PH1012 Physics 1B

2025 to 2026 Semester 2

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

One afternoon, 15:00 - 17:30

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

Module description

This module covers an introduction to quantum mechanics, the mechanics of rotation and gravity and an introduction to lasers. It includes lectures on the origins of quantum theory, its application to atoms and other small-scale systems; the principles of lasers, and some aspects of optical communication. The module also includes a set of group-based activities associated with the use of physics ideas to solve an interesting problem. Relevant laboratory work is an important part of the module.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS PH1011,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 = 50%, Coursework = 50%

Re-assessment

Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

Typically 4 lectures, 1 workshop, 1 tutorial and 1 x 2.5 hr laboratory. Group Discovery Project replaces some lectures for part of the semester.

Scheduled learning hours

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

Guided independent study hours

118

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 ( mechanics, quantum phenomena, lasers, laboratory investigations)
Demonstrate an ability to model real-world problems using physical concepts, and solve qualitative and quantitative problems
Be capable of designing experiments, analysing data, and drawing conclusions
Be competent in using some of the standard equipment in physics laboratories
Retrieve and evaluate relevant information from lectures, books, people, and other resources
Work as part of group to research an open-ended problem and develop presentation skills in the context of the a physics based problem

Additional information from school

For guidance on AS and PH modules please consult the School Handbook, at https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/physics-astronomy/students/ug/timetables-handbooks/