Physics
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course does not aim at teaching in a systematic and complete way a large corpus of General Physics; its goal is rather to let the students understand and comprehend a subset of the subject. The main objective is to learn how to analyze a problem with the approach and tools used by physics and to understand and use a physical approach to problem solving, also to develop small computational projects and/or to be able to learn more advanced topics
Expected learning outcomes
The students should learn a subset of physics that includes parts of mechanics and hydrodynamics, useful for the physics of videogames, apps and virtual reality, as well as some statistical physics. Moreover (s)he should develop an approach to problems that uses tools and methods typical of Physics, hence increasing the possibilities to analyze problems and solve them; this is useful for consulting, data science, and computer science.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Fermi problems and the physical approach to problem solving.
Mathematical background: vectors, derivatives, integrals, ordinary differential equations (ODEs).
Kinematics of the material point: basic definitions, velocity, acceleration, Galilean relativity. Basic motions (uniform, uniformly accelerated, uniform circular motion).
Dynamics of the material point: Newton's laws, free fall, projectile motion, harmonic oscillator, inclined plane, friction, viscous motion. Work, energy, conservation theorems, momentum, and collisions.
Dynamics of rigid bodies: centre of mass, torque, moments of inertia, dynamic equations, conservation laws. Applications in game physics.
(Optional) Numerical simulation of Newtonian dynamics: integration methods (Taylor, Runge-Kutta), basic algorithms, examples of simulations, collision detection, simplifications for complex rigid bodies, applications in game physics.
(Optional) Elements of fluid mechanics: statics (Stevino, Archimedes), dynamics (Bernoulli, laminar flow, Reynolds number), hydrodynamic effects on aircraft, balls, cars. Introduction to fluid simulation and dimensional analysis in hydrodynamics.
Basics of probability: Bernoulli trials, binomial distribution, random walk, Poisson processes.
Basics of statistical thermodynamics: entropy and information.
Mathematical background: vectors, derivatives, integrals, ordinary differential equations (ODEs).
Kinematics of the material point: basic definitions, velocity, acceleration, Galilean relativity. Basic motions (uniform, uniformly accelerated, uniform circular motion).
Dynamics of the material point: Newton's laws, free fall, projectile motion, harmonic oscillator, inclined plane, friction, viscous motion. Work, energy, conservation theorems, momentum, and collisions.
Dynamics of rigid bodies: centre of mass, torque, moments of inertia, dynamic equations, conservation laws. Applications in game physics.
(Optional) Numerical simulation of Newtonian dynamics: integration methods (Taylor, Runge-Kutta), basic algorithms, examples of simulations, collision detection, simplifications for complex rigid bodies, applications in game physics.
(Optional) Elements of fluid mechanics: statics (Stevino, Archimedes), dynamics (Bernoulli, laminar flow, Reynolds number), hydrodynamic effects on aircraft, balls, cars. Introduction to fluid simulation and dimensional analysis in hydrodynamics.
Basics of probability: Bernoulli trials, binomial distribution, random walk, Poisson processes.
Basics of statistical thermodynamics: entropy and information.
Prerequisites for admission
There are no formal prerequisites. However, a basic knowledge of mathematical analysis (e.g. functions, derivatives, integrals) is recommended to facilitate understanding of the topics covered.
Teaching methods
The course is delivered through lectures combining theoretical explanations with problem-solving sessions. Interactive teaching tools, are used to encourage active student participation. Some classes adopt a reverse teaching approach, where students themselves present parts of the course content under the guidance of the instructor.
Teaching Resources
The teaching materials mainly consist of lecture slides and notes prepared in previous academic years, available online through platforms such as MyAriel. The slides include references and suggestions for further reading in various textbooks.
During the lecture period, students who are occasionally absent may access recorded video lectures to catch up on missed topics.
During the lecture period, students who are occasionally absent may access recorded video lectures to catch up on missed topics.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of a written test with open-ended problems aimed at assessing problem-solving skills and the application of theoretical concepts. The written test is conducted in open-book mode, allowing students to consult notes, textbooks, and course materials.
The oral examination is optional for students who achieve a passing grade in the written test and can be used either to explore specific topics in physics or to present a modelling project on physical phenomena (including simulations or code development).
For students whose written test result is close to the passing threshold, the oral examination becomes mandatory and is intended to address any gaps identified in the written exam.
The final grade is expressed in thirtieths. No differences are foreseen between attending and non-attending students.
The oral examination is optional for students who achieve a passing grade in the written test and can be used either to explore specific topics in physics or to present a modelling project on physical phenomena (including simulations or code development).
For students whose written test result is close to the passing threshold, the oral examination becomes mandatory and is intended to address any gaps identified in the written exam.
The final grade is expressed in thirtieths. No differences are foreseen between attending and non-attending students.
FIS/01 - EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS - University credits: 2
FIS/02 - THEORETICAL PHYSICS, MATHEMATICAL MODELS AND METHODS - University credits: 2
FIS/03 - PHYSICS OF MATTER - University credits: 2
FIS/02 - THEORETICAL PHYSICS, MATHEMATICAL MODELS AND METHODS - University credits: 2
FIS/03 - PHYSICS OF MATTER - University credits: 2
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Stabile Alberto
Professor(s)