2000-level (second year) modules

Coordinators

		room	email
PH2011 Physics 2A	Prof Graham Turnbull	219 ?	gat
PH2012 Physics 2B	Dr Juan Varela	342	jv32
Physics labs	Dr Cameron Rae	214	cfr

AS2001 Astronomy & Astrophysics 1	Dr Martin Dominik	316A	md35
AS2101 Astrophysics 1 (direct entry)	Dr Martin Dominik	316A	md35

Physics

The two second year physics modules are intended to be suitable for those who have taken appropriate first-year physics and maths modules, and those who have taken direct entry into second year.

Physics 2A PH2011 (30 Credits) and PH2012 Physics 2B (30 credits)

PH2011 Physics 2A and PH2012 Physics 2B run semesters 1 and 2 respectively and both are required for any of the degrees taught within the School. Students taking them should acquire:

The ability to reason through scientific concepts, to relate different concepts to one another and to solve qualitative and quantitative problems in the areas covered in the courses with a toolkit of problem-solving techniques.
Laboratory skills, including the planning of experimental investigations, the use of modern test equipment, and the construction of electronic circuits.
An appreciation of the value of learning of physics as a transformative experience in terms of motivated use (using physics beyond the course e.g. in everyday situations) and expansion of perception (seeing the world through the lens of physics).

In addition, students who have taken Physics 2A should be able to:

Identify a hierarchy of physical concepts and mathematical equations pertinent to mechanics, understanding which are the most fundamental and which follow from the fundamental laws.
Embed previously acquired knowledge correctly within the more general framework of mechanics presented in the course and to be aware of the limits of applicability and connectivity of that previous knowledge and its relation to newly acquired knowledge.
Solve elementary problems in mechanics, being confident in correctly identifying concepts that are applicable to each problem and to correctly visualise and analyse the problem to allow a solution to be formulated.
Be confident in the use of vectors, their manipulation, their transformation to different coordinate systems, and to be clear about why vectors are necessary to properly understand some problems. This includes being able to visualise a problem in mechanics and then to correctly formulate the problem in vector notation to allow a solution to be arrived at. To be clear about when the reduction of a vector problem to a scalar one is possible or advantageous.
Be confident in the use of Cartesian, polar and cylindrical coordinates, transformations between them, and to recognise which might be the most appropriate system to work in or which system might facilitate better insight into a problem or provide greater ease of solution.
Apply concepts of classical mechanics to derive equations of motion for oscillatory systems.
For undamped and simple cases of damped, forced and coupled oscillations, solve the resulting equations of motion and distinguish between general and specific solutions.
Represent oscillatory motion physically, mathematical and graphically and explain the connections between these representations.
Give numerous real-world examples of oscillatory systems and be able to model these systems using different representations.
State the postulates of special relativity and use them to derive the formulas for length contraction and time dilation.
Use the Lorentz transformations to find the spacetime coordinates of events in different reference frames.
Draw and interpret spacetime diagrams.
Derive and apply the relativistic velocity addition formula.
Be familiar with the twin paradox and explain how it is resolved.
Understand the distinction between the transverse and the longitudinal relativistic Doppler effects, and use them to find the frequency shifts caused by special relativity.
State the zeroth, first and second laws of thermodynamics, explain their physical meaning and relate them to the thermodynamic identity.
Solve problems involving thermal expansion, heat capacity and the transport of energy by heating in terms of the thermal properties of materials.
Appreciate the differences between reversible and irreversible processes.
State the ideal gas law and equipartition theorem and apply them to a variety of different thermodynamic problems.
Distinguish between the concepts of heat and work and perform and explain basic calculations for these quantities for ideal gases under various conditions.
Describe the essential assumptions and conclusions of the kinetic theory of ideal gases and apply these to problems involving ideal gases, including the Maxwell-Boltzmann speed distribution and its behaviour.
Describe the difference between a macrostate and a microstate of a system and explain the links between multiplicity and the likelihood of a macrostate.
State the thermodynamic and statistical definitions of entropy and explain the link between them, and relate changes in entropy to the reversibility of a process.
Explain selected thermodynamic cycles, including the Carnot cycle and state an expression for the Carnot efficiency and the link between entropy and heat engines and refrigerators.
Write and use computer programs to run simple experiments using microcontrollers.

