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Physics II - ELE00014F

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  • Department: Electronic Engineering
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: F
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module summary

This module extends from Physics I to develop your knowledge and appreciation of physics, and the ways in which physics is applied to problems in engineering and physical sciences. You will be expected to demonstrate skills in mathematical modelling and problem solving and continue to develop the theoretical background necessary to complete practical work in Skills for Engineering and the Physical Sciences 2.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

This module extends from Physics I to develop students’ knowledge and appreciation of physics, and the ways in which physics is applied to solve problems in engineering and physical sciences.

Module learning outcomes

On completion of this module students are expected to:

  • To develop an enthusiasm for studying Physics or Engineering at undergraduate level.

  • Use advanced theories, models and ideas to develop a scientific explanation of physical problems.

  • Apply core concepts from physics necessary to calculate numerical solutions to advanced problems.

  • Apply knowledge from Skills for Engineering and the Physical Sciences II and Mathematics II to solve physics problems.

Module content

Further mechanics: Gravitational Fields

Electromagnetism: Coulomb’s Law; electric fields and electric potential; magnetic fields and flux; applications of electromagnetism.

Electricity: Capacitor discharge; alternating current; AC circuit theory.

Optics: refraction; Snell’s Laws; lenses; applications of optics.

Waves and oscillations: properties of electromagnetic and mechanical waves; frequency, wavelength, & phase; reflection, refraction, & superposition; diffraction and interference; standing waves; simple harmonic motion, and resonance.

Atomic and nuclear physics: photoelectric emission; wave-particle duality; evidence for electron energy levels; radioactivity decay.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 80
Essay/coursework 5
Essay/coursework 5
Essay/coursework 5
Essay/coursework 5

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Coursework is non-reassessable. Exam is reassessable and will be combined with original coursework mark.

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 80

Module feedback

'Feedback’ at a university level can be understood as any part of the learning process which is designed to guide your progress through your degree programme. We aim to help you reflect on your own learning and help you feel more clear about your progress through clarifying what is expected of you in both formative and summative assessments. A comprehensive guide to feedback and to forms of feedback is available in the Guide to Assessment Standards, Marking and Feedback.

The School of PET aims to provide some form of feedback on all formative and summative assessments that are carried out during the degree programme. In general, feedback on any written work/assignments undertaken will be sufficient so as to indicate the nature of the changes needed in order to improve the work. The School will endeavour to return all exam feedback within the timescale set out in the University's Policy on Assessment Feedback Turnaround Time. The School would normally expect to adhere to the times given, however, it is possible that exceptional circumstances may delay feedback. The School will endeavour to keep such delays to a minimum. Please note that any marks released are subject to ratification by the Board of Examiners and Senate. Meetings at the start/end of each term provide you with an opportunity to discuss and reflect with your supervisor on your overall performance to date.

Indicative reading

Breithaupt J, Physics (Palgrave Foundation Series), 3rd Ed (2010)


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.