Introduction to Engineering PhysicsLaajuus (3 ECTS)

Objective

The student appreciates the role of mechanics as the conceptual and historical basis of all scientific knowledge.
The student acquires conceptual understanding on curvilinear planar motion and learns how to analyse such motion in detail using vector calculus.
The student learns to recognize and model forces (interactions) that appear in common practical circumstances, and learns how to determine the effects of such forces using the equations of motion for mechanical systems.
The student understands the concepts of mechanical work, energy and power and learns how to apply the principle of energy conservation.
The student becomes familiar with the basic concepts of thermal physics, perceives the connection between thermal physics and mechanics, and acquires an understanding of basic phenomena related to heat and temperature.

Content

Planar motion
Newton’s laws and their applications
Mechanical work, energy, power and the conservation of energy
Basic concepts and phenomena in thermal physics

Qualifications

“Introduction to Physics” or corresponding knowledge

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student is familiar with the basic concepts of mechanics and of thermal physics and with their interdependence. The student understands the basic phenomena in the field, and knows how to solve simple problems related to mechanics and thermal physics.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Besides the above, the student is capable of applying the fundamental laws of mechanics and of thermal physics to less simple problems. He/she knows how to explain the basic phenomena in the field using appropriate terminology.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

In addition to the aforementioned requirements the student is also capable of solving more challenging problems that require applying the concepts and methods of various different topics simultaneously. The student is also capable of dealing with novel problems that significantly differ from the ones examined during the course. Furthermore, the student is capable of presenting the solutions to the problems in a logical and coherent manner, thus demonstrating a deeper understanding of the contents of the course.