FYS1050 – Physics for the public
Course content
This course gives an introduction to physics as a research field and to its methodology, as well as to the large and small questions that engage physicists today. The goal of the course is both to provide an understanding of fundamental physics at a descriptive level, and to introduce current topics at the research frontier. This includes topics of both practical and purely curiosity-driven nature, from nuclear power to cosmology via quantum computers.
The course is offered as an organized series of lectures by experts in each specific topic. The target audience for the course is anyone fascinated by physics, and those that want to update themselves on the fundamental role played by physics in today's society. No prior knowledge of physics is required.
Learning outcome
After completing the course:
- you will have a foundational understanding of physics as a research field today, and the scientific method as applied in physics.
- you will be familiar with the physics behind significant issues in today's society, such as climate change and energy production, at a descriptive level that allows you to engage critically with news and political discourse.
- you will understand the physics behind possible technical solutions such as nuclear power (fusion and fission), quantum technology and computing, medical imaging, as well as radiation therapy and nuclear technology used in cancer treatment.
- you will know what our current understanding of the universe is on the smallest and largest scales, including quantum physics, the standard models of particle physics and cosmology, and what important unresolved questions we seek to answer, such as the origin of matter, and the existence of dark matter and dark energy.
- you will have a basic understanding of the physics behind trending topics such as manned space travel, brain physics, climate change, the aurora, satellites, solar cells, superconductivity, and wind power.
The list of topics is not exhaustive, and the selection may vary from year to year.
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.
Formal prerequisite knowledge
The course requires no prior knowledge beyond Higher Education Entrance Qualification.
Since the course does not require specialization in physics or mathematics from high school, it is suitable for anyone who wants to learn more about physics at a descriptive level without the heavy mathematical framework. The lectures will only assume knowledge of mathematics needed for the Higher Education Entrance Qualification.
Teaching
The course is given over a full semester with 5 hours of teaching per week:
- 4 hours of lecture
- 1 hour of group discussions
In the group discussions, you have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss topics from the current week's lectures.
Examination
- Midterm home exam with multiple-choice questions, 1 hour, counting for 20 % of the final grade.
- Final written exam with multiple-choice questions, 4 hours, counting for 80 % of the final grade.
Examination support material
- Applies to the midterm exam: all support material is allowed
- Applies to the final exam: 4 pages with your own notes (A4 page, written on both sides)
Language of examination
The examination text is given in Norwegian. You may submit your response 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
Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are?offered a postponed examination at the beginning of the next semester.
Re-scheduled examinations are not offered to students who withdraw during, or did not pass, the original examination
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.