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[ TPMWAVOGEPH ] VL History of Physics
Versionsauswahl
Workload Education level Study areas Responsible person Hours per week Coordinating university
3 ECTS B3 - Bachelor's programme 3. year Physics Christoph Cobet 2 hpw Johannes Kepler University Linz
Detailed information
Original study plan Bachelor's programme Technical Physics 2025W
Learning Outcomes
Competences
After successfully completing the course, students are able to trace and describe the historical development of physical theories and concepts. They can place them in their scientific, societal and technological context, as well as explain scientific paradigm shifts and their impact on the progress of physics. This includes the ability to evaluate physical theories in their historical context and to reconstruct and discuss historical debates and scientific controversies.
Skills Knowledge
Upon completing the course, students learn the following skills. They are able to

  • describe key experiments and discoveries in the history of physics (k2);
  • place physical theories and concepts in their historical context (k2-k4);
  • recognize scientific paradigm shifts (k4);
  • critically interpret historical sources and scientific texts (k4);
  • present scientific developments in an clear and structured manner (k1-k4).
During the course, students acquire knowledge in the following areas:

  • historical milestones, such as ancient natural philosophy, the heliocentric world view, Newtonian mechanics;
  • development of modern physics (thermodynamics, electrodynamics, relativity theory and quantum mechanics);
  • key results such as the Michelson-Morley experiment, the Franck-Hertz experiment and the detection of the electron;
  • interplay between theory and experiment;
  • development of measurement methods;
  • the influence of physical findings on technical innovations and vice versa;
  • ethical and social implications.
Criteria for evaluