KL3004 - Applications of Physics

You will learn through a combination of lectures and problem solving sessions (some practical), as well as directed and independent learning. The lectures will follow an integrated approach to learning with initial information dissemination, followed by the opportunity to practice the application of knowledge through structured questions and a formative approach to assessment with problems to solve. Seminar sessions will allow you to contextualise further the topics introduced in the lectures. You will also be provided with passages of contemporary text and research papers to read and respond to during seminars. There will also be online problem solving activities (Isaac Physics) which will be completed between lectures. Some sessions will involve group tasks to foster teamwork and enhance your knowledge of the contexts through peer engagement.

During the problem solving seminars, module tutors will provide verbal feedback and comments. Such comments may be generic and applicable to all students, or could be more directed to your individual learning and understanding of the subject. Appropriate use of the eLearning Portal (online platform) is made in the module where the module taught content is provided along with links to both the reading list support, tutorial questions and appropriate web sites providing deeper or further contexts in relation to the topics in the module. You will be additionally supported in this module in the form of Individual contact -- students may visit the office of Lecturers/Lab tutors to ask questions related to the module outside the scheduled contact time.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Indicative texts are: Storm in a tea cup: The physics of everyday life, H.Czerski, Bantam Press, 2016; Physics, J.Breithaupt, Pagrave, 2015, 4th Ed.

You will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:
MLO1. Demonstrate the use of physics concepts in an applied context.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MLO2. Use appropriate physics knowledge to interpret a range of physics problems.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
MLO3. Describe information and ideas in written and oral form.
MLO4. Manage time and resources to complete assignments.

Summative Assessment:
There will be 2 summative assessments.

1. CW – Written assignment (50%) as a research report (MLO1, MLO2, MLO3, MLO4) (2000 words max).

2. CW – Written assignment on scientific literature (50%) aimed at assessing the understanding of the content and of the use of physical principles in one or more scientific papers (MLO1, MLO2, MLO3, MLO4) (2000 words max or equivalent limit)


Formative assessment
Verbal formative feedback will be provided in problem solving seminars. This feedback will assist students in advancing their knowledge and understanding of the subject matter. Online feedback will be provided using Isaac Physics.

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Applications of Physics introduces you to a wide range of real-world contexts where physics concepts are key for understanding. The module focuses on waves and oscillations, material properties, particle and nuclear physics and the nature of light. The module further shows how these concepts can be used in a variety of ways to help you in analysing and solving physical problems. Problem solving seminars will allow you to put this into practice, and also introduce some hands-on practical problems solving activities. The module is assessed by means of a written research report assignment and a written paper review assignment, weighting 50% and 50% of the final mark respectively. These assignments will support the development of your subject knowledge and also your ability to present information in written forms. These are key employability skills that are valued by employers.