In addition, students who have taken Physics 2B should be able to:

Represent transverse and longitudinal waves and waves in one, two and three dimensions physically, mathematically and graphically and explain the connections between these representations.
Explain similarities and differences between different types of mechanical waves, and between mechanical and electromagnetic waves.
Use the concepts of wave interference, energy transport and the behaviour at boundaries to calculate wave properties.
Compare and contrast classical and quantum descriptions of light and matter, give examples where one description or the other is valid, and summarise experimental evidence that support the use of either description.
Solve the Schrödinger equation for simple 1-D systems, and use these wave functions to calculate expectation values and measurement probabilities for observables such as energy, position and momentum.
State Coulomb's Law and the Biot-Savart Law, Faraday's Law and Lenz's Law, the definitions of electric field, electric potential, capacitance, and inductance.
Be able to use the above laws and definitions along with other physics and maths concepts to be able to model and solve a range of examples in electrostatics, magnetostatics, and electromagnetic induction.
Be able to use the above ideas to justify aspects of DC circuit theory and apply this to solving simple electrical circuit problems.
Be able to use the above definitions and laws to justify Gauss' Law and Ampere's Law, and use these two laws on a range of electrostatic and magnetostatic examples.
Qualitatively describe how relativity and electrostatics can be brought together to explain electromagnetism.
State descriptions of paramagnetism, diamagnetism, and ferromagnetism.
Appreciate how the concepts in the electricity and magnetism course may be applied to particle accelerators, fusion tokamaks, atom traps, optical tweezers, modern electronics, and electrical engineering.
State concepts of pn-junctions, design circuits using AC circuit theory, build and investigate electronic circuits.

Astronomy & Astrophysics 2 AS2001 (30 credits)

This module is designed to complement and extend the knowledge gained in the first level module in Astronomy and Astrophysics, and to prepare the way for the more advanced topics encountered in a study of the subject at honours level. Lectures are based on the principles of physics together with mathematical techniques acquired earlier. It is intended that students should gain:

a strengthening of the skills learned in AS1001/1101 and level 1000 physics and mathematics modules,
a deeper understanding of the structure and evolution of stars, the design of telescopes and instruments for astronomical observations over the entire electromagnetic spectrum, the dynamical interactions of stars in the Galaxy, and exoplanetary science.
a greater ability to analyse astronomical data, using the Python language and other computer packages.

Astrophysics 2 AS2101 (15 credits)

This is as AS2001, but without the observational techniques lectures and the labs. This is normally taken only by accelerated entry students who are aiming for an astronomy degree. It can also be taken by a continuing student who is more interested in theoretical aspects of astronomy and who, having already taken AS1001, is keen to take an additional level-two 15-credit maths module in S2.

Entry Requirements

For entry to either of the second-level modules in Physics, it is normally necessary to have one of the following sets of qualifications:

Passes in the first level modules: PH1011, PH1012 and MT1002.
Passes in Advanced Higher/A-Level (or equivalent) Physics and Mathematics, both normally at grade A.

Note: these grade requirements are naturally consistent with those required for accelerated (direct) entry to second level. However, they may also be satisfied by a student who is not entering directly into second level, but wishes to take one or both of the level two physics modules in their first year of study. This possibility may be of interest to students taking certain joint-honours degrees for which the possibility of direct entry to second level does not arise.

For entry to the second level modules in Astrophysics, the entry requirements are as for second-level physics, plus the requirement to have passed one of the first-level astrophysics modules AS1001 or AS1101.

Recommended Books for 2000-level Physics and Astronomy

Online book lists and access to e-books
The booklists for AS and PH modules are available at: www.st-andrews.ac.uk/physics-astronomy/students/ug/timetables-handbooks/, https://readinglists.st-andrews.ac.uk/leganto/nui/lists

The core Physics text is: Halliday and Resnick's Fundamentals of Physics, 12th Edition, Extended Edition, by J Walker.
Hard copies and e-book access is available through the University library.

There are additional books that are recommended for consultation.

Additional texts (available in the library) are:

Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics by R D Knight, Pearson, 2014 e-book.
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).

These all provide wide coverage of the lecture courses, examples of how physics is applied in realistic situations, and many problems together with hints for solving them. However, neither these nor Halliday, Resnick and Walker go as deep into the topics as do some of the courses within our modules. We recommend the following additional books, but do not expect students to purchase them. There are multiple copies in the library.

