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402-0023-01L 7 Credits BSC D-BAUG
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Physics

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Steven Johnson
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:01:13

Abstract

This course gives an overview of important concepts in classical dynamics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, quantum physics, atomic 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 simplifications. A secondary goal is to provide to students an overview of important subjects in both classical and modern physics.

Content

Electrodynamics, Thermodynamics, Quantum physics, Waves and Oscillations, 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

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 180 minutes
Aids
Summary on 30 A4-sheets (written on both sides). Official course notes, optionally with handwritten marginal notes. Non-programmable calculator. Mathematical Formulary: DMK/DPK/DCK, Bronstein, Papula. An appropriate translation dictionary is also permitted. Please note that printouts of slides shown during the lecture times or exercises are *NOT* permitted.
A bonus of 0.25 for the final grade can be obtained by satisfactory completion of short quizzes to be conducted each week (minimum 7 quizzes with passing score, out of 13 total). The maximum score of 6 is attainable in the final exam without this bonus.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Physics
  • Wed 09:45-11:30 (HPH G 3)
  • Fri 08:45-11:30 (HPH G 3)
5 h weekly
exercise Physics
Do 8-10 für Studiengang Bauingenieurwissenschaften Do 14-16 für Umweltingenieurwissenschaften
  • Thu 07:45-09:30 (HCI D 4)
  • Thu 07:45-09:30 (HCI D 6)
  • Thu 07:45-09:30 (HCI F 8)
  • Thu 07:45-09:30 (HIT F 31.1)
  • Thu 07:45-09:30 (HIT K 51)
  • Thu 08:00-09:35 (HIL D 60.1)
  • Thu 13:45-15:30 (HIT F 31.2)
  • Thu 13:45-15:30 (HIT K 51)
2 h weekly

Offered In