal travelling waves, and connection with oscillations. Sound waves, waves on strings, Electromagnetic waves. Transverse velocity and acceleration. Energy carried by a wave. Doppler effect for sound, extended to light. Superposition, beats, phase change on reflection.
Standing Waves: Standing waves on strings. Nodes and antinodes. Resonant wavelengths and frequencies in strings and pipes. The laser resonator.
Wave Optics: Young's slits and two beam interference. Temporal and spatial coherence and its relevance to interference patterns. Michelson interferometer and its use in precision length measurements. Anti-reflection coatings and thin-film interference. Multiple-beam interference. Wavelength separation by diffraction grating.Properties of Matter (12 lectures) Dr Janet Lovett
Atomic basis of matter: Atoms and molecules, Dalton's and Avogadro's hypotheses, atomic weight, the mole, Avogadro's number.
Nature of atoms: charge quantisation, measurement of e and e/m for electrons. Behaviour of charged particles in electric and magnetic fields.
The nucleus: radioactivity, α, β and γ rays, exponential decay, half life, nuclear size. Isotopes, radioactive series. Protons and neutrons. Nuclear fission and fusion.
Thermal physics and kinetic theory: Temperature scales and the gas laws. Evidence for and assumptions of simple kinetic theory. Derivation of pressure formula. Molecular speeds and kinetic energy. Thermal conductivity, convection and radiation.
The condensed state: Estimates of atomic size and spacing. Interatomic forces. Elasticity: stress, strain, Hooke's law, Young's modulus, stored energy. Electrical conduction in solids. Drift velocity, Hall effect.Laboratory work and maths revision Dr Cameron Rae
Develop core laboratory skills in data gathering, uncertainty analysis, and diagnostic instrumentation while exploring aspects of physics in a practical manner.
PH1012 Physics 1B (20 credits)
This module covers the mechanics of gravitation and rotational motion, quantum phenomena, and an introduction to lasers. The module is suitable for those who have already taken Physics 1A. It includes lectures on the origins of quantum theory, and its application to atoms and other small scale systems, dynamics and conservation laws, and the principles of lasers. The module also includes a set of group-based activities associated with the use of physics ideas to solve an interesting problem.
Syllabus
Mechanics II (11 lectures) Dr Robert Hunter
Circular motion: uniform circular motion, angular velocity, angular acceleration, centripetal acceleration Newton's laws of motion in angular form.
Newton's universal law of gravity: Analysis of satellite orbits, escape velocity, gravitational potential energy.
Rigid Bodies: Centre of mass, torque.Quantum Phenomena (16 lectures) Professor Natalia Korolkova
Early quantum ideas: Photoelectric effect and Compton effect. Rutherford's and Bohr's models of the atom. Spectral lines, Rydberg constant.
Energy levels: Atomic spectra.
De-Broglie's matter waves: Diffraction of electrons, neutrons, etc. Wave function, probability and uncertainty. Heisenberg's uncertainty principle.
Schrödinger’s Equation: Introduction and examples of its applications.
Selected topics from modern quantum science: Quantum technology and Bose-Einstein condensates.Lasers and Optoelectronics (6 lectures) Dr Pavlos Manousiadis
Lasers: Introductory overview on lasers and their applications. Basic energy level structures for laser-related media. Einstein A, B coefficients, gain coefficient, laser threshold conditions. Laser oscillator and amplifiers. Properties of laser radiation and important types of laser gain media. Some applications of lasers in science, engineering and medicine.Group Discovery Project (9 lectures equivalent)
In small groups, students will explore a real-world problem applying and extend their knowledge of physics. Groups will work self-guided with introductory whole-class sessions and individual group facilitator sessions to review and aid their progress. At the end of the project each group will submit a written report.Laboratory work Dr Cameron Rae
Explore aspects of physics in a practical manner, broaden competence in experimental and diagnostic instrumentation, and take part in problem-based-learning laboratory group work.
