SFY0015 : Foundation Physics A
SFY0015 : Foundation Physics A
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Tiago Marinheiro
- Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
GCSE Science and Mathematics at Grade C or above.
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
SFY0001 Basic Mathematics if below Grade C in GCSE Mathematics
Aims
To introduce the basic aspects of forces, fields, thermal physics, atomic and nuclear physics are introduced without a requirement for A level physics. The module includes a practical work element.
Outline Of Syllabus
Mechanics
Kinematics: units, dimensions, scalar and vector quantities, velocity, acceleration.
Forces: momentum, impulse, conservation of momentum, collisions. Newton’s laws. Gravitational and inertial mass.
Energy: work, energy, power, potential energy, conservation of energy.
Circular motion: angular velocity and acceleration, centripetal and centrifugal forces. Rotation about centre of mass, moment of inertia, angular momentum.
Fields: gravitational fields, potential and potential energy in fields. Inverse square law.
Structure of the atom
Atomic physics: Rutherford scattering experiment. The wave/particle nature of light. The photo- electric effect. The photon and atomic structure. The Bohr model of the hydrogen atom. The spectrum of atomic hydrogen. Multi-electron atoms. The Periodic Table. X-rays. X-ray production. Spectra. Absorption. Applications
Nuclear Physics: Atomic number, atomic weight, isotopes. Stability of nuclei.
Natural radioactivity: alpha, beta and gamma radiation. Sources of radiation. Half-life. Equation of radioactive decay.
Thermal & Material Physics
Temperature: temperature scales and thermometers.
Heat: Heat capacity and calorimetry. Heat transfer. Conduction. Convection. Radiation.
States of matter: Kinetic theory of gases. Ideal gas laws. Thermal expansion of solids and liquids. Elastic properties. Phase changes. Latent heats.
Experimental Physics
Experimental physics is introduced, providing practice in the basic skills in scientific measurement and a background to the theoretical concepts taught in the module.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
At the end of this module students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the elementary physics associated with:
• forces
• energy
• the structure of the atom and the interaction of light with atoms
• the structure of the nucleus
• radioactivity and radioactive decay
• thermometry, basic thermodynamics and properties of materials
Intended Skill Outcomes
At the end of this module students will be able to communicate effectively the scientific content of the module. This contributes to the written communications skills of the student. The scientific problem solving element enhances general problem solving skills and initiative.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 2 | 8:00 | 16:00 | 2 x In course assessment - problem solving exercises each requires: 5hrs preparation, 3hrs completion |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | Problem solving sessions |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 33 | 1:00 | 33:00 | Lecture (Approx. 3 per week) |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 18:00 | 18:00 | Exam revision |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:30 | 2:30 | Written exam |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | Asynchronous materials |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 6 | 3:00 | 18:00 | 6 Practical sessions. Includes worksheet submission |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | Reviewing learning at practical sessions |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 33 | 1:00 | 33:00 | Lecture Follow Up |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 51:30 | 51:30 | Background reading and research to re-enforce knowledge and understanding |
| Total | 200:00 |
Jointly Taught With
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SFY0022 | Mechanics |
| SFY0028 | Concepts in Thermal and Quantum Physics |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The lecture materials, lectures and notes provide all the knowledge-based requirements of the course. In addition the Online videos, Lectures and Problem solving sessions allows the material to be covered several times and reinforced through different methods. Pedagogically this should result in better understanding and increased retention.
The problem solving classes will help with general problem solving and to solidify their mathematical skills.
The practical part will link the lecture material with real life applications and provides an opportunity for the students to develop laboratory skills.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 150 | 1 | A | 68 | N/A |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | 6 | assessed by a worksheet which must be completed within the lab. |
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | 6 | assessed by a worksheet which must be completed within the lab. |
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | 6 | assessed by a worksheet which must be completed within the lab. |
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 7 | Small in-course assessment. Contains 10-15 questions |
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 7 | Small in-course assessment. Contains 10-15 questions |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | Formative practical |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The module is intended to provide a factual knowledge base. A formal written examination is most appropriate in this case. In addition, the format of the examination will enable students to reliably demonstrate their own knowledge, understanding and application of learning outcomes.
The in course assessments allow the students to develop their problem solving techniques, to practise the methods learnt in the module, to assess their progress and to receive feedback; these assessments have a secondary formative purpose as well as their primary summative purpose.
The practical sessions require an assessment to ensure that students engage positively with the tasks, and that the practical skill component of the intended skill outcomes is assessed.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- SFY0015's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- SFY0015's past Exam Papers
General Notes
This module contains lecture material that is taught in common with the module SFY0014
Original Handbook text:
Basic aspects of forces, fields, optics, atomic and nuclear physics are introduced without a requirement for A level physics. The module includes practical work.
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2025 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2026/27 entry will be published here in early-April 2026. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.