Module manager: Dr Julian Pittard
Email: J.M.Pittard@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
GCSE in Mathematics and Science-Physics or GCSE in Mathematics and Science Double Award.
PHYS0036 Fields and Electricity
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module is designed for students who have not had the opportunity of an Advanced Level (A level) education in Physics. This module covers the basics of gravitational, electrical and magnetic fields and electric circuits to an A level equivalent standard. This module will prepare students for entry to level 1 of an appropriate degree programme. The only prerequisite is GCSE level mathematics, or equivalent.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of:
1. The Universal Law of Gravitation, gravitational fields and gravitational potential.
2. Coulombs Law, electric fields and electrical potential difference.
3. DC electricity, simple electrical components and Kirchhoff’s Laws.
4. Magnetic fields and electromagnetism.
5. Electromagnetic induction, Faraday’s Law and Lenz’ Law.
6. AC electricity and transformers.
Problem Solving in basic Physics:
- The ability to model a physical problem.
- The ability to solve physical problems using mathematics.
- Gravity Gravitation, law of universal gravitation, gravitational force, gravitational potential, gravitational field. ‘Weighing’ the earth. Acceleration due to gravity, satellites, orbitals, escape speed.
-Electrostatics Static charges, Coulomb’s Law, electrical fields, electric potential, potential difference, permittivity.
- DC Electricity Charge and current. Electric fields and capacitors. Potential difference. Resistance and Resistivity. Kirchhoff’s Laws and simple circuits. Batteries.
- Magnetism Moving charges. Magnets and their fields. The link between electricity and magnetism - electromagnetism. Fields due to currents, flux density for a very long straight wire and a very long solenoid. Force on a current in a magnetic field.
- Electromagnetic Induction Electromagnetic induction. Magnetic flux, Faraday’s and Lenz’s laws, induced emf, generators, alternating currents, motors, back emf, transformers. Self-inductance.
- AC Electricity Alternating voltages and currents. Power in ac circuits. Electricity distribution and transformers.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workshop | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Lecture | 20 | 1 | 20 |
| Private study hours | 70 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 30 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
Private study: 67 hours.
Formative assessment in-lecture questions and workshop questions.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| In-course Assessment | Regular Coursework | 20 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 20 | |
Resits will be in standard exam format.
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2.0 Hrs 30 Mins | 80 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 80 | |
Students will have to complete an in-person exam at the end of the module. This will take place during the examinations period at the end of the semester and will be time bound.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 15/01/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team