Course content

This course gives a thorough introduction to Newtonian mechanics and special relativity and serves as the basis for further studies in physics and related sciences. Both calculus-based analytical and numerical methods are used to solve mechanical problems.

Learning outcome

After completing the course, you:

  • are able to analyze forces that act on objects, apply Newton’s laws to determine the equations of motion, and solve these both analytically and numerically.
  • are able to describe the rotational motion of rigid bodies using torque, moment of inertia, and angular momentum, and apply Newton’s second law for rotational motion to solve the equations of motion.
  • are able to apply conservation laws for mechanical energy, momentum, and angular momentum to solve static and dynamic problems and to analyze collisions between bodies.
  • know the definitions that are relevant for elasticity theory.
  • manage to apply Lorentz transformations for position and velocity and explain length contraction and time dilation.
  • manage to apply different strategies to solve specific problems, introduce approximations if necessary, and interpret results and discuss these in a wider context.

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

Special admission requirements

In addition to fulfilling the Higher Education Entrance Qualification, applicants have to meet the following special admission requirements:

  • Mathematics R1 (or Mathematics S1 and S2) + R2

And in addition one of these:

  • Physics (1+2)
  • Chemistry (1+2)
  • Biology (1+2)
  • Information technology (1+2)
  • Geosciences (1+2)
  • Technology and theories of research (1+2)

The special admission requirements may also be covered by equivalent studies from Norwegian upper secondary school or by other equivalent studies 

Knowledge of high school physics is strongly recommended.

Overlapping courses

Teaching

The first lecture is mandatory. If you are unable to attend, the Department of Physics has to be informed no later than the same day (studieinfo@fys.uio.no), or else you will lose your place in the course.

The course extends over a full semester with 6 hours of teaching per week:

  • 4 hours of lectures
  • 2 hours of group teaching

Submission of assignments is required. 5 of 6 assignments must be approved before you can sit the final exam. All assignments must be submitted in the same semester, and approved assignments are valid for five years.

Regulations for mandatory assignments can be found here.

Examination

  • Midterm home exam which counts 20 % towards the final grade.
  • Final written exam, 4 hours, which counts 80 % towards the final grade.

When writing your exercises make sure to familiarize yourself with the rules for use of sources and citations. Breach of these rules may lead to suspicion of attempted cheating.

5 out of 6 exercises must be approved before you can sit the final exam.

Examination support material

  • Approved calculator
  • Rottman: "Matematisk formelsamling"
  • Øgrim og Lian: Størrelser og enheter i fysikk og teknikk
  • Angell, Lian, Øgrim:"Fysiske størrelser og enheter: Navn og symboler"

Language of examination

You may write your examination paper in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

Resit an examination

This course offers both postponed and resit of examination. Read more:

More about examinations at UiO

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.

Last updated from FS (Common Student System) Mar. 18, 2024 3:45:10 AM

Facts about this course

Level
Bachelor
Credits
10
Teaching
Spring

This course is taught for the last time spring 2022.

The course is last held spring 2022

Examination
Spring

Examination is last held spring 2024

Teaching language
Norwegian