FYSP1040 Introduction to Theory of Electricity (4 cr)

Open the course unit brochure on Sisu
Study level:
Basic studies
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
Finnish
Responsible organisation:
Department of Physics
Curriculum periods:
2024-2025, 2025-2026, 2026-2027, 2027-2028

Description

  • The Charge model and electric interaction

  • Conductors and insulators

  • Electric field, electric flux and Gauss’s Law

  • Electric potential

  • Capacitance and capacitors as well as electric potential energy

  • Current, resistance, electromotive force and power in DC circuits

  • DC circuits and Kirchhoff’s laws

Mathematical and numerical contents: vector calculus, surface integrals, numerical visualisation of electric fields and equipotential lines. 

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able to

  • describe the charge model and utilize this model to explain simple electrical interactions related to experimental observations

  • explain the origin of the electrical force between particles (both in conductors and in insulators) and the connection between electric field and potential of charges and the electrical force and electric potential energy

  • explain the concept of electric flux as well as apply different symmetries and Gauss's law to solve electrostatic problems

  • explain the capacitance of a capacitor and the effect of an insulator between capacitor plates and remember that the electric field energy can be stored in a capacitor

  • define the basic concepts of DC circuits such as electron current, electromotive force and power

  • expain the physical principles of Kirchhoff's laws and apply Ohm's law and Kirchhoff's laws for simple DC circuits 

  • interpret simple, commented computer program and edit it based on a given problem

  • work constructively in a group and assess both personal and groups contributions while working in a group.

Description of prerequisites

FYSP1010 Introduction to mechanics and FYSP1020 Waves and thermodynamics or similar studies. 

Study materials

Verkkomateriaali, Opi fysiikkaa -kanavan opetusvideot 

Literature

  • Randall D. Knight. Physics for Scientists and Engineers - A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics. ISBN 13: 978-1-292-43822-1. Harlow, Essex: Pearson Education, 2023.

Completion methods

Method 1

Description:
Lectures and small group activities, assignments, exercise sessions, concept tasks
Evaluation criteria:
For instance, project tasks (39/60), self assessment (7/60), group assessment (7/60) and teacher assessment (7/60). A minimum of 50 % total points is needed for completion.
Time of teaching:
Period 3
Select all marked parts

Method 2

Description:
This completion method is for students for whom alternative methods are not possible for specific reasons (e.g. language, distance learning, statement for special study arrangements). Contact the teacher before enrolling to the course via this completion method.
Evaluation criteria:
For instance, exercise and project tasks (39/53), self assessment and study journal (7/53), and assessment discussion (7/53). A minimum of 50 % total points is needed for completion.
Time of teaching:
Period 3
Select all marked parts

Method 3

Description:
This completion method is for students for whom alternative methods are not possible for specific reasons (e.g. language, distance learning, statement for special study arrangements). Contact the teacher before enrolling to the course via this completion method.
Evaluation criteria:
For instance exercise and project tasks (39/53), self assessment and study journal (7/53), and assessment discussion (7/53). A minimum of 50 % total points is needed for completion.
Select all marked parts
Parts of the completion methods
x

Teaching (4 cr)

Type:
Participation in teaching
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
Finnish

Teaching

x

Independent study (4 cr)

Type:
Independent study
Grading scale:
0-5
Evaluation criteria:
Esimerkiksi harjoitustehtävät ja projektityö (39/53), itsearviointi ja oppimispäiväkirja (7/53) ja arviointikeskustelu (7/53). Arvioinninkohteiden kokonaispistemäärästä on saatava vähintään 50 %.
Language:
Finnish
Study methods:

  • Itsenäisesti viikoittain tehtävät harjoitustehtävät ja oppimispäiväkirja sekä projektityöt ja itsearviointi.

  • Harjoitustehtävät palautetaan kirjallisena ja ne arvostellaan. 

Teaching

x

Independent study (4 cr)

Type:
Independent study
Grading scale:
0-5
Evaluation criteria:
Esimerkiksi harjoitustehtävät ja projektityö (39/53), itsearviointi ja oppimispäiväkirja (7/53) ja arviointikeskustelu (7/53). Arvioinninkohteiden kokonaispistemäärästä on saatava vähintään 50 %.
Language:
Finnish
Study methods:

Itsenäinen opiskelu (kurssikirja, videot), erikseen sovittavat harjoitustehtävät ja suullinen kuulustelu. 

Teaching