Description

Problem-solving is the process of answering questions by using reasoning beyond the mere application of pre-learned procedures. This is a synoptic module that presents students with unfamiliar problems to solve. It requires them to draw on the skills and knowledge of core physics they have built up over their three years at University in order to develop their own solutions to these problems.

Module Aims

Professional physicists are expected to able to tackle many problems by the appropriate application of basic physical laws and by doing so demonstrate their knowledge of the relevant laws and deepen their understanding of the physical world. The ability to solve problems is also an essential life-skill, and most physics graduates earn a living not from their detailed knowledge of physics, but from their ability to solve their employers' problems. The aim of this module is to develop students' problem-solving ability and experience.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

A student who has passed this module should be able to:

• Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  1. use core physics knowlege and skills from Stages 1-3 of a Physics programme to solve unfamiliar problems;
• Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  2. transform textual and/or diagrammatic descriptions of systems into mathematical models;
  3. identify relevant and irrelevant information in a stated problem and supplement it with the general and subject-specific knowledge required to obtain a solution;
  4. design, execute and check a solution to a physical problem;
  5. solve problems and check solutions by considering and/or exploiting: dimensional analysis, symmetry, scaling properties, functional form, algebraic validity, limiting values and special cases, numerical reasonableness and units, etc.;
  6. make and justify appropriate estimates and approximations.
  7. explain and resolve paradoxes;
  8. identify the basic physical laws relevant to solving problems involving unfamiliar systems;
  9. identify, and correct, fallacious reasoning and/or the incorrect application of physical laws;
• Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
  10. present written solutions to problems in a manner that makes clear the methods, reasoning and assumptions used.

Syllabus Plan

The examination may consist of problems on any area of physics. However, these will be soluble by applying laws and techniques included within the core modules common to the Physics programmes that include this module. Booklets of past questions and their mark schemes are publish on ELE (see link below). Past examination papers and the associated solutions and hints are useful guide to the style of problems that they can expect to encounter in the assessment.

This module is primarily taught through self-study. It is supported by video lectures, tutorials (including set work), and the ELE forum.

Learning and Teaching

Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

Assessment

Resources

The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that students are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Instructor(s).

Core text:

• Not applicable

Supplementary texts:

• Not applicable

ELE:

• http://newton.ex.ac.uk/redirects/ELE/phy3053

Further Information

Prior Knowledge Requirements

Re-assessment

Re-assessment is not available except when required by referral or deferral.

Notes: See Physics Assessment Conventions.

KIS Data Summary

Miscellaneous