ECTS credits ECTS credits: 6
ECTS Hours Rules/Memories Hours of tutorials: 1 Expository Class: 26 Interactive Classroom: 26 Total: 53
Use languages Spanish, Galician
Type: Ordinary Degree Subject RD 1393/2007 - 822/2021
Departments: Applied Physics
Areas: Applied Physics
Center Higher Technical Engineering School
Call: First Semester
Teaching: With teaching
Enrolment: Enrollable | 1st year (Yes)
The aim of this course is to provide students with a broad introduction to Physics, more specifically to the Mechanics of the particle, Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism. The aim is, firstly, to present the principles of physics emphasizing its limits of applicability and, on the other hand, developing both analytical skills, such as problem solving. Also, students will be introduced in the management of laboratory equipment, which will allow them to learn and try to take experimental data, according to this level and therefore not exhaustive.
The subject of physics pretends to reach a series of formative aims contemplated in the memory of the title. Therefore, after his graduation a chemical engineering has to have achieved the following items:
- Have a notable knowledge of the basic sciences (mathematical, chemical, biotechnology, physical), to help to understand, describe and resolve the phenomena of the chemical engineering.
- Have a notable knowledge of the bibliography and sources of available data.
- Be able to schedule, develop and explain reports of basic experimental work.
- Have capacity to analyse complex problems.
- Have experience in the use of suitable software.
The memory of the title indicates for this matter the following contents:
- 1. Physical magnitudes, uncertainty of measure.
- 2. Systems of coordinates.
- 3. Mechanics of the particle.
- 4. Thermodynamics.
- 5. Scalar and vectorial fields.
- 6. Electromagnetism.
- 7. Application for the resolution of own problems of the engineering.
These theoretical contents will be developed following the units indicated bellow, being between brackets the estimation of expositive (he) (have) and interactive (hi) hours.
UNIT 1. INTRODUCTION. (2;1)
Physical quantities. System Units. Dimensional Analysis. Notions of Metrology.
Polar, cylindrical and spherical coordinate systems
UNIT 2. KINEMATICS OF A PARTICLE. (2; 1,5)
Motion and frames of reference.
Speed. Acceleration. Intrinsic components.
Analysis of the different types of movements.
UNIT 3. DINAMYCS OF A PARTICLE. (1,5;1,5)
Principles of classical mechanics: Newton's Laws. Linear and angular moments. Conservation theorems. Work and power: Conservation of mechanical energy. Frictional forces.
UNIT 4. ELEMENTARY THEORY OF FIELDS. (2,5;1,5)
Scalar and vector fields.
Gradient of a scalar field.
Circulation of a vector field.
Flow of a vector field.
Divergence of a vector field, Gauss's theorem.
Curl of a vector field, Stokes' Theorem.
Conservative fields. Potential function.
UNIT 5. FUNDAMENTALS OF THERMODYNAMICS. (9;2)
Concepts and basic definitions.
Principle zero. Empirical temperature. Temperature measurement. Thermodynamic work. Internal energy. First Principle. Heat.
Second Principle. Thermodynamic temperature scale. Entropy.
UNIT 6. ELECTROSTATIC FIELD. (5;4)
Introduction.
Electric charge. Coulomb's Law. Electrostatic field. Electrostatic potential. Electric Dipole.
Electrical flow. Gauss integral and differential.
Some applications of the theorem of Gauss.
Energy in a systems of point charges.
Conductors. Conductor system. Energy of a system of conductors. Association capacitors. Dielectric materials.
TEMA 7. ELECTRICITY. (2;1,5)
Electricity. Current density. Continuity equation.
Ohm's Law. Electromotive force. Generalized Ohm's law. Resistor networks. Kirchhoff's laws.
TEMA 8. MAGNETIC FIELD. (1;0,5)
Force between two complete circuits.
Magnetic induction. Biot-Savart Law.
Force on a point-like particle moving in a magnetic field. Properties of the magnetic field. Ampere's Law circulation. Magnetic vector potential.
TEMA 9. ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION. (1;0,5)
Electromagnetic induction.
Faraday's law.
Mutual induction. Inductance.
Inductances Association: series and parallel.
Magnetic energy.
These contents will be taught in lectures and in seminars. The order of items and contents are approximate and may fluctuate according to the specific development of the course.
LABORATORY PRACTICES
Newton's Laws.
Springs.
Surface tension.
DC Circuits.
Measurement of small resistances.
Plate parallel capacitor.
Load curve of a capacitor.
Magnetic field created by Helmholtz coils.
Basic Books
-YOUNG, Hugh D., SEARS, Francis W., FREEDMAN, Roger A., FORD, A. Lewis, ZEMANSKY, Mark Waldo, 2018. Física Universitaria con física moderna. 14ª ed. vol 1 e 2. México: Pearson.
