module handbook
basic physics laboratory facilities
library and information retrieval facilities

an end of module test (1? hours) to test your knowledge and ability to solve problems across all learning outcomes (60%)
coursework (together worth 40% of the available marks and equivalent to a 1500 word essay in length) consisting of:
- carrying out, completing the data analysis and reporting on laboratory work (outcome iv
- assignment for practice in problem solving and applying the lecture material (outcomes i - iii)

Additional Assessment Information:
Students will be required to complete 2 pieces of summative assessment, namely coursework and an end of module examination. These will be used to assess both mastery of the subject of each module and the attainment of study skills. Both elements will be used to assess the former of these (these elements will, respectively, be given weightings of 40 % and 60%), whilst study skills will be wholly assessed via the coursework element. In each case, the nature of the coursework will be chosen to develop one or more facets of study skills, such as report writing, essay writing, oral presentation, problem solving, use of IT, teamwork and information retrieval. A tutor will be assigned to monitor and coordinate study skills provision across the modules, thereby ensuring that each student has the opportunity to attain and be assessed in each of the study skills learning outcomes. By the end of each teaching block, each student?s overall performance across all 7 of the study skills outcomes will have been assessed. For each student the mark attained will then form 40% of the coursework mark for each module. By this means, the study skills element of each module is given a weighting of 16% of the available marks (i.e. 0.4 x 40).

Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback via problem-solving and laboratory exercises, continuous informal feedback in class and mid-module test.

Subject Specific
You will attend interactive lectures interspersed with tutorials and demonstrations/ practical work (48 hours). This will be supported by independent study, library work, assignment work and revision (32 hours). Your formative learning will be aided by assignment work, including completing and reporting laboratory exercises. You will sit an end of module test and complete class and coursework assignments as your summative learning. Emphasis will be on student involvement.

Study Skills
When the Science Foundation Year is viewed as a whole, there are 72 hours of class contact and 96 hours of independent study (guided reading, tutorial tasks etc.) that are dedicated to study skills. All modules will have an equal share of this time. The 72 hours of class contact will be spread evenly throughout the teaching year and will be split between tutorials (48 hours) and IT workshops (24 hours). The tutorial programme will be designed to emphasise and develop independent study, whilst delivering the study skills indicative content outlined above. The dedicated IT workshops are to familiarise the students with the use of the common computer packages, indicated above, within a scientific context. The overall ethos will be one of encouraging active learning and developing a sense of responsibility for learning.

Subject Specific
The module provides foundation study of the principles and simple applications of the physics of electricity and heat. The approach should be qualitative, with quantitative analysis using simple equations and graphical methods, where appropriate.

The concepts of electrostatics, including charge and potential are introduced leading to discussion of electric current and energy in an electric circuit. The function and simple applications of the capacitor are discussed. The basics of d.c. electrical circuits are investigated including resistance and power. Basic ideas of magnetism, in particular as a consequence of electric currents, are explained. The principles of electromagnetic induction are introduced. Common applications of electrostatics and magnetism are used to explain phenomena where possible.

The concept of temperature scales, including Celsius and Kelvin, heat capacity and specific heat. The concept of latent heat associated with changes state will be discussed. Methods of heat transfer and the cooling law will be covered.

In this module, greater emphasis will be placed on heat, temperature and related concepts than on electricity and magnetism.

Study Skills
The study skills indicative content of this module is the same as that of all of the other modules of the Science Foundation Year.

An exploration of the scientific method, the nature of scientific truth, the strengths and weaknesses of scientific endeavour, the portrayal of science in the media and how scientific ideas are communicated. Skills associated with note taking, writing to communicate ideas, oral communication of scientific concepts, library utilisation, information gathering on the WWW, source distillation, revision and examination technique. The use of common computer packages, such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

An ability to:

1. think critically and examine practical problems from the scientific perspective.
2. collect, interpret and report results in a variety of media.
3. work individually and as a team member in the solving of problems.
4. show a basic working ability with a range of PC and IT based software.
5. display a basic understanding of the fundamental basis of scientific endeavour.
6. undertake self-appraisal of learning achievements and understand the need for and value of a reflective approach to intellectual and personal development and thereby have begun to develop a sense of awareness and a degree of responsibility for their own learning.
7. display familiarity and competence in the use of basic 'study skills'.

A level Physics, 2nd Ed; R Muncaster, Throne, 1985 (IBSN 0-85950-224-4)
GCSE Physics for You; K Johnson, Hutchinson, 1987 (IBSN 0-09-167491-3)

Meet the admissions requirements of the Science Foundation Year