Physics

Recommended Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of Physics; knowledge of Calculus at the level of "Matemática A" (12th year, high-school)

Teaching Methods

Mixed theory and exercise lectures with constant references to data from physical systems whose acquisition and handling might be of interest to Data Science and Engineering students. We emphasize everyday situations that can be explained using the physical concepts included in the syllabus. In this way we try to illustrate the usefulness and the importance of  physics as a stuctural discipline in scientific and thechnological courses. Classroom experimental demonstrations will be performed to help students to learn the subject.

Learning Outcomes

- Recognise and use basic concepts of Physics to understand several data acquisition devices used in Data Science and Engineering (DSE).
- Analyse, synthesise and process information.
- Know how to use physics methodologies and techniques, applying them in situations of interest to DSE.
- Recognise the importance of physics in the interpretation and explanation of problems in DSE, science and technology.
- Prepare, process, interpret and communicate physical information, using bibliographical sources relevant, an appropriate speech and the right tools in classroom.
- Generic skills to achieve
. Competence in analysis and synthesis;
. Competence to solve problems;
. Competence in critical thinking;
. Competence in autonomous learning;
. Professional ambition;
. Competency in organisation and planning;
. Competence in oral and written communication;
. Competence in information management;
. Adaptability to new situations;
. Creativity.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

MECHANICS OF PARTICLES AND FIELDS:
Newton's Laws
Friction forces
Conservative forces and potential energy
Mechanical energy
Linear momentum
Torque and angular momentum

FLUID MECHANICS
Fundamental principles of hydrostatics
Dynamics of non-viscous fluids
Viscosity, non-newtonian fluids

OSCILLATIONS
Simple harmonic oscillator
Damped and forced oscillations and resonances

WAVES
Progressive and stationary waves
Transverse and longitudinal waves
Reflection, refraction and absorption
Sound waves, sound and ultrasound
Doppler effect

ELECTROMAGNETISM
Electric charge and Coulomb's law
Electric field and electric potential
Electric current and DC circuits
Magnetic field
Sources of magnetic field

OPTICS
Wave nature of light: electromagnetic spectrum
Interference, diffraction and polarization

MODERN PHYSICS
Basic principles of Quantum Mechanics
Lasers: basic aspects
Introduction to Nuclear Physics

Head Lecturer(s)

Vítor Hugo Nunes Rodrigues

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Mini Tests: 20.0%
Frequency: 40.0%
Exam: 40.0%

Bibliography

Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics

Raymond A. Serway, John Jewett

Brooks/Cole (9th edition, 2013); ISBN: 978-1133953

Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics

Douglas C. Giancoli

Pearson (4th edition, 2008); ISBN: 978-0136074809

Sears and Zemansky’s University Physics with Modern Physics
Hugh D. Young and Roger A. Freedman
Addison-Wesley (13th edition, 2012); ISBN: 978-0-321-69686-1