-YOUNG, Hugh D., SEARS, Francis W., FREEDMAN, Roger A., FORD, A. Lewis, ZEMANSKY, Mark Waldo, 2013. Física Universitaria con física moderna. Ebook. 13ª ed. vol 1. México: Pearson. ISBN 978-607-32-2125-2. Avaliable in: https://www-ingebook-com.ezbusc.usc.gal/ib/NPcd/IB_Escritorio_Visualiza…
-YOUNG, Hugh D., SEARS, Francis W., FREEDMAN, Roger A., FORD, A. Lewis, ZEMANSKY, Mark Waldo, 2013. Física Universitaria con física moderna. Ebook. 13ª ed. vol 2. México: Pearson. ISBN 978-607-32-2189-4. Avaliable in: https://www-ingebook-com.ezbusc.usc.gal/ib/NPcd/IB_Escritorio_Visualiza…
Supplementary books
-LLEÓ MORILLA, Atanasio, 2001. Física para Ingenieros. Madrid: Mundi-Prensa. ISBN 84-7114-988-5
-SERWAY, Raymond A., BEICHNER, Robert J., 2005. Física para Ciencias e Ingeniería. 6ª ed. vol 1 e 2. México: McGraw-Hill.*
-TIPLER, Paul Allen, 1999. Física para la Ciencia y la Tecnología. 4ª ed. Barcelona: Reverté. ISBN 84-291-4384-X
- PRESTON, Daryl W., DIETZ, Eric R. 1991. The Art of experimental physics. New York: John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 0-471-84748-8
-ALCARAZ I SENDRA, Olga, LÓPEZ LÓPEZ, José, LÓPEZ SOLANAS, Vicente, 2006. Física: problemas y ejercicios resueltos. Madrid: Pearson-Prentice-Hall. ISBN 978-84-205-4447-2
-ALCARAZ I SENDRA, Olga, LÓPEZ LÓPEZ, José, LÓPEZ SOLANAS, Vicente, 2006. Física: problemas y ejercicios resueltos. Ebook. Madrid: Pearson-Prentice-Hall. ISBN 978-84-205-4447-2. Available in: https://www-ingebook-com.ezbusc.usc.gal/ib/NPcd/IB_BooksVis?cod_primari…
-GÓMEZ RODRÍGUEZ, Faustino, VARELA CABO, Luis Miguel, CARRETE MONTAÑA, Jesús, PÉREZ RODRÍGUEZ, Martín, 2014. Guía básica sobre incertidumbre en la medida: enseñanza secundaria y bachillerato. Santiago de Compostela: Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Servizo de Publicacións e Intercambio Científico. ISBN 978-84-16183-63-0.
-FERNÁNDEZ VIDAL, Sonia, 2012. Quantic Love. Barcelona: Editorial La Galera. ISBN 978-8424641702
* They contain problems-type resolved to way of example in each section.
Online Resources
FERRÓN, Lucía, 2013. Boas prácticas en prevención de riscos laborais. Manual de seguridade no laboratorio. Santiago de Compostela: Xunta de Galicia. Available on: https://issga.xunta.gal/gl/biblioteca/boas-practicas-en-prevencion-de-r…
BROCOS P. Prácticas nun laboratorio de física: gráficas, axustes e extracción de información. 2022. Ed. Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. https://www.usc.gal/libros/gl/categorias/1029-practicas-nun-laboratorio
At the end of each unit, the slides of the classes will be available in the virtual classroom so that they serve as support for the study.
In this subject, the student will acquire a series of generic competencies, desirable in any university degree, as well as more specific ones, typical of engineering. Within the framework of competencies designed for the degree, the following will be worked on:
Knowledges:
Con01: Understanding and mastery of the basic concepts on the general laws of mechanics, thermodynamics, fields and waves and electromagnetism and their application for the resolution of problems peculiar to engineering.
Con18: Knowledge in basic and technological subjects, which enables the student to learn new methods and theories and provides versatility to adapt to new situations.
Skills
H/D01: Work in a group.
H/D05: Ability to apply the knowledge in practice.
Competences:
Comp08: Ability to solve problems with initiative, taking decisions, creativity, critical reasoning and to communicate and transmit knowledge, skills in the field of the Industrial Engineering.
From the beginning of the courses, the class material (detailed program, basic and complementary bibliography) will be disposable at the USC Virtual Campus. Besides, Virtual USC will be employed to inform the students about any question related to the subject (exceptional classes changes, for example), the publication of the teaching material, practice guides, work delivery and other tasks.
a) Lectures.
