Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech

Environmental Physics (250550) – Course 2025/26 PDF

Syllabus

Learning Objectives

In this course, the basic physical principles that occur in the natural physical environment are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on the concepts of Kinematics (reference systems, relative movement, absolute movement), Dynamics (particles, internal / external forces, center of mass, introduction to continuous media), Work and Energy, Thermodynamics and on Electric Fields and Magnetic). 1.- Educational formation in concepts about Kinematics and Dynamics. Laws of Mechanics, Work and Energy. 2.- Application of concepts related to simple harmonic movement and wave kinematics. 3.- Internalize the concepts of fields, illustrated with elements of electricity and magnetism. IIn this course, the basic concepts and principles of Newtonian Mechanics that apply to the natural physical environment and, in particular, to the marine environment are taught and worked on. The concepts of position, velocity, acceleration, inertial reference system, force and torque, inertia, linear and angular momentum, work, energy and resonance are introduced. The description and dynamics of the motion of a particle, a system of particles and a rigid solid are studied. Emphasis is placed on some types of force: friction, elastic and gravitational. Relative motion in rotating systems is studied and applied to the case of the earth. Oscillations in one degree of freedom are studied with an elementary introduction to the case of two degrees of freedom. Finally, a brief introduction is made to dimensional analysis and to the analysis and propagation of experimental errors. The objective of this course is to state the grounds so that the students can later understand the concepts and foundations of geophysical fluid dynamics, with application to the marine and atmospheric environments. This will allows them to understand the dynamics of currents, oscillations and waves in the sea, atmospheric dynamics, the propagation of dissolved substances, etc. It must also establish the bases to address the motion and resistance to motion of floating bodies, marine energy collectors, structures, etc. This is one of the subjects where the general but essential foundations of the 5 major areas of Marine Sciences and Technologies (Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Geology and Mathematics) are established as a continuation of the training acquired in high school. But the focus is here on the environment and the education on Marine Sciences and Technology.

Competencies

Especific

To know and apply the lexicon and concepts of the Marine Sciences and Technologies and other related fields.

Establish a good practice in the integration of common numerical, laboratory and field techniques in the analysis of any problem related to the marine environment.

Generic

Develop a professional activity in the field of Marine Sciences and Technologies.

Address in a comprehensive manner the analysis and preservation of the marine environment with sustainability criteria.

Total hours of student work

Hours Percentage
Supervised Learning Large group 33.4h 55.60 %
Medium group 16.7h 27.80 %
Laboratory classes 10h 16.60 %
Self Study 90h

Teaching Methodology

Course activities: 1) 4 hours a week of classroom lectures: a) Theory: 2 hours are devoted to theoretical classes in which the teacher presents the concepts and basic materials of the subject and presents examples. Whenever possible, concepts and laws are introduced from particular cases and the general formulation is then presented. The examples are intended to be related to the marine environment: Presentation is combined with ppt and use of the blackboard, and when appropriate, a video is projected. b) Problems: 2 hours are devoted to completing the theory with examples and to solving problems with greater interaction with students. Efforts are also made to ensure that problems are as closely related to the marine environment as possible. 2) 2 hours per week of complementary lectures with practical sessions about undergraduate topics and/or support activities related with the lectures explained during the 4 hour lectures 3) 3 experimental practicals, each of of 2 hours duration, carried out in the Physics Laboratory of the Campus Nord. 4) Evaluation activities -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Support material in digital format which is available on the ATENEA virtual campus is used: the theory ppt's, a collection of problems with their result, the description of the laboratory project and videos and links to Internet sites that can be useful. Although most of the sessions will be given in the language indicated, sessions supported by support teachers may be held in other languages.

Grading Rules

The evaluation calendar and grading rules will be approved before the start of the course.

The final grade of the course is obtained according to the following evaluation activities: 1) Partial exam (P) 2) Final exam (F) 3) Exercise based on the first laboratory practical (L1) 4) Exercise based on the second laboratory practical (L2) 5) Exercise based on the third laboratory practical (L2) 6) Classroom grade (C) There are two ways to pass the course: a) Continuous evaluation b) Final exam The marks corresponding to each option are computed as: Na=0.3*P+0.45*F+0.1*C+0.05*L1+0.05*L2+0.05*L3 Nb=0.85*F+0.05*L1+0.05*L2+0.05*L3 - All the students get two marks, one according to option a) and one according to option b). The resulting final grade is the highest out of both. - All the marks are out of 10. - The grade "Not presented" is obtained in case the student has not done any of the main exams (P and F). RE-EVALUATION: those students who do not pass with any of both options (a,b) can do a re-evaluation exam if they have done the practical laboratory work.

Test Rules

Failure to appear for any of the tests implies a grade of zero in that test. Exams are strictly individual. Failure to comply with this rule in an exam may result in a grade of zero.

Office Hours

- Agreed hours: francesca.ribas@upc.edu - The preferred timetable will be communicated at the beginning of the course

Bibliography

Basic

Complementary