DAPE2101 Physics and Chemistry Course description

This course is made of two parts. Both parts give students fundamental scientific knowledge and skills that provide the scientific foundation for working with the two technological courses. The themes are important for enabling computer scientists to participate in discussions about technology and science. In addition, the work in this course will provide training in mathematical software and enable students to run calcuations.

None.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student is capable of:

• explaining Newton’s three laws of motion and how they determine the movement of objects
• explaining the concept of work as a line integral of power and energy conservation
• explaining the concepts of conservative and non-conservative force and placing them in the context of the first law of thermodynamics
• explaining the oscillation equation and its solutions for simple cases, and describing oscillations
• stating the wave equation and its analytical solutions for simple cases, and describing wave movement
• explaining Fourier’s law for heat conduction and its connection to the heat conduction equation and the second law of thermodynamics
• explaining basic electromagnetic units, concepts and phenomena
• solving the most common ordinary and partial differential equations that occur in physics, analytically and/or numerically, with the help of well-known algorithms
• explaining and solving important chemical equations in stoichiometry
• explaining basic principles and notions within chemical kinetics and chemical equilibrium
• explaining basic electrochemical principles

Skills

The student is capable of:

• calculating particle trajectories in physics, both analytically and numerically
• solving the oscillation equation for simple cases, analytically and numerically, and visualising the solutions
• solving the one-dimensional wave equation numerically, and visualising the solutions
• solving the one-dimensional temperature equation numerically, and visualising the solutions
• using mathematical and numerical methods to describe and analyse physical phenomena, including presenting quantitative solutions to problems in mechanics, electromagnetism, thermal physics, the physics of solids, and fluid dynamics
• explaining limitations in the calculations mentioned above
• carrying out simple chemical calculations in stoichiometry
• carrying out simple chemical calculations in electrochemistry such as calculations of cell potential, current, consumption and production of chemicals in electrolysis
• carrying out simple calculations of reactants and products present in gaseous equilibrium, precipitation reactions and acid-base equilibrium

General competence

The student:

• is capable of understanding and communicating physical and chemical principles and methods, issues and solutions, both orally and in writing
• is capable of communicating with other professionals with a natural science background on physical and chemical matters
• has insight into the importance of natural sciences for engineering developments

Lectures and exercises. The exercises are based on the students’ own work, supervised by the lecturer.

Technologies, from the stone axe to the computer, have been integral in shaping how we live, think, interact and work. Advances in digitalization have made digital competences a significant factor in ensuring the employability of candidates in all professions vital to our society. Understanding the benefits, the limitations and the transformative power of technologies on public and private life as well as professional practice is crucial. 

In this course, students will acquire the basic knowledge needed to harness the potential of digital technologies and identify opportunities to use technology to foster inclusion, active participation, and sustainability in society and the workplace. Through individual reflection, shared exploration and group discussions, students will gain awareness of how technological developments might impact their future professions, and their role as citizens in an increasingly digitalized society.  

This course will provide students with the foundational knowledge and means to become a responsible agent of change in their own profession and field of study. Students will learn to recognise limitations, strengths and potentially disruptive consequences of technological innovation and grapple with the social, ethical and political issues that arise as technology becomes both increasingly complex and essential to the function of society. 

No additional course-specific requirements.

After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge  

Upon successful completion of this course the student understands:  

• basic concepts, mechanisms, and tools behind digitalization  
• how digitalization shapes public and private life 
• the role of technological innovation and development in equity and justice, sustainable development, and civic engagement 
• how technological infrastructures shape and support society and the welfare state.  

Skills  

Upon successful completion of this course the student can:  

• apply critical and analytical strategies to evaluate and critically discuss the possibilities and challenges of existing and potential technologies   
• reflect on social, ethical, and political consequences of technological change  
• provide examples of local and global technological disparity, both in general terms, and in relation to their field of study  
• analyse and interpret the processes by which information and disinformation is distinguished, disseminated and used in different contexts. 
• identify and discuss central sustainability challenges with digital technologies 

General Competence  

Upon successful completion of this course the student can:  

• discuss ethical, social, and political challenges arising at the intersection of technology and society 
• understand how digitalisation and digital technologies facilitate and shape interdisciplinary collaboration 
• examine contemporary, real-world cases from multiple perspectives   
• evaluate the potential impact of new technologies and digitalization processes on an individual and societal level  
• understand the importance of user-oriented perspectives in the use and development of technology  
• communicate concepts and models related to the use of technology in a structured manner. 

The course uses a blended learning approach, with a combination of attendance-based seminars and digital learning materials. Students will explore real-world cases emerging at the intersection of society, technology and their future profession. 

The following coursework requirements must be approved in order for the student to take the exam:

A one-page outline including the topic and the structure of the report is required. The outline must be approved by the course coordinator/course teacher/supervisor within a set deadline. If the outline is not approved the first time, the student may submit a revised version within a second, set deadline.