The theoretical contents of each topic will be presented complementing the development on the whiteboard with audiovisual material. These classes are intended to be the starting point for students to develop the capabilities of analysis and synthesis of the most relevant aspects of the subject and to serve as a guide for the development of their autonomous learning.
b) Interactive seminars.
There will be mainly practical classes in which some of the problems and exercises proposed in the bulletins will be solved, which will be made available to students in the virtual classroom. The aim is for students to develop the ability to solve skills both individually, teamwork and their skills for interpersonal relationships.
The participation of students is essential here, as it will allow them to make part of their continuous evaluation.
c) Lab
Students will have to perform various laboratory practices, in three sessions of 4 h each (16-20h). The first practice session will take place in classroom 6 (A6) and computer room I2 of the ETSE, and the other two sessions will be held in the physics practice laboratory of the Faculty of Physics that will take place in the physics practice laboratory of the physics faculty. Before the first laboratory session the students will have at their disposal in the virtual classroom, the safety standards of the USC in the laboratory, as well as the practical scripts to be performed in the same. Regarding safety and prevention of occupational risks, for each of the practices the students will have a basic operating manual in which the most unique aspects are reflected.
The aim of these practical classes is to consolidate the theoretical concepts explained in class, develop the ability to apply theoretical concepts to a practice, encourage autonomous learning, initiative, the ability to solve problems both individually and as a team and their skills for interpersonal relationships.
Students will preferably be organized into teams of 2 or 3 people. The practices´ report must be within 15 days of its completion, following the suggestions of the teachers in the laboratory. The report will be evaluated globally, as well as the attitude, aptitude, and performance during the practice.
d) Tutoring in small groups or individualized.
During tutoring hours, continuous assessment tasks will be carried out. Specifically, two voluntary but assessable tests will be conducted, each lasting half an hour and on two different days; one will take place at the beginning of November (approximately) and the other at the end of the lectures and seminars. The specific dates will be agreed upon between the teacher and the students who regularly attend classes and will be published in the virtual classroom at least one week in advance.
The personal tutorials are oriented to the resolution of doubts and concrete difficulties of a theoretical, conceptual and/or practical nature, paying an individualized attention to the student who needs it. They will require prior appointments and will be of a face-to-face nature although they can be performed exceptionally by virtual modality, using the MS-Teams tool.
With this teaching methodology it is intended that students develop the following competencies and skills:
-Lectures: Comp08
-Interactive seminars: Comp08, H/D01, HD05.
-Lab: HD01, HD05, Comp08.
-Tutoring in small groups: Comp08, H/D01, HD05.
To pass the subject will be an indispensable condition that each student has carried out, on the dates on which it was convened, the laboratory practices. The percentages for each of the items to be evaluated in this area are as follows:
1. Assistance to the laboratory and preparation of a report, following the instructions that the teachers of the subject will indicate in the laboratory and that will be made available to students in the virtual classroom of the subject. Percentage in the final grade: 20%. Character: Mandatory
It will be necessary to reach a minimum of 5,0 out of 10 in the laboratory part to be able to pass the subject.
2- Continuous assessment activities carried out during the course. Percentage in the final grade: 15%. Character: Optional
3- Final exam. Percentage in final grade: 65%. Character: Mandatory
It will be necessary to reach a minimum of 5,0 out of 10 in the exam to be able to pass the subject.
-For cases of fraudulent performance of exercises or tests, the provisions of the Student Performance Assessment and Qualifications Review Regulations shall apply.
- The subject shall be passed if the final qualification, considering the percentage of all evaluable aspects, is equal to or greater than 5,0 points out of 10.
- Continuous assessment grades will only be retained for the second chance of the same academic year.
- If the student does not pass the subject on the first or second opportunity, but exceeds the laboratory part, he may keep the grade of that part of the subject during the following two academic years.
- In case the student does not present himself to the final exam of the subject or does not take part in the laboratory practices, the final grade will be of "Not presented".
- This assessment process applies to both new and repeat students, except in the case of laboratory practices that, as already mentioned before, repeaters who have passed them will be kept the same grade for the next two academic years.
COMPETENCES ASSESSMENT:
Exam: Con01, Con18, H/D05, Comp08
Continuous assessment activities and Lab: Con01, Con18, H/D05, H/D01, Comp08.
WORK IN THE CLASSROOM--Hours
Classes and tutoring--41
Lab--12
Total working presential--53
Exam and review--4 presential hours
STUDENT PERSONAL WORK--Hours
Personal or group studying--40
Practice memories preparation --10
Exam preparation--43
Total hours of student personal work--93
As the student goes through this subject, he will acquire in parallel some knowledge necessary for his comprehension, mostly in the subjects of mathematics and computer science. In laboratory practices it is convenient to know how to use spreadsheets of the type of Free Office or Excel to facilitate the processing of data.
