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Agrophysics

Course developers

Course abstract

The course consists of two parts - physics and meteorology. This includes lectures, laboratory work and unassisted studies. Physics gives an understanding of the conditions necessary for the existence of biological objects: water, heat, gas exchange and light. The Meteorology shall provide knowledge of physical processes in the atmosphere which determine weather conditions and growth conditions.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

After completing the course students will have:
Knowledge about regularity of essential concepts of physics and meteorology, critical understanding of how to use it in real-world process description;
Skills to use measurements of physical quantities and apply knowledge in calculation for their branch of research, summarize and analytically describe the results;
Competences to evaluate results of measurements and calculations, problem solving and understand what influence their professional activities have on environment.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Introduction. Basics of mechanics
2. Dynamics.
3. Rotation kinematics.
4. Rotation dynamics. Surface tension.
5. Capillary phenomena. Viscosity of liquids.
6. Flows of liquids and gases.
7. Temperature and heat.
8. Heat exchange processes.
9. Diffusion.
10. Osmosis.
11. Electromagnetic radiation.
12. Light.
13. Spectral analysis. Summary
14. Atmospheric composition.
15. Solar radiation. Greenhouse effect.
16. Earth's surface warming and cooling.
17. Atmospheric warming and cooling. Air masses.
18. Vertical temperature gradient. Atmospheric stability.
19. Precipitation
20. Pressure gradient. Wind. Cyclone and anticyclone.

21. Climate.

Requirements for awarding credit points

The exam must be passed. Conditions for taking an exam:
1/ Meteorological part, is required to collect 50% of the maximum possible score, summing up the score; tests in theory (maximum 2 x 10 p) and average evaluation of laboratory works (maximum 10 p);
2/ In the physics part, it is necessary to collect 50% of the maximum possible score by summing up the score; tests in theory (maximum 2 x 10 p) and the average score of laboratory works (maximum 10 p).

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

1. Study literature independently according to the course plan.
2. Laboratory work should be processed and counted.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The overall assessment in the course is determined as the weighted average of the grades obtained from the Physics and Meteorological Parts.
A student can obtain a successful mark for a test or exam if he / she collects at least 50% of the points in the assessment.
Students who have acquired at least 60% of the maximum possible score during the entire semester can receive an accumulative score.

Compulsory reading

1. Giancoli D. C. Physics Principles with Applications. Sixth Edition. New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc, 2005. 946 p.
2. Ahrens C.D. Meteorology Today. New York: West Publishing Co., 1991. 331 p.

Further reading

1.Physics for the Life Sciences. M. Zinke-Allmang ... [et al.]. Toronto: Nelson Education Ltd, 2013. 677 p.

Notes

The course is intended for students of the “Sustainable agriculture” academic bachelor's study programme.