Recommended Reading for PH1011 and PH1012
The recommended textbook is: Halliday and Resnick's Fundamentals of Physics, 12th Edition, Extended Edition, by J Walker.
This is available as an e-book and hard copies of various editions of the core text-book are available in the library.Other texts that students may also wish to consult are:
- Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics, R D Knight, Pearson, 2014, available as a library ebook.
- Understanding Physics, 1st Edition by K Cummings, PW Laws, E F Redish, P J Cooney, Wiley, 2004.
- Sears and Zemansky's University Physics by H D Young and R A Freedman (12th edition, Addison-Wesley 2008 or other edition).
- Physics for Scientists and Engineers by P A Tipler and G P Mosca (6th edition, Freeman 2008).
- Measurements and their Uncertainties: A Practical Guide to Modern Error Analysis by I G Hughes and T P A Hase, Oxford, 2010. This is available through the library as an ebook.
- Understanding Lasers by J Hecht, (3rd Edition, IEEE Press 2008). This is additional possible reading for the lasers course, though we do not recommend purchase; there are multiple copies in the library.
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PH1013 The Physics of Sustainable Energy may be taken independently of PH1011 and PH1012, and assumes prior knowledge also at grade B or above at SQA Higher (or equivalent) in maths, and in physics or chemistry.
PH1013 introduces some of the fundamental physics of energy sustainability, covering energy-related calculations (efficiency, losses, thermodynamic factors), fundamental understanding of low carbon energy technologies (such as solar electricity generation, thermal, wind and nuclear), their economic and environmental impact (life cycle assessment), energy storage and anticipated future developments such as sustainable buildings and sustainable transport. The course will also briefly cover energy economics (energy demand, supply, cost/benefit analysis of low carbon technologies).
Upon successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
- Apply principles of physics to evaluate the efficiency limits of several low-carbon technologies and identify what kinds of renewable energy and storage is good for homes in developed vs developing countries.
- Explain the fundamental physics behind several low-carbon technologies.
- Compare and contrast the merits and drawbacks of renewables over fossil fuels.
- Demonstrate transferrable research and presentation skills in the context of the physics of sustainability.
PH1013 (20 credits) Dr Lethy Krishnan Jagadamma, Dr Jean-Charles Ribierre
Syllabus
Introduction and historical perspectives, fundamentals of energy science (energy arithmetic, units and forms), first and second laws of thermodynamics and their relevance to this context.
Energy sources and sustainability, roadmaps to sustainable energy and energy efficiency analysis.
Economic and environmental analysis of energy systems.
Solar energy: solar spectrum, photovoltaics, performance estimation, efficiency limits, economics.
Ocean renewable energy: tidal and wave power, thermal/salinity gradient energy and the current state of ocean renewable energy.
Nuclear energy: fission and fusion, waste and disposal considerations; wind energy.
Waste to energy and energy storage.
Smart buildings: efficiency, heat loss calculations; energy efficient buildings.
Sustainable transportation, energy policy.
Presentation preparation on assigned topics.
Useful reading for PH1013:
- Energy For Sustainability, J Randolph and G M Masters, 2nd edition, Island Press, 2018 (available as a library ebook).
- Energy Systems and Sustainability: Power for a Sustainable Future, B Everett, S Peake, J Warren eds, 3rd edition, Oxford 2021 (print copies available in the library).
- Fundamentals of materials for energy and environmental sustainability, D S Ginley and D Cahen eds, Cambridge, 2012 (available as a library ebook).
- Sustainable Energy – without the hot air, D J C MacKay, Bloomsbury/UIT Cambridge, 2008 (print copies available in the library, freely available electronic version at https://www.withouthotair.com).
- Advances in Sustainable Energy, A Vasel and D S-K Ting eds, Springer, 2019 (available as a library ebook).
- Renewable Energy and Sustainability, I Khan ed, Elsevier, 2022 (available as a library ebook).