Physics 2A
Mechanics – An Introduction to Mechanics, D Kleppner and R Kolenkow, CUP.
Special Relativity – Basic Concepts in Relativity and Early Quantum Theory, R Resnick and D Halliday, (Macmillan, 1992); Nonclassical Physics: Beyond Newton's View, Randy Harris (Addison Wesley Longman, CA, 1999); Relativity Visualised, Lewis Carroll Epstein (Insight Press, CA, 1985).
Thermal Physics – An Introduction to Thermal Physics, D V Schroeder (Pearson, 2004)

Physics 2B
Quantum Mechanics – Basic Concepts in Relativity and Early Quantum Theory, R Resnick and D Halliday, (Macmillan, 1992); Quantum Mechanics: A Paradigms Approach, D H McIntyre et al (Oregon State University, 2012); Quantum Mechanics, A.I.M. Rae (fifth edition, 2007, Chapman and Hall) - also available as an e-book; The meaning of quantum theory: a guide for students of chemistry and physics, J E Baggott (2004).

Physics 2A and 2B
Useful reading for the labs is Measurements and their Uncertainties: A Practical Guide to Modern Error Analysis by I G Hughes and T P A Hase, Oxford (2010); available as an e-book via the library.

Astronomy and Astrophysics 2
Recommended books for Astronomy & Astrophysics 2 include Astronomy, a Physical Perspective by M L Kutner (available as an e-book) and An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics (second edition) by B W Carroll and D A Ostlie.

Additional reading accessible from e-books includes:
For the exoplanets course: Methods of Detecting Exoplanets by V Bozza, L Mancini, and A Sozzetti (eds), Springer (2016)
For the observational techniques course: To Measure the Sky: An introduction to Observational Astronomy, by F R Chromey, CUP.

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 2A/2B and AS2001 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 tutorial problems and ask specific questions about the lecture material.

Students enrolled on Physics 2A and 2B will attend one workshop (problem solving class) each week.

Practical Work

For the Physics 2A and 2B modules students attend one afternoon session of 2½ hours (15:00 – 17:30) per week of practical work.

The aims of the second level practical work in physics are to build on previously acquired experimental skills while at the same time provide the opportunity for students to:

work toward desired experimental outcomes but with greater freedom to explore the relevant topic;
broaden competences in the use of various forms of experimental and diagnostic instrumentation;
explore subject matter covered in lectures and, particularly in electronics, new material;
develop skills in scientific writing.

Prior to the start of a practical you should familiarise yourself with the upcoming work and complete any pre-lab questions. Between lab afternoons you should complete any assignments, keep your data analysis and interpretation up-to-date, and prepare for upcoming work. We expect students to typically spend 7.5 hours per week on laboratory work.

At the start of 1st Semester (Physics 2A), the programme is slightly different for returning students and direct entry students, as direct entry students cover some of the lab skills development that has already been explored by our returning students, to gain a similar skill set and understanding of our expectations. In 2nd Semester (Physics 2B) all students will attempt the same programme of work. There is a choice of a physics experiments, followed by work in electronics and lab-related Python programming, and a scientific writing exercise. The module also includes an opportunity to see some of our research laboratories and relate the skills being developed in the teaching laboratory to those practiced by the experimental physics researcher.

For Astronomy & Astrophysics AS2001 students also attend one astronomy laboratory sessions (15:00 – 17:.30) per week.

The aims of practical work in Astronomy & Astrophysics 2 are:

to develop confidence in working with and interpreting astronomical data,
to build programming skills and apply them to the analysis of astronomical data.

In all second level modules where practical assignments are to be handed in for marking according to a specified timetable, penalties will be applied for lateness up to and including the loss of all marks in particularly serious cases. Please see later in this handbook under coursework penalties.

Mathematics revision

A good grasp of mathematics and its application to physics is essential for all students of physics and astrophysics.
During both the Physics 2A and Physics 2B modules, students will have complete online maths revision quizzes to encourage revision and practice of mathematical techniques which they have learned previously. These quizzes are supported by pre-recorded revision lectures, and will contribute 5% of the module mark.

There is additional maths support material particularly aimed at preparing students for second year maths modules available on a self-enrolment Moodle course: https://moody.st-andrews.ac.uk/moodle/course/view.php?id=18645 .

Monitoring and Assessment

Student progress is monitored in different ways. For PH2011 and PH2012 the weekly tutorials will entail submission of written work for marking and feedback, and there will be a class test at about halfway through the semester. Both AS2001 and AS2101 have two tests during the semester, intended to focus attention on material covered in recent lectures. Laboratory work will be submitted for assessment for Physics 2 and Astronomy 2.

The examination for each module consists of one written paper at the end of the semester, of 2 hours for PH2011, PH2012, AS2001 and 1.5 hours for AS2101. The Physics 2A and Astronomy examination papers will include material and techniques that should be familiar to students from the module's work as well as some new problems (but nothing that you do not have the tools to address!). The exam structure follows the information in the document at Student exam guidance. There will be no choice of questions within these papers.

Re-assessment (resit) exams are possible only for those who gain less than grade 7.0 but more than 4.0 in the module, have met any minimum requirements on individual components of the assessment and who have not been given a FINAL Academic Alert. Reassesment grades will be capped at a grade 7.0.

Details of the 20-point grading scale used in 1000- and 2000-level Physics and Astronomy modules may be found later in this handbook on page.
Overall grades for the modules are determined according to the formulae below.

Note that there are additional conditions on the performance in individual elements: not meeting these requirements will normally result in a grade of 0X for the module, which means failing with no right to re-assessment.

Note also that in modules which have an exam, at least grade 7.0 in the exam itself is required to pass the module. Attaining less than a grade 2.0 in the final exam will normally result in a grade of 0X for the module, which means no right to re-assessment.

PH2011 & PH2012	60% examination, 10% class test, 25% labs, 5% online quizzes
	(Reassessment 100% Exam)
	Must achieve at least grade 7.0 in the laboratory work.
AS2001	60% examination, 15% class tests, 25% labs
	(Re-assessment 100% Exam)
	Must achieve at least grade 7.0 in the laboratory work.
AS2101	80% exam, 20% continuous assessment (class tests)
	(Reassessment 100% exam)
	Must achieve at least grade 2.0 in examination.

In modules that have both examination and continuously assessed components, a student who achieves less than grade 7.0 in the exam but meets the other requirements detailed above will receive an overall grade for the module which is determined by the formulae above but subject to a maximum grade 6.9.

Medals and Prizes

A medal is awarded in PH2011, PH2012, and AS2001/2101 to the student who gains the highest grade. The J F Allen Prize is awarded to the most outstanding student (the highest mean module grade) in PH2011 and PH2012 taken together.

Academic Alerts

The University operates a system of academic alerts, as described in the University handbook, Academic alerts.

The aim of the Alert system is to help students by flagging up problems before they seriously affect students' grades. Academic Alerts will be issued by email and will tell students what is wrong, what they are required to do and what support the University can offer. If students do not take the action required they will get another Alert, and eventually may automatically get a grade of zero and fail that module.
The system is designed to help and support students to remedy any problems or issues before these lead to failing a module. Alerts will never appear on a student’s permanent transcript. For more information on Academic Alerts and details on how the categories work, see the University's policy on Academic Alerts and the accompanying guidance for students.

Note that a "FINAL" alert will result in a student receiving grade 0X for the module with no right to a resit examination. This can have serious consequences for their university study.

In all pre-honours modules in physics and astronomy, attendance at all classes (lectures, tutorials, workshops, and any specified practical work) is strongly recommended and in some cases is a requirement.

In 2000-level modules in this School, to avoid receiving a FINAL alert, a student must:

For AS2001 and AS2101 attend a minimum of 75% of the tutorials.
For PH2011 and PH2012 attend, at least 7 of the weekly tutorials in the module.
For PH2011 and PH2012 tutorials submit on time the self-reporting form, and a serious attempt at the specified questions, for at least 7 of the weekly tutorials.
For PH2011 and PH2012, attend a minimum of 75% of the workshops.
For PH2011, PH2012 and AS2001 attend a minimum of 75% of scheduled laboratory classes associated with the module.
For PH2011, PH2012 and AS2001, achieve a grade of at least 7.0 overall for the laboratory work.
For all modules, achieve a grade of at least 2.0 in the final examination. (This includes the case of students who fail to attend the examination without a satisfactory reason.)

Any justifiable reasons for absence from tutorials, workshops, labs, tests and exams should be presented by a self-certificate of absence (see University student handbook: Self-certification). In such cases students should also immediately contact the member of staff concerned to arrange how and when the missed work should be undertaken. Late justifications of missing work will be accepted only in exceptional circumstances.