FYS102A Physics for Biotechnologists

Teaching structure: About one 2-hour lecture per week on average distributed over 13 weeks. One 2-hour problem solving lecture per week, and one 2-hour problem solving class per week. Estimated workload is 125 hours.

Contents: Pressure, temperature, density, energy, physical properties of pure substances, state equations, energy transport by heat, work and mass. 1st and 2nd law of thermodynamics. Heat capacity. Entropy. Cyclic processes. Heat engines, refrigeration, heat pumps. Electrostatics and charge.Electric forces and fields. Electric current, simple circuits. Magnetic fields and forces. Electromagnetic induction. Electromagnetic radiation.

- Acquire an understanding of and be able to master the basic principles of classical macroscopical thermodynamics and electromagnetism. Be able to use mathematics as a tool for calculations and modelling of elementary thermodynamic and electromagnetic phenomena.

- Understand and be able to analyze different forms of energy transport and cyclic processes using the laws of thermodynamics, thermodynamic parameters, and properties of pure substances.

- Become able to formulate, solve and interpret mathematical models for energy conservation, transport and conversion.

- Understand the principles of thermal physics that contribute to efficient energy use in our modern/industrial society.

Students are expected to understand the key topics of basic electromagnetism. Topics covered are: Electrostatics. Electric current, electric circuits, electric forces and fields. Magnetic forces and fields. Electromagnetic induction. Electromagnetic radiation.

Students should understand that basic knowledge of physics is fundamental for understanding natural phenomena and technology, for developing technology and that physics and the natural sciences are man-made tools developed for this purpose.