- Global Sustainability, Md F Hossain, Springer 2023 (available as a library ebook).
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AS1001 Astronomy and Astrophysics 1
This module provides an elementary understanding of the structure of the observable universe and our position within it. The physical content of the universe, its structures and their mutual interactions, are explored. It is shown how the properties of planets, stars, galaxies, etc may be determined from observations coupled with theoretical models based on physical principles. The module comprises four 10-lecture courses on The Solar System, Stars and Elementary Astrophysics, The Milky Way Galaxy, and Cosmology.
By the end of this module, students will have gained:
- an understanding of the structure and evolution of the physical universe from the solar system, through the galaxy, to the large-scale distribution of galaxies and the origin of the universe,
- an ability to calculate astrophysical properties of planets, stars and galaxies from basic physical and mathematical models and simplified data.
AS1111 Astronomy and Astrophysics 1 for Direct Entrants
This is a shortened version of AS1001 that is available for astrophysics students who have taken direct entry to level two and who are planning to take level two astrophysics in the second semester of the same academic year.
AS1001 Astronomy and Astrophysics 1 (20 credits)
Syllabus
The Solar System (10 lectures) Dr Rowan Smith
Brief historical introduction including basic observations and the calendar, leading to Kepler's laws of planetary motion and Newton's law of gravitation. Modern exploration of the Solar System and the study of the physical properties of the planets and their satellites – interior structure, atmosphere and climate, magnetospheres and interactions with the solar wind; physical properties of comets, meteors. The atmosphere of the Sun – photosphere, chromosphere, corona and the solar wind. Origin of the Solar System.Stars and Elementary Astrophysics (10 lectures) Prof Ian Bonnell
Astronomical observations. Telescopes: optical, radio, space. Stellar brightness, apparent and absolute magnitudes, distances, inverse square law. Colours of the stars, black body radiation laws and temperature. Spectra from astronomical sources; Kirchhoff's laws for continuous, emission and absorption spectra. Spectral classification; excitation and ionisation; determination of stellar compositions. Distribution of stellar parameters; the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. Stellar motions: Doppler effect, radial velocity, redshifts; proper motion. Binary stars for masses, radii, luminosities.The Galaxy (10 lectures) Dr Claudia Cyganowski
The main-sequence mass-luminosity relationship. Star clusters, their colour-magnitude diagrams, and distances via main-sequence fitting. Effects of interstellar extinction. Spatial distribution of star clusters, differences in chemical composition. Outline of stellar evolution from formation through to end states of white dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes. Mass loss from stars, supernovae. The interstellar medium. Structure of the Galaxy – population groups, spiral structure, rotation curve.Cosmology (10 lectures) Dr Anne-Marie Weijmans
A preview of the universe. The extragalactic nebulae (galaxies). The determination of extragalactic distances. Types of galaxies. The Hubble classification. Properties of galaxies – sizes, masses, spectra and luminosities. The distribution of galaxies in space – clusters and superclusters. The red-shift–distance relation. Hubble's law. The expansion of the universe. The age of the universe. The Big Bang origin of the universe. A critical density for expansion and contraction. The evolution of the universe.Practical Work
AS1111 Astronomy and Astrophysics 1 for Direct Entrants (15 credits)
Syllabus
As AS1001, but without the Solar System lectures.
Recommended books for AS1001 and AS1111:
- Astronomy – a Physical Perspective by M L Kutner (CUP 2003).
- Cosmic Perspective, by J O Bennett.
Both are available as an e-book via hard copy on loan in the library.
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- PH1011 Physics 1A and AS1001 Astronomy and Astrophysics 1: Minimum of grade B in SQA Highers / A-levels (or equivalent) in Maths and Physics.
- AS1111 Astronomy and Astrophysics 1 for Direct Entrants is available only to those on an accelerated entry to AS/PH programmes.
- PH1012 Physics 1B: Physics 1A is a pre-requisite for Physics 1B.
