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Introduction to physics [ LPHYS1000 ]


4.0 crédits ECTS  30.0 h + 15.0 h   2q 

Teacher(s) Bricmont Jean ;
Language French
Place
of the course
Louvain-la-Neuve
Main themes Depending on the audience's interests, the course introduces to some of the important ideas of physics, to be chosen from among Newton's mechanics, Maxwell's electromagnetism, Einstein's theories of special and general relativity, quantum physics, the physics of condensed matter or the theories of the elementary particles. It concludes with some of the challenges left unanswered by modern physics. No detailed mathematical formulation is developed. Rather, emphasis is put throughout on a discussion of the basic concepts and their actual significance. Applications of these fundamental sciences to advanced modern technologies are also highlighted.
Aims The fundamental natural sciences, and especially physics, are as much part of the common cultural heritage of humankind as are the arts and the humanities understood in the broadest terms. Indeed, within its specific methodology physics itself attempts to grasp the basic meaning of the Universe and Man's place within it. From the perspective of an exposure to the general culture of science offered to students in the humanities, with only little use of the mathematical language the course discusses the basic and essential significance of the concepts underlying the "revolutions" of physics having led to modern physics. Some common advanced technologies stemming from these advances are also described. The course closes with some of the open challenges of which the possible resolutions will define the physics of the XXIst century.
Other information Method Weekly lectures course. The student will have to produce a written essay by the end of the course. Practical sessions are organised, the contents of which depend on the themes selected for the course, and may include some experimental realisations, simple mathematical modeling, or bibliographical searches in relation to the course matter. Prerequisites Basic physics and mathematics concepts at the high school level. Evaluation To be specified by the lecturer. Course material and references Robert H. March, Physics for Poets, 3rd Edition (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1992). Other material and references will be suggested by the lecturer depending on the course's contents and methods.
Cycle et année
d'étude
> Bachelor in Information and Communication
> Bachelor in Philosophy
> Bachelor in Pharmacy
> Bachelor in Psychology and Education: General
> Bachelor in Economics and Management
> Bachelor in Motor skills : General
> Bachelor in Human and Social Sciences
> Bachelor in Sociology and Anthropology
> Bachelor in Political Sciences: General
> Bachelor in History of Art and Archaeology : General
> Bachelor in Mathematics
> Bachelor in History
> Bachelor in Biomedicine
> Bachelor in Religious Studies
> Bachelor in Ancient and Modern Languages and Literatures
> Bachelor in Engineering : Architecture
> Bachelor in Ancient languages and Literatures : Classics
> Bachelor in Computer Science
> Bachelor in Modern Languages and Literatures: German, Dutch and English
> Bachelor in French and Romance Languages and Literatures : General
> Bachelor in Modern Languages and Literatures : General
> Bachelor in Ancient Languages and Literatures: Oriental Studies
> Bachelor in Engineering
Faculty or entity
in charge
> PHYS


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