Mechanics 1

Undergraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

Goal:

The subject should provide the students with a thorough understanding of the fundamental laws, concepts, and ways of thinking in mechanics, and enable the students to apply these to physical problems.

Content:

The subject introduces kinematics and dynamics in multiple dimensions, energy and fields with special emphasis on interaction between objects, rigid bodies, rotation, statics, elasticity, and fluid mechanics. In laboratory exercises, simple experiments are conducted to illuminate key parts of the curriculum.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge

The student can

  • define and explain fundamental concepts in mechanics, such as velocity, acceleration, force, momentum, friction, energy, work, angular momentum, and center of mass
  • formulate fundamental laws in mechanics

Skills

The student can analyze and solve problems involving

  • kinematic equations in two and three dimensions, Newton's laws, energy considerations, statics and equilibrium, rotation of rigid bodies
  • fluid dynamics including pressure, buoyancy, and Bernoulli's equation
  • tension, compression, and deformation of rigid bodies

General Competence

The student should

  • understand how physical models can be used as tools to describe and explain processes and phenomena in nature and technology
  • be able to conduct simple experimental work using standard measuring instruments, assess measurement uncertainty, and write a laboratory report according to specified requirements
  • Can argue for solutions using principles of physics.

ECTS Credits

10 ECTS

Level of Study

Bachelor

Semester of Instruction

Spring

Place of Instruction

Bergen
Required Previous Knowledge
None
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
PHYS101: 5 ECTS
Access to the Course
For enrollment in the course, a study right related to the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences is required, as well as meeting any admission requirements that may apply.
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures, problem-solving workshops, exercise reviews, and laboratory sessions.
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

Two (2) laboratory exercises with peer assessment. Both exercises and peer assessments must be approved within the same semester. Additionally, it is mandatory to participate in the laboratory kickoff meeting.

Tests: Three knowledge tests will be organized. Two of the tests will be conducted digitally. The third test will be conducted in person. To be eligible for the final exam, the student must submit answers for the two digital tests and score at least 50% on the in person test.

Validity: The validity of the mandatory work requirements is six semesters, including the semester in which the exercises and tests are completed. All mandatory activities in the course must be approved in order to be eligible for the final exam. Non-approved mandatory activities grant the right to a reattempt, but only when capacity allows. In cases of limited capacity, students with valid absences from the activity will be given priority over students without valid absences.

Grading Scale
Grading for the course follows the A-F scale.
Assessment Semester
There is a regular examination every semester.
Reading List
The reading list will be available within June 1st for the autumn semester and December 1st for the spring semester.
Course Evaluation
Students are required to evaluate the teaching in accordance with UiB and the institute's quality assurance system.
Examination Support Material
Simple calculator in accordance with the model specified in the faculty's regulations, mathematical formula collection, and a printout of the Hierarchical Structure Principle for Mechanics. Students are responsible for verifying that their calculator is approved according to the faculty's examination regulations.
Programme Committee
The Programme Committee is responsible for the content, structure and quality of the study programme and courses. 
Course Administrator
Department of Physics and technology