Ateneo - UPO

The purpose of the course is to provide students the basic knowledge of the fundamental laws of classical physics and some elements of modern physics.

Slides explained and shown during the classes and published on the course web page.
Any undergraduate textbook where topics are discussed using integrals and derivatives is suitable. For example:
G. Duncan: “Fisica per Scienze Biomediche”, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana (CEA);
Giancoli, Fisica 2ed., CEA 2006;
Walker, Fondamenti di fisica, Zanichelli, 2005;
Serway, Principi di fisica, 3ed, EdiSES, 2004;
Halliday, Fondamenti di fisica 1 e 2, CEA, 2006.

The course aims to deepen the elements of physics tha may be useful for the degree and to start the students to the methodologies of analysis of experimental data.
The course aims to put the student in a position to understand the fundamental principles and laws of classical physics and to apply them in simple contexts.

Basic knowledge of mathematics (e.g.: algebra, geometry, elementary calculus). The Mathematics course is considered preparatory.

Lectures in the classroom with slide presentations. Occasional use of the blackboard for exercises.

Learning control with examples of closed-answer quizzes
on theoretical parts.

The examination consists of an individual written test lasting 1 hour. The test assesses the ability to apply the knowledge acquired during the course and is composed of 14 multiple-choice questions and 8 open-ended questions. The level of difficulty of the questions corresponds to the syllabus covered and to the reference texts indicated on DIR. For the multiple-choice questions, 1 point is awarded for each correct answer, while for the open-ended questions, 2 points are awarded for each correct answer. During the test it is not permitted to consult notes or textbooks. The evaluation is expressed in thirtieths, and the test is passed with a grade equal to or greater than 18. A passing grade is obtained by demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts and the main results of classical physics, as well as the ability to recognize the correct methods for solving simple physics problems. The examination is intended to verify the acquisition of the conceptual and methodological tools necessary for the understanding of physical phenomena, whose knowledge is essential for the interpretation of biological phenomena and for a solid foundation in classical physics.

Concept of measurement and error – Accuracy and precision
Measurements and physical laws – Scalars – vectors.
Mechanics: Kinematics - Forces - Laws of dynamics - Work - Energy Conservation
Calorimetry and thermodynamics: Temperature - Gases and thermal properties of matter - Transformations - Ideal gas laws - Principles of thermodynamics
Elements of fluid dynamics: Statics and fluid mechanics - Properties of fluids -
Optics –Geometrical optics - Interference, diffraction, polarization of light -
Elements of electromagnetism (electric field, electrc currents, magnetic field, Maaxwell's equations) -Electromagnetic waves

"Knowledge and understanding": Acquisition of in-depth knowledge on the phenomena of physics, knowledge of the concepts and applications of the fundamental laws of classical physics (mechanics, thermodynamics, optics and electromagnetism), acquisition of appropriate scientific language.

"Knowledge and understanding skills applied": knowing how to identify the data necessary to characterize a physical phenomenon; ability to interpret data and understand orders of magnitude, ability to apply the fundamental principles and laws of physics to solve problems and describe natural phenomena. Ability to use the teaching material for a critical and reasoned study.

"Autonomy of judgment": acquisition of a conscious autonomy of judgment with reference to the evaluation and interpretation of physical phenomena and experimental data, with particular attention to the ability to observe, to describe and compare the phenomena of physics, to the ability to propose generalizations and the ability to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired to the proposed problems.

"Communication skills": perfecting the disciplinary lexicon in the field of physics.

"Learning skills": acquisition of the ability to acquire, deepen and update independently, by reading scientific texts. Ability to use the teaching material for a critical study.