Physics: from classical to quantum
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This wide-ranging module teaches general physics with an emphasis both on the concepts and their basic numerical description, as well as their application. The module is presented in 25 units (plus a maths revision unit). It covers classical mechanics; electric and gravitational fields and potentials; electromagnetism and relativity; waves and optics; thermal and statistical physics; quantum physics and an introduction to its applications to solids, atoms and nuclei. Your problem-solving skills will be developed throughout the module and each unit is supported by animated diagrams, interactive graphs, online practical activities and audio/video clips.
What you will study
In this wide-ranging online module you will learn, among other things:
- How classical mechanics allows us to, for example, describe the motion of roller coasters, athletes and pendulums; predict the motion of satellites, pulleys and downhill skiers using Newton’s laws.
- How to apply the concepts of work and energy to launching rockets and shock absorbers and many other processes.
- How energy and momentum conservation laws are used to understand collisions, from those of subatomic particles to car crashes.
- What electric and gravitational forces, fields and potentials are and how they explain lightning storms, cling film, planetary motion, and the life and death of stars.
- How to describe electric currents and circuits, from the domestic electricity supply to electrocardiograms.
- How to describe magnetic fields and their role in radios, electric motors and electric generators.
- How special relativity explains why moving fast propels you into the future.
- How an understanding of sound waves and electromagnetic waves explains why musical instruments emit a range of noises and why butterfly wings display a range of colours.
- How telescopes and microscopes work allowing us to see the very distant and the very small.
- How the properties of gases and solids are described, both from a macroscopic and a microscopic perspective, to explain, for example, hot air balloons and the structure of diamonds.
- Why, in physics, you can’t win, you can only break even; you can break even only at absolute zero; but you can’t reach absolute zero!
- Why unsolved problems in the interaction of light and matter led to the development of quantum physics in the early 20th century
- How Schrödinger’s cat can be both dead and alive at the same time.
- How quantum physics allows us to understand the structure of atoms and how electrons behave like particles and waves.
- How statistical thermodynamic explains the formation of Bose-Einstein condensates
- What semiconducting materials are, how they work and what they are used for
- What nuclei are made of, what makes them stable and how they break.
- What leptons, hadrons and quarks are and how they interact.
Entry requirements
This OU level 2 module offers an accessible route into physics, suitable for students from a range of backgrounds. However, to successfully complete the module you do need some basic mathematical, scientific and study skills.
You should be familiar with basic algebraic manipulation (rearranging and combining equations etc.); addition and multiplication of fractions; scientific notation; logarithms; elementary geometry and trigonometry; and with scientific uses of statistics and probability. You should also be able to plot and interpret graphs, use a scientific calculator, and understand the use of unit (dimensional) analysis. A familiarity with the elementary concepts of vectors, trigonometric functions and calculus (differentiation) is also an advantage.
A good level of mathematical knowledge can be obtained by studying the OU Level 1 module Essential mathematics (MST124). In terms of scientific and study skills, you’ll be adequately prepared if you’ve passed Physics and space (SM123), Questions in science (S111) or Exploring science (S104) (now discontinued).
If you have any doubts about the module’s suitability for you, talk to an adviser.
Preparatory work
A sound mathematical background will significantly enhance your chances of enjoying and passing the module. Studying
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124) before S217 will give you a stronger grounding in the required mathematics, allowing you to concentrate on understanding physics concepts and developing other skills during the module. This is particularly recommended if you intend to go further in your physics studies. The STEM Faculty has produced some interactive material
Are You Ready For S217? to help you to decide whether you already have the experience to start the module.
What's included
We designed Physics: from classical to quantum (S217) for online delivery – you’ll access all the study material from the module website, which includes:
- a week-by-week study planner
- course-specific module materials
- audio and video content
- assessment details and submission section
- online tutorial access.
While the module is designed to be studied online, we supply printed books containing all the study units. The books feature QR codes you can scan using a smart phone or tablet for quick access to the audio, video and interactive activities on the module website. You can also download PDFs of every unit to use offline. Note that we don’t supply printed versions of resources outside the study units, such as the study planner and the assignments.
You will need
A scientific calculator.
Computing requirements
You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11), or macOS (11 'Big Sur' or higher).
Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.
To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).
Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.
Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It’s not available on Kindle.
It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop as described above.