Course content

This course gives a thorough introduction to Newtonian mechanics and special relativity and serves as the basis for further studies in physics and related sciences. Both calculus-based analytical and numerical methods are used to solve mechanical problems.

Learning outcome

After completing the course, you are able to:

  • apply scaling arguments, know about physical units and dimensions, and uncertainties in measurements.
  • analyze forces that act on objects, apply Newton’s laws to determine the equations of motion, and solve these both analytically and numerically.?
  • apply conservation laws for mechanical energy, momentum, and angular momentum to solve static and dynamic problems and to analyze collisions between bodies.
  • apply different solving strategies to various physics problems, introduce and assess approximations if necessary, and interpret and discuss the results in a physics context.
  • solve some differential equations.
  • implement numerical methods for an approximate calculation of the derivative and the integral of general functions, and as an approximate solution of differential equations.
  • estimate errors in numerical methods by using Taylor's theorem with the remainder.
  • derive simple mathematical models for physical problems by use of derivatives, integrals, and various types of equations.
  • perform simple experiments, treat the measurements numerically, and compare them to analytical or numerical models.?
  • apply Lorentz transformations for position and velocity and explain length contraction and time dilation.

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for?in Studentweb.

Special admission requirements

In addition to fulfilling the?Higher Education Entrance Qualification, applicants have to meet the following special admission requirements:

  • Mathematics R1 (or Mathematics S1 and S2) + R2

And in addition one of these:

  • Physics (1+2)
  • Chemistry (1+2)
  • Biology (1+2)
  • Information technology (1+2)
  • Geosciences (1+2)
  • Technology and theories of research (1+2)

The special admission requirements may also be covered by?equivalent studies from Norwegian upper secondary school or by other equivalent studies?(in Norwegian).

Knowledge of high school physics is strongly recommended.

Overlapping courses

Teaching

The first lecture is mandatory. If you are unable to attend, the Department of Physics has to be informed no later than the same day (studieinfo@fys.uio.no), or else you will lose your place in the course.

The course extends over a full semester with 6 hours of teaching per week:

  • 2 hours of lectures
  • 2 hours of seminars (with work in groups)
  • 2 hours of group teaching

?You are required to submit assignments.?5 of 5 assignments, in addition to 2 experiments must be approved before you can sit for the final exam.?It is mandatory to attend the teaching when the experiments are conducted.?

Regulations for mandatory assignments can be found?here.

All assignments must be submitted in the same semester, and approved assignments are valid for five years.

Examination

  • Written midterm exam, 3 hours, which counts 20 % towards the final grade.
  • Final written exam, 4 hours, which counts 80 % towards the final grade.

The course includes mandatory assignments that need to be approved before you can sit for the final exam.

It will also be counted as one of the three attempts to sit the exam for this course, if you sit the exam for one of the following courses: FYS-MEK1110 – Mechanics (discontinued)

Examination support material

Language of examination

You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish or Danish.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F?is a fail. Read more about?the grading system.

Resit an examination

This course offers both postponed and resit of examination. Read more:

More about examinations at UiO

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.

Last updated from FS (Common Student System) Dec. 22, 2024 12:48:26 PM

Facts about this course

Level
Bachelor
Credits
10
Teaching
Spring and autumn
Examination
Spring and autumn
Teaching language
Norwegian

Contact

Department of Physics