Course overview
This course provides an introduction to sensing and imaging as applied to biological systems and earth science. It is intended to provide a background in physics at university level for students who wish to major in biological sciences (Physics I and Mathematics I are recommended for students interested in Biophysics or Geophysics). The emphasis is on physics concepts and their application to relevant problems rather than on the more theoretical or mathematical development of concepts. It includes a study of oscillations, waves and sound, geometric and physics optics, electricity and magnetism, X-rays and radioactivity. Practical problem solving.
Course learning outcomes
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of the physical principles that describe oscillations, waves, optics, modern sensors and electromagnetism
- Use algebraic methods to make qualitative and semi-quantitative predictions about the behaviour of the aforementioned systems
- Apply an understanding of physical principals to familiar and unfamiliar situations in the life and earth sciences
- make appropriate use of standard measurement and data analysis techniques
- identify random and systematic uncertainties in experiments
- draw non-trivial and quantitatively precise conclusions from experimental results
- work cooperatively in a team to complete a task in a limited time
- confidently communicate results about the physical world both orally and in writing
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