58吃瓜

PH2011 Physics 2A

Academic year

2026 to 2027 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

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 8

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.

Planned timetable

10:00 Workshop and lab one afternoon 14:00 - 17:30

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

Module description

This module covers the subjects of mechanics, special relativity, oscillations, and thermal physics. It is suitable for those who have taken the specified first year modules in physics and mathematics, or have good Advanced Higher or A-Level passes or equivalent in physics and mathematics. It includes lectures on the dynamics of particles and rigid bodies, Einstein's special theory of relativity, free, forced and damped harmonic motion, and lectures on thermal physics including elementary thermodynamics and the notion of entropy.

Relationship to other modules

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 or 5 x 1hr lectures x 10 weeks, 1 hr tutorial x 9 weeks, 2.5-hr laboratory x 9, 1 hr workshop x 9 weeks

Scheduled learning hours

85

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

Guided independent study hours

215

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

Intended learning outcomes

  • Understand and apply core physical principles聽across mechanics, oscillations, special relativity and thermal physics, recognising how fundamental laws underpin the various concepts and equations used in these topics.
  • Solve a range of physics problems聽by identifying relevant physical concepts, visualising situations, formulating a physical model, and using appropriate mathematical methods to obtain a solution.
  • Use vectors and differential and integral calculus in聽physics problems with confidence, including understanding when vector or scalar approaches are most appropriate, working in different coordinate systems, and solving equations of motion.
  • Apply key ideas in mechanics, oscillations and special relativity, including forces and energy, deriving and interpreting equations of motion, and using the postulates of special relativity and Lorentz transformations to describe relativistic effects.
  • Apply fundamental concepts in thermal physics, including the laws of thermodynamics, heat and work, entropy, ideal?gas relations聽and the Carnot cycle, and thermal properties of materials.
  • Demonstrate core laboratory skills by gathering data effectively, recording measurements and uncertainties clearly, propagating uncertainties correctly, evaluating results against accepted values, and communicating findings in a structured laboratory notebook.

Additional information from school

For guidance on AS and PH modules please consult the School Handbook at /physics-astronomy/students/ug/timetables-handbooks/