Physics I and Physics Education

Module 1 Measuring and Modelling, 7.5 ECTS cr Students are introduced to basic physical concepts through laboratory sessions and group study. They plan and conduct physical experiments, including analysing sources of error and applying accuracy to data measurements and drawing relevant physical conclusions. They also practise compiling written reports with the help of computer-based presentation software. The physical concepts and phenomena studied in the course are energy and motion, velocity and acceleration, and Newton's laws. The teaching methodological perspective deals with how laboratory components can be used to develop pupils' understanding of physics, and students also analyse summative and formative assessment and grading in physics education. Module 2 Energy and Sustainable Development, 7.5 ECTS cr The course includes study of basic concepts in the area of energy, especially the radiation balance of the earth in the solar energy flow. Active use of ICT is an element of several course components. The particle model is studied to describe and explain the properties of gases and phase transitions, pressure, volume and density and how particle movement can explain the spread of matter in nature. Field descriptions of electric and magnetic forces and relation between magnetism and electricity including induction. Applications such as solar cells, solar thermal collectors, heat pumps, heat exchangers, bio fuel, and water and wind energy are used in the students' own laboratory experiments. Energy for sustainable development and aspects of energy gain are discussed, and the relation between humans, energy, and the environment are problematised. Research results relating to meaningful learning in the physics classroom are applied in instruction and in the planning of teaching in school. Students plan and carry out investigations independently to find answers to their problem formulations. Diversity and gender aspects of physics as a subject discourse are problematised. Module 3 The Universe, 7.5 ECTS cr The course includes lectures, film screenings, interactive computer use of astronomy software, and telescope observations of stars. The module deals with the formation and structure of the solar system with a focus on the particular circumstances of our solar system. The formation, evolution, and final stage of stars are also treated along with the black holes assumed to exist, the structure of galaxies, the large-scale structure and evolution of the universe, as well as speculations on the creation and future destiny of the universe. Module 4. Electric Circuits, 7.5 ECTS cr Instruction is in the form of lectures, exercises, and laboratory sessions. Basic concepts: Charge, current, potential, voltage, conductors, resistance, power and energy, capacitance, inductance, and electric and magnetic fields. Knowledge of components: Passive components (resistors, capacitors, and inductors) and ideal transformers. Circuit theory: Calculations using Ohm's law, Kirchoff's laws, the superposition theorem, Thevenin's and Norton's theorems, and node and loop analysis. Power and power matching, equivalent circuits. Sinusoidal current and voltage, calculations using phasors and the jw-method, resonance circuits. Charging and discharging of a capacitor.