Course syllabus

Energi- och miljöfysik
Energy and Environmental Physics

FAFA20, 10 credits, G1 (First Cycle)

Valid for: 2015/16
Decided by: Education Board B
Date of Decision: 2015-04-16

General Information

Main field: Technology.
Compulsory for: W1
Language of instruction: The course will be given in Swedish

Aim

The student should develop an understanding for basic concepts and relations in Physics, which are of importance for the conception the world around us and for the technological development, and which constitute a part of the scientific basis for a Master of Environmental Engineering. The student should be provided with means to comprehend the most important physical concepts, the empirical laws, as well as theories of particular importance for a sustainable societal development regarding energy production and environmental impact. The student should practice problem solving, perform experimental work and train thinking in scientific models.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to understand the relation between experiments, models and theories.
• be able to comprehend how human activities, in particular the use of energy, influence the conditions for life on Earth.
• be able, in physical terms, to describe and analyze physical phenomena in nature, technology and society; in particular flows of energy, conversions of energy and efficiencies in such processes.
• have knowledge of the fundamental Physics that is required to be able to communicate with experts of different fields and to work for sustainable solutions at planning/projecting, implementation and operation of technical systems.

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to use basic skills in Physics and with varying degrees of approximation apply these models to analyze, comprehend and describe different technical problems.
• be able to use fundamental Physics to identify, formulate, solve and analyze simple engineering tasks.
• be able to communicate and present technical problems and achieved results to persons with varying educational background.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to demonstrate an understanding of scientific methods and to realize possibilities and limitations of Physics.
• be able to indentify his/her further need of knowledge also within other areas.
• realize the possibilities and limitations of producing energy for human consumption, and be aware of environmental impact of energy exploitation.

Contents

Basic physics. Problem solving. Models, simulations, interaction between models and experiments. Measurements, experiments, analysis, presentation of experimental data. Energy: conservation, transport, quality, resources, distribution, environmental impact. Gases: concentration, mixing ratio, pressure, transport. The laws of thermodynamics: entropy, temperature, heat, thermal energy, heat engines. Electromagnetic radiation: thermal radiation, energy balance, interaction of light with matter, absorption and elastic scattering, atoms, molecules. Ionizing radiation: activity, decay, absorbed dose, dose equivalent. Applications.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH
Assessment: Written exam, laboratory sessions, written assignments and project.

Parts
Code: 0108. Name: Laboratory Sessions and Homeassignments.
Credits: 3. Grading scale: UG. Assessment: Passed laboratory sessions, written assignments and project.
Code: 0208. Name: Energy and Environmental Physics.
Credits: 7. Grading scale: TH. Assessment: Written exam.

Admission

Required prior knowledge: FMAA05 Calculus in One Variable, part 1 or similar.
The number of participants is limited to: No
The course overlaps following course/s: FAF107, FAFA15, FAF220, FAFA05, FAFA30, FAFA35, FAFA45, FAFF25

Reading list

• Reistad, N., Stenström, K. m.fl.: Energi- och miljöfysik. Fysik, LTH, 2016.
• Reistad, N. och Stenström, K.: Energi- och miljöfysik, Laborationshandledningar. Fysik, LTH, 2016.

Contact and other information

Course coordinator: Kristina Eriksson Stenström, Kristina.Stenstrom@nuclear.lu.se
Course coordinator: Nina Reistad, nina.reistad@fysik.lth.se
Course homepage: http://www.atomic.physics.lu.se/education/mandatory_courses/fafa1520/