Access Course In Physics (Engineering)
The course is suitable for candidates who can respond to a level of challenge, especially those considering further study or a career in physics and related disciplines.
Deliverer
University Of Aberdeen
Course Outline
You’ll cover the following areas of SCQF Level 6 (Higher) and Level 7 (Advanced Higher) physics. These topics are necessary for engineering students.
Force and Motion
- Introduction to vectors (scalars and vectors; vector components; vector resolution into x and y components; adding vectors)
- Motion — equations and graphs
- Forces. Newton’s laws.
- Forces. Equilibrium of forces at a point. Equilibrium of a rigid body.
- Types of support
- Collisions, explosions and impulse
- Kinematic relationships
- Angular motion
- Rotational dynamics
Energy
- Forms of energy (transformation of energy; mechanical work)
- Gravitational potential and kinetic energy (conservation of energy; power)
- Thermal energy (temperature and heat; thermal equilibrium; heat capacity; specific heat; latent heat; thermal balance)
Electricity and Electromagnetism
- Electrostatics (forces on charged particles; Coulomb’s law; electric field)
- Current, potential difference, power, and resistance
- Electrical circuits (resistors in series; resistors in parallel)
- Kirchoff’s current law; Kirchoff’s voltage law
- Capacitors
- Semiconductors and p-n junctions
- Electromagnetism
Waves
- The Standard Model
- Wave-particle duality
- Spectra
- Interference, refraction, and reflection of light
- Simple harmonic motion and waves
- Polarisation
Course Assessment
Students have to submit two assessment works. The assessments are marked at five fixed points each year, called exit points. Students will receive a grade according to the Common Grading Scale.
Links to further information
Potential Pathways beyond this course:
University Of Aberdeen
