Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will be able to understand the concepts of basis and related concepts :

  • optics
  • radioactivity
  • modern physics, in a very simplified version

The student will be led to understand the subject in depth, beyond the simple knowledge of laws and concepts.

Goals

The objectives of the course are

  • to provide a solid foundation of knowledge in physics, in areas related to optics, radioactivity and modern physics.
  • to highlight the close links between these areas of physics and the other sciences.

The student will be led to understand the subject in depth, beyond the simple knowledge of laws and concepts.

Content

This physics course is based on observations, from which lessons are drawn, rigorous reasoning and the deduction of physical laws. These laws are then applied to the explanation of phenomena related to everyday life or to nature.

Table of contents

  • Chapter 1: Light
    • Light 
    • The electromagnetic spectrum and light sources
    • Colour 
  • Chapter 2: Optical media and light
    • Optical media 
    • Reflection 
    • Refraction 
    • Dispersion 
    • Total reflection 
    • Optical media and polarisation 
  • Chapter 3: Optical instruments.
    • Introduction and concepts 
    • Mirrors and reflection 
    • Lenses and refraction 
    • The eye and its defects 
    • Instruments
  • Chapter 4: The wave properties of light - Physical optics.
    • Young's experiment
    • Diffraction gratings
    • Diffraction
    • Thin films and interference
  • Chapter 5: Corpuscular properties of light - Duality.
    • The photoelectric effect
    • The photon
    • Wave properties of matter
  • Chapter 6: Nuclear physics: basic concepts.
  • Chapter 7: Physical laws and principles.
  • Chapter 8: Radioactivity and time.
  • Chapter 9: The nature of radiation.
  • Chapter 10: Interactions of radiation with matter.
  • Chapter 11: Applications of radioactivity to dating.
     

Assessment method

  • A written examination on theory and exercises (TD) is organised in session.
  • The modalities will be explained in the course.
  • Composition of the final score :
    • 3/4 theory
    • 1/4 TD

Sources, references and any support material

  • All course materials and information are posted on webcampus.
  • Syllabus, slides.
  • The student is required to regularly check the distribution channels related to the course:
    • Teams is used for interactive activities (information, questions/answers, important messages, etc.)
    • Webcampus is used for the deposit of documents (slides, videos, practical exercises, etc.)

Language of instruction

French
Training Study programme Block Credits Mandatory
Bachelor in Geology Standard 0 3
Bachelor in Geography : General Standard 0 3
Bachelor in Geology Standard 1 3
Bachelor in Geography : General Standard 1 3