Physics
None. No specific prerequisites are needed.
The aim of the final exam is to verify the level of achievement of the training objectives, evaluating first of all the possession of the basic cognitive elements and therefore the student's ability to use them independently for the resolution of real problems. The exam subjects will be consistent with the types of topics and the study and analysis methods relating to the aspects covered. The learning assessment method is based on an oral test which must be carried out by presenting a paper related to a topic of the assisted course from extensive illustrative material such as graphs, images, spreadsheets and references.
Minimum requirement to pass the exam: preparation of a paper related to the topics of the course, basic knowledge of the topics
An excellent exam result will be considered the preparation of a paper related to the topics of the course, knowledge of scientific language, research and in-depth analysis of the topics with the use of graphics, diagrams and images that demonstrate autonomy in using the topics of the course to understand environmental issues and dynamics related to nature
The course aims to provide the student with the knowledge and essential skills to face the study of Physics, allowing the student to acquire a strict scientific method of reasoning and to apply this method to the study of the subjects they will deal with during the course of study, to use the knowledge and skills acquired, with the development of application skills to solve problems. Especially, knowledge relating to the main laws of classical physics will be acquired, according to the traditional articulation in the major chapters of Mechanics, Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism, with application capacity for solving problems. Knowledge of fluid dynamics, including the viscous case. Knowledge of the role of physical laws in some processes of the Earth System. The student will develop specific competence related to the development of communication skills a deeper knowledge of the scientific language and the skills of learning and individual judgment.
The teaching activity concerns the following topics in particular:
General Physics: physical quantities, kinematics of rectilinear uniform motion, kinematics of non-uniform rectilinear motion, kinematics in two and three dimensions, principles of dynamics and Newton's laws, kinetic energy, and work.
Fluid-dynamics: knowledge of Fluid-dynamics, including the viscous flow. Pascal and Archimedes' laws, Bernouilli's.
Thermodynamics: principles of thermodynamics and aspects related to heat and pressure. Analysis of the behavior of solids, liquids and gases. Carnot cycle. Free energies.
Electrostatics: electric charge, electric field, electric and gravitational forces, conductors and capacitors. Gauss's law. Ohm's and Joule's laws. Ampere's law.
Currents and Magnetism: electric current, energy and electric power, generators and circuits, magnetic field, dynamic electromotive force.
Introduction to electromagnetism (Maxwell equations) and applications
Elements of radioactivity
Elements of geophysics (seismic waves)
The topics covered as well as acquiring the basic and advanced knowledge for the treatment of specific issues of the subject, thanks to the skills and competences developed, will also allow to develop further skills for applying the knowledge acquired to the problems of the environmental context, for which the knowledge and understanding of Physics are of fundamental importance
Specifically, the following topics will be discussed: Elements of global environmental issues and related physical processes related to the Earth System; Review of the problematic components of the Earth system; Atmosphere and global warming; Production of energy and energy sources; Radioactivity; Core energy and slag; The physical laws of the Earth system; The physical laws of the global warming; Physical variables and climate models; Energy supply; Forms of production and estimation of resources; Air and water pollution; Loss of biological diversity; Deforestation and desertification;
As an indication, the following detailed hours will be dedicated to the main topics:
-32 hours for elements of Mechanics, Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism.
-14 hours for History and Philosophy of Science
- 16 hours for Climate Change, Global Warming, Environmental Pollution, Energy Efficiency, Kyoto / Montreal / Paris Protocol; Notes on Radioactivity and Nuclear Physics, Special and General Relativity and on Science & Society
The educational objectives of the course will be achieved through lectures and exercises (about 30%). In presence for Como, in videoconference for Varese. At the beginning of the lessons, based on the students requests, the teacher will provide clarifications and insights on the topics covered in the previous lessons. Any time during the lessons, it will also be possible to ask for clarifications
By appointment only agreed by e-mail
(maurizio.martellini@uninsubria.it)