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406-0023-AAL 7 Credits MSC D-BAUG
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Physics

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Steven Johnson
Enrolment ONLY for MSc students with a decree declaring this course unit as an additional admission requirement. Any other students (e.g. incoming exchange students, doctoral students) CANNOT enrol for this course unit.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:47:30

Abstract

This course gives an overview of important concepts in classical dynamics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, quantum physics, and special relativity. Emphasis is placed on demonstrating key phenomena using experiments, and in developing skills for quantitative problem solving.

Objective

The goal of this course is to make students able to explain and apply the basic principles and methodology of physics to problems of interest in modern science and engineering. An important component of this is learning how to solve new, complex problems by breaking them down into parts and applying approximations.

Content

Oscillations and waves in matter Thermodynamics (temperature, heat, equations of state, laws of thermodynamics, entropy, transport) Electromagnetism (electrostatics, magnetostatics, curcuits, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves, induction, electromagnetic properties of materials) Overview of quantum and atomic physics Introduction to special relativity

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture notes and exercise sheets will be distributed via Moodle.

Literature

P.A. Tipler and G. Mosca, Physics for scientists and engineers, W.H. Freeman and Company, New York

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Semesterly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 30 minutes

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
revision course / private study Physics
Self-study course. No presence required.
No time listed 210 h semesterly

Offered In