Students are advised to frequently consult the virtual classroom of the subject, where they will find a summary of the transparencies used by the teacher in lectures and interactive classes, links and information of the subject. In addition, the virtual classroom will be the means of communication of the teacher with the group of students enrolled in the subject.
The student is advised not to try to memorize what is taught in class, but to understand the reasoning and working method of this part of science, trying to solve the problems as well as questions that are proposed in the classes or that may arise when studying the subject. It is important that each student avoid delaying study until the eve of the exam. Most of the time, this approach has disastrous results. Regarding laboratory practice sessions, pupils should pay particular attention to the correct handling of equipment and data collection, to avoid, as far as possible, errors in the processing and analysis of such data.
The course will be taught in Spanish, and Learning Management System of the USC will be used for announcements, for all teaching, publishing, and delivering scripts work practices.
The admission and permanence of students enrolled in the practical laboratory requires that they know and keep to the rules included in the Protocol of basic safety training for experimental spaces of the School of Engineering, available in the safety section of its website, which you can access as follows:
1. Access your intranet.
2. Go to Documentation/Safety/Training.
3. Click on "Protocolo de formación básica en materia de seguridad para espacios experimentales".
Josefa Salgado Carballo
- Department
- Applied Physics
- Area
- Applied Physics
- Phone
- 881814110
- j.salgado.carballo [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: University Professor
Enriqueta Lopez Iglesias
- Department
- Applied Physics
- Area
- Applied Physics
- Phone
- 881814050
- enriqueta.lopez [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: University Professor
Maria Villanueva Lopez
Coordinador/a- Department
- Applied Physics
- Area
- Applied Physics
- Phone
- 881814005
- maria.villanueva [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: University Lecturer
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| 09:00-10:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | Classroom A2 |
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| 09:00-10:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | Classroom A2 |
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| 09:00-10:00 | Grupo /CLIS_01 | Spanish | Classroom A2 |
| Thursday | |||
| 09:00-10:00 | Grupo /CLIS_02 | Spanish | Classroom A2 |
| 01.15.2026 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS05 | Classroom A1 |
| 01.15.2026 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS06 | Classroom A1 |
| 01.15.2026 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS07 | Classroom A1 |
| 01.15.2026 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom A1 |
| 01.15.2026 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /CLIS_01 | Classroom A1 |
| 01.15.2026 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /CLIS_02 | Classroom A1 |
| 01.15.2026 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /CLIL_01 | Classroom A1 |
| 01.15.2026 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /CLIL_02 | Classroom A1 |
| 01.15.2026 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /CLIL_03 | Classroom A1 |
| 01.15.2026 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS01 | Classroom A1 |
| 01.15.2026 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS02 | Classroom A1 |
| 01.15.2026 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS03 | Classroom A1 |
| 01.15.2026 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS04 | Classroom A1 |
| 01.15.2026 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS01 | Classroom A2 |
| 01.15.2026 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS02 | Classroom A2 |
| 01.15.2026 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS03 | Classroom A2 |
| 01.15.2026 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS04 | Classroom A2 |
| 01.15.2026 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS05 | Classroom A2 |
| 01.15.2026 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS06 | Classroom A2 |
| 01.15.2026 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS07 | Classroom A2 |
| 01.15.2026 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom A2 |
| 01.15.2026 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /CLIS_01 | Classroom A2 |
| 01.15.2026 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /CLIS_02 | Classroom A2 |
| 01.15.2026 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /CLIL_01 | Classroom A2 |
| 01.15.2026 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /CLIL_02 | Classroom A2 |
| 01.15.2026 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /CLIL_03 | Classroom A2 |
| 06.25.2026 09:30-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS01 | Classroom A1 |
| 06.25.2026 09:30-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS02 | Classroom A1 |
| 06.25.2026 09:30-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS03 | Classroom A1 |
| 06.25.2026 09:30-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS04 | Classroom A1 |
| 06.25.2026 09:30-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS05 | Classroom A1 |
| 06.25.2026 09:30-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS06 | Classroom A1 |
| 06.25.2026 09:30-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS07 | Classroom A1 |
| 06.25.2026 09:30-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom A1 |
| 06.25.2026 09:30-14:00 | Grupo /CLIS_01 | Classroom A1 |
| 06.25.2026 09:30-14:00 | Grupo /CLIS_02 | Classroom A1 |
| 06.25.2026 09:30-14:00 | Grupo /CLIL_01 | Classroom A1 |
| 06.25.2026 09:30-14:00 | Grupo /CLIL_02 | Classroom A1 |
| 06.25.2026 09:30-14:00 | Grupo /CLIL_03 | Classroom A1 |