2025
Introduction to Physics
Name: Introduction to Physics
Code: FIS14999L
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Physics
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Regime de Frequência: Presencial
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
To develop an interest in Physics.
To develop observation skills.
To learn about scientific thinking.
To know concepts and principles that allow for developing scientific thinking from a Physics perspective.
To understand the physical explanation of some natural phenomena.
To understand the contribution of science to technological development.
To develp attitudes and skills for collaborative work.
To stimulate and develop curiosity.
To develop observation skills.
To learn about scientific thinking.
To know concepts and principles that allow for developing scientific thinking from a Physics perspective.
To understand the physical explanation of some natural phenomena.
To understand the contribution of science to technological development.
To develp attitudes and skills for collaborative work.
To stimulate and develop curiosity.
Contents
1. Optics
Light, shadow and color. Reflection, refraction and dispersion of light. Optical phenomena in nature and technology.
2. Electricity and Magnetism
Electrification of objects.
Simple DC electrical circuits. Energy transfers and conversions.
Contact and distance forces. Interactions between magnets and between magnets and other objects. The Earth's magnetic field and the compass.
The electric coil and the electromagnet.
3. Mechanics
Translation and rotation movements. Balance of a rigid body. Scales and seesaws.
Rigidity and elasticity. Hooke's law for the elastic spring. Dynamometers.
Oscillatory movements. Elastic pendulum. Gravitational pendulum.
4. Hydrostatic
Density and fluctuation in liquids. Archimedes' principle. Galileo thermometer and densimeters.
Pascal's principle. Communicating vessels. Hydraulic elevator. Cartesian diver.
5. The sound
Vibrations and sound waves. Amplitude, frequency and speed of sound. Examples in music and others.
Light, shadow and color. Reflection, refraction and dispersion of light. Optical phenomena in nature and technology.
2. Electricity and Magnetism
Electrification of objects.
Simple DC electrical circuits. Energy transfers and conversions.
Contact and distance forces. Interactions between magnets and between magnets and other objects. The Earth's magnetic field and the compass.
The electric coil and the electromagnet.
3. Mechanics
Translation and rotation movements. Balance of a rigid body. Scales and seesaws.
Rigidity and elasticity. Hooke's law for the elastic spring. Dynamometers.
Oscillatory movements. Elastic pendulum. Gravitational pendulum.
4. Hydrostatic
Density and fluctuation in liquids. Archimedes' principle. Galileo thermometer and densimeters.
Pascal's principle. Communicating vessels. Hydraulic elevator. Cartesian diver.
5. The sound
Vibrations and sound waves. Amplitude, frequency and speed of sound. Examples in music and others.
Teaching Methods
- The methodologies adopted in this UC are based on theoretical-practical sessions in a laboratory context. The themes are developed using an essentially phenomenological physics. There are few expository moments. Teaching and learning take place fundamentally through the exploration of Physics laboratory experiments carried out in classes, some designed by the students themselves. Slide projections are also used, and didactic simulations and videos available online are explored. Information and study support materials are published in Moodle; it is where are the links to access Open Educational Resources available online.
Support for students outside of hours is provided during the weekly reception period.
Support for students outside of hours is provided during the weekly reception period.
Assessment
The final grade must be equal to or greater than 10.
- For students assessed in the Normal Season, attendance (75%) is mandatory and the assessment is based on work carried out throughout the period. During the Normal Exam Period, a debate session on these works may be justified.
This continuous assessment regime has 3 components:
Participation (20%): Completing homework, attending classes, sharing doubts, sharing information and questions about the progress of the group experience;
Individual Work (40%): Preparation of a portfolio on one of the topics covered in class;
Group Work (40%): Development of an experience with everyday materials (presentation, 20%, and delivery of the respective written document, 20%).
- For students assessed in the Appeal, Special and Extraordinary Seasons, the classification results from the theoretical-practical exam, with a laboratory component.
- For students assessed in the Normal Season, attendance (75%) is mandatory and the assessment is based on work carried out throughout the period. During the Normal Exam Period, a debate session on these works may be justified.
This continuous assessment regime has 3 components:
Participation (20%): Completing homework, attending classes, sharing doubts, sharing information and questions about the progress of the group experience;
Individual Work (40%): Preparation of a portfolio on one of the topics covered in class;
Group Work (40%): Development of an experience with everyday materials (presentation, 20%, and delivery of the respective written document, 20%).
- For students assessed in the Appeal, Special and Extraordinary Seasons, the classification results from the theoretical-practical exam, with a laboratory component.
Teaching Staff
- Maria da Graça Dias Carraça [responsible]
Certificações