- PH2011 Physics 2A: PH1011, PH1012, MT1002 are pre-requisites for PH2011. Physics 2A is also open to those with the equivalent of A-grades in the SQA Advanced Highers in Maths and Physics.
- PH2012 Physics 2B: Physics 2A is a pre-requisite for Physics 2B.
- PH2111 Physics 2A for Chemistry and Physics is only open to those enrolled in the MSci Chemistry and Physics programme that have completed pre-defined physics modules.
- AS2001 Astronomy and Astrophysics 2 / AS2101 Astrophysics 2: PH1011, PH1012, PH2011, MT1002 and AS1001 / AS1111 are pre-requisites.
We welcome students with other relevant qualifications on to these modules.
Those from outside the UK may wish to look at past Scottish Higher Exam Papers to see the level:
SQA Higher Physics and SQA Higher Mathematics. -
Tutorials and Workshops
Workshops and tutorials allow you to develop your problem-solving skills working with the lecture content. Some workshops and tutorials are run with a primary focus of developing specified relevant academic skills.
For Physics 1A/1B and AS1001 each student will typically attend one small-group tutorial per week. These sessions are hosted by a designated tutor and allow students to work through assigned problems and ask specific questions about the lecture material. AS1111 runs a total of 6 tutorials throughout the semester.
PH1011 and PH1012 workshops are whole-class sessions led by one of the module lecturers.
Practical Work
PH1011 and PH1012
Both PH1011 and PH1012 include a laboratory component. The aims of first level practical work in physics are
- to allow an exploration of relevant physics,
- to illustrate the subject matter covered in the lectures,
- to introduce students to some of the modern equipment that is used in physics laboratories,
- to teach the principles of precision and accuracy and methods of uncertainty propagation,
- to teach the principles of experimental techniques and methods of analysis underlying experimental procedures.
PH1011 has nine required lab sessions during the semester (one 2½ hours session per week starting in week 2). Students will also complete a self-study Maths exercise at the start of the semester. It is anticipated that lab work covered should require less than 4-5 hours per week in total.
To make best use of lab sessions, you should use time beforehand to familiarise yourself with each activity’s material, including attempting pre-lab assignments. Time afterwards should be used for post-lab assignments, data analysis, and completing experiment records.
PH1012 students will attend ten lab sessions (one 2½ hours session per week starting in week 2), that will focus on developing experimental skills. Toward the end of semester, experimental work will focus on problem solving and group-work skills. As with PH1011, timetabled lab time is used for experimental work, and time before and after will be used for pre- and post-lab assignments.
See the course Moodle pages for a detailed description of the arrangements for laboratory related work.
AS1001 and AS1111
The aim of practical work is to teach the acquisition and analysis of astronomical data through simple observations, exercises, and computer simulations. Students will gain an appreciation of the physical properties of objects in the universe, e.g., planetary motions, masses and temperatures of stars, distances to stars and galaxies, and the age of the universe.
AS1001 has six lab afternoons in the semester, AS1111 has four. These laboratory sessions are 2½ hours long. Students work individually, in pairs, or in small groups at their own pace on experiments selected from a range which may cover planetary motions, radiation laws, properties of the Sun and of the stars, the distribution of stars and galaxies in space, and the expansion of the Universe. AS1111 lab sessions focus on galaxies and cosmology, and the development of programming skills.
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Students are normally expected to gain at least grade 7.0 in all level-one modules for progression to 2000-level.
Grade 7.0 does not indicate mastery of the material, and we expect our students to be aiming for a much higher grade than this. Knowledge and skills developed and practised in first year are the foundations for second year in this School.
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In AS1001, PH1011, PH1012, a class medal is awarded to the student with the best performance overall in the assessment.
The J F Allen Prize in Physics is awarded to the most outstanding student in PH1011 and PH1012 taken together.
The Margaret Stewart Prize is awarded to the student in the module AS1001 who gains the highest grade.