PH1011 Physics 1A

2025 to 2026 Semester 1

Curricular information may be subject to change

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 7

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

In the event of over-subscription, places will be given to students who require the module for their programme, and students on supported pathway or visiting programmes with the correct pre-requisites. If spaces are available at the end of the main advising period (after Wednesday in Orientation Week), a random ballot will be conducted for students selecting the module as an option.

Planned timetable

12:00 One afternoon, 15:00 - 17:30

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module Staff

Dr Bruce Sinclair, Dr Lucy Hadfield, Dr Janet Lovett

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module covers the core subjects of mechanics, waves and optics, and also provides an overview of the physical properties of matter. It is suitable for those who have studied physics to the level of Higher Physics or equivalent. It includes lectures on Newton's laws, work and energy, simple harmonic motion, the different types of wave motion, geometrical and wave optics, and the nature and composition of nuclei, atoms, molecules and solids, and their interactions. Relevant laboratory work is an important part of the module.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

STUDENTS MUST HAVE HIGHER OR A-LEVEL PHYSICS AND MATHEMATICS (BOTH AT GRADE B OR BETTER), OR EQUIVALENT.,THIS MODULE HAS AVAILABILITY RESTRICTIONS INDICATED IN THE 2025-26 <A TARGET="_BLANK" HREF="HTTPS://WWW.ST-ANDREWS.AC.UK/SUBJECTS/MODULES/">MODULE CATALOGUE</A>. YOU SHOULD ENSURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE AVAILABILITY RESTRICTIONS BEFORE SELECTING THIS MODULE.

Anti-requisites

YOU CANNOT TAKE THIS MODULE IF YOU TAKE AS1002

Assessment pattern

Written Examination = 60%, Coursework = 40%

Re-assessment

Written Examination = 60%, Coursework = 40%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

4 x 1hr lectures x 10 weeks, 1hr problem-solving workshop x 9 weeks, 1hr tutorial x 9 weeks, and 2.5 hr lab work x 9 weeks

Scheduled learning hours

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

120

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge and conceptual understanding of the topics covered in the module (waves and optics, mechanics, properties of matter, laboratory investigations)
Demonstrate an ability to model real-world problems using physical concepts, and solve qualitative and quantitative problems
Retrieve and evaluate relevant information from lectures, books, people, and other resources
Communicate and discuss physics concepts
Be competent in using some of the standard equipment in physics laboratories
Be capable of designing experiments, analysing data, and drawing conclusions