Key facts
Details for course being taught in current academic year
Level 1 - 18 credits - spring and summer terms
E-learning links
Resources
Course description
Course outline
The aim of physics is to understand the physical world around us, from the smallest sub-atomic particles to the entire Universe. This course provides an insight into the physicists’ view of the world in as far as this is accessible to non-science students. A particular emphasis will be placed on our knowledge of the very small, described by quantum theory, and the very large, the study of cosmology. The course will examine and discuss concepts like e.g. those put forward in Stephen Hawking’s book A Brief History of Time. After taking this course, you will be amongst the select few who not just have such books on their bookshelves, but who can understand them!
Learning outcomes
Briefly describe our current state of knowledge about the basic structure of the physical world.
Describe important concepts of modern physics and their importance in science, technology, and everyday life.
Understand the importance of the role of quantum theory in modern science and technology.
Distinguish observational facts from theoretical inferences.
Read, summarize and critique popular articles on quantum physics and other parts of modern physics.
Computing
Possibly Maple for visualisation.
Library
To be selected.
Assessments
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 100.00% | |
| Multiple Choice Test | Spring Week 10 (30 minutes) | 15.00% |
| Essay | Summer Week 6 | 50.00% |
| Multiple Choice Test | Summer Week 6 (30 minutes) | 15.00% |
| Presentation | Summer Week 10 | 20.00% |
Resit mode of assessment
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (2500 words) | Summer Vacation Week 10 Thu 16:00 | 100.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
Teaching methods
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring+Summer Terms | LECTURE | 1 hour | 2222222222 |
| Spring+Summer Terms | SEMINAR | 1 hour | 1111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Contact details
Dr Claudia Eberlein
Assess convenor
http://www.sussex.ac.uk/physics/profile30748.html
Dr Daniel Litim
Assess convenor, Convenor
http://www.sussex.ac.uk/physics/profile198336.html