Mechanical Engineering

The course “Physics 1” is an introduction to the principle of Mechanics, Statics and Dynamics of Fluids, Oscillation and Thermodynamics, providing the fundamental knowledge pertaining to classical physics, from both a theoretical and an experimental perspective. The course has been organized to fulfill the following learning objectives: - introduction of the basic methodology of the scientific method and measurement; - understanding of point particle classical mechanics; - acquisition and comprehension of the laws and principles of dynamics and statics of rigid bodies; - acquisition of the fundamental laws regulating the statics of fluids; - understanding of oscillatory phenomena; - understanding of the fundamental principles of thermodynamics. The course is meant to introduce the basic methodologies of Experimental Physics, aiming at developing the ability to identify the essential aspects of the physical phenomena as well as the logical-critical abilities which will allow student to propose and/or verify the phenomenological models necessary to represent them. At the end of the course, students should have acquired an adequate knowledge of the basics of point mechanics, point systems and rigid bodies, and have assimilated the fundamentals of classical thermodynamics. Students will also acquire a deep knowledge of conservation principles, force fields and their specific properties and elementary models of complex mechanical systems. At the end of the course, the main abilities acquired by students (being able to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired, accordingly with the Dublin Descriptor 2, and taking proper decisions about the methodological approaches to adopt, accordingly with the Dublin Descriptor 3) will result in the ability to model basic and complex physical phenomena, solve exercise and problems and develop simple demonstrations based on the extension and application of the acquired competences. LEARNING OUTCOMES EXPECTED At the end of the course, students are expected to have apprehended the theoretical and experimental foundations of Classical Physics and its fundamental laws. Moreover, they must have acquired the ability to apply the laws of Newtonian mechanics and classical thermodynamics to solve specific problems. An important expected result is related to the comprehension of the scientific method and the main research methods in Physical Sciences, as well as the ability to effectively discuss the subjects studied during the course. Through the acquisition of the learning objectives identified above, students will be able to effectively interpret and describe the problems related to the course’s core disciplines. The learning outcomes can be summarized as follows: Knowledge and comprehension: acquisition of the theoretical and experimental bases of mechanics and thermodynamics; critical understanding of their laws; introduction to the scientific method and to the nature and research methods in Physics. Practical application of the acquired knowledge: ability to identify the essential elements that constitute a phenomenon, in terms of order of magnitude and approximation level required; ability to apply laws and theories to concrete situations and solve related problems.