05-BMG-PP1 Physical Principles of Geosciences I

This module teaches the physical fundamentals necessary for the understanding of many geoscientific processes. This implies that in the context of the events of `Physics I` physical foundations of classical mechanics, i.a. Newton´s axioms, laws of conservation of energy and momentum, motion of extended bodies) and optics (including ray optics, lenses: refraction, diffraction and interference, optical instruments). These are applied and deepened in three experiments from the subject areas in the ´Physikpraktikum-I´. Moreover, these physical principles serve to better understand the physical processes that shape the shape of the earth and give insight into the physical structure of the earth. This knowledge of the ´physics of the earth´ is taught using the example of knowledge about the structure of the earth, plate tectonics and wave propagation in the underground (seismology).

1) Understand the physical foundations of classical mechanics and optics

2) Apply the physical principles of mechanics and optics in three experiments (e.g., O1 lens law, O4 wavelength measurement, M1 spring, M6 torque)
3) Know the structure of the earth and the drive mechanisms that shape the shape of the earth and the principles of plate tectonics
4) Understand physical processes that provide information about the structure of the earth and about wave propagation through the earth body

Course Type 1: Lecture (L) 2.0 SWS ( 28.0 h)

Course Type 2: Lecture, Exercise (L+E) 2.5 SWS ( 35.0 h)

Course Type 3: Practical Laboratory (LP) 0.5 SWS ( 7.0 h)

Tutorial(s): with 0.0 SWS ( 0 h)

70.0 h presence time
68.0 h self-study
42.0 h exam workload

180 h total workload

combination exam

exam elements: 2
SL: 1

50 % written exam
50 % written exam
0 % internship report

1) Fowler, C.M.R., The Solid Earth: an Introduction to Global Geophysics, Cambridge University Press

2) Lowrie, W.: Fundamentals of Geophysics. Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge.

3) Physics of Earth, Stacey, F.D., Davis, P. M., Cambridge University Press

4) An Introduction to our Dynamic Planet, Blake, S., Burton, K., Harris, N., Parkinson, I., Rogers, N., Widdowson, M., Cambridge University Press