OVERVIEW

The basic teaching of Physics at the Degree of Statistics is aimed at enhancing observation and reasoning skills. Particular importance is given to the ability to describe phenomena with appropriate simplifying assumption and mathematical model, identifying the validity limits of the model. The program provides an introduction to Mechanics and Thermodynamics with brief notes on statistical aspects.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Intended learning outcomes are: to understand the fundamental laws of Mechanics and Thermodynamics; to solve simple problems concerning Mechanics or Thermodynamics.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

- Students will be able to describe the main physical phenomena in Mechanics and Thermodynamics using simple macroscopic and microscopic mathematical models. 
- Students will be able to apply physical principles to solve simple problems (that are the model of a real case study).

PREREQUISITES

Basic concepts of calculus are used, as well as sum and product of vectors. 

TEACHING METHODS

Classroom lectures with examples and solved problems. The course includes about 52 hours of lectures and 20 hours of applications and  problem solving.

Students' participation is solicited in setting up and solving problems.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The Scientific method. Physical quantity  and  units.  Measurement errors. Fundamental principles of Mechanics, Newton’s Laws of motion applied to mass points, systems of particles. The conservation of energy;  conservation of linear momentum.  Introduction to fluid statics and fluid dynamics. The laws of thermodynamics and their statistical basis. (Microscopic models: ideal gas, Van der Waals gas, entropy and number of microscopic states). Any new topic is introduced with a familiar example and the general principle is followed by further examples; model are frequently used to provide an approximate description of a real process. Basic concepts of calculus are used.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

D.Halliday, R.Resnick, Fundamentals Of Physics, tenth Edition, Jonh Wiley & Sons

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

LUCA VATTUONE (President)

ANNALISA RELINI

GIANANGELO BRACCO (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The class will start according to the academic calendar in september 2021

https://servizionline.unige.it/unige/stampa_manifesto/MF/2023/8766.html

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of a written test and an oral examination.

 The written test consists in solving two simple problems: a Mechanical Problem,  and a Thermodynamics problem. The duration of the test is two hours. Reading ability of text and modeling of the problem is required.  The passed test holds valid throughout the academic year.

The oral exam consists of a brief discussion of the written test, followed by one or two questions on general topics of the program. The duration of the oral exam is about half an hour. If the written test is passed with a (minimum) rating of 27/30 the topic of the oral exam can be chosed by the student. The date of the oral exam may be agreed by the students at the time of the written test.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The written test is divided into multiple questions for each problem. This articulation allows students to demonstrate the extent to which the intended learning outcomes have been achieved: - ability to model simple phenomena, - ability to identify the physical laws that describe them, - ability to apply them.

The oral exam is used to clarify any deficiencies shown in the written and to verify through some questions on the main topics of the program the knowledge and understanding of the main physical laws introduced in the course and their scope, the ability to express the knowledge acquired with an appropriate language.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Attendance of the lessons is not formally compulsory but it is highly recommended.

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sergio Di Domizio (sergio.didomizio@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.