Pre-University Physics (edX)

The course aims to close the readiness gap between high school and university. It was specifically developed for potential future students: it covers physics topics that are a prerequisite for many engineering programs, but will also show you how these topics are applied in the various follow-up studies (For example in Applied Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering). The course not only covers the content needed for further study but also introduces the different ways in which physics is presented at university level to ensure an easy entry to a new degree program.

This course is intended for:

- Prospective engineering students who want to refresh their physics knowledge before starting university

- High school students who would like an additional challenge in physics not offered by their school

- Engineering students already enrolled in university who realize that they have a gap in their physics knowledge

- Other people who are interested in university level physics

This course is part of the Science and Engineering Prep: Pre-university Calculus and Physics Professional Certificate.

What you'll learn

On completion of the course, participants will:

1. have a basic understanding of the following physics topics: mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and waves.

2. be able to apply this knowledge in various engineering contexts.

3. be introduced to the academic approach to physics.

4. be introduced to the academic approach to physics.

In particular, the successful participant will be able to:

1) solve physics problems in an algebraic way without specifying numerical values,

2) provide order-of-magnitude estimations without using calculation aids,

3) apply basic differential and integral calculus to physics problems,

4) work with vectors at a conceptual (non-quantitative) level.

Syllabus

Module 1: Mechanics

- Force and Motion

- Multiple Forces

- Work

- Energy

- Circular Motion

Module 2: Electricity and Magnetism

- Electric Force and Field

- Electric Potential and Electric Energy

- Electrical Circuits

- Magnetic Fields

- Capacitors

Module 3: Waves

- Introduction to waves

- Harmonic motion

- Coupled oscillations

- Travelling waves

- Standing waves

Prerequisites

This course revises high school level physics and moves on to show how it is presented at university level. It closes the readiness gap between high school and university. Participants should have the following background knowledge:

high school level calculus (or equivalent), including knowledge of derivatives and integrals.

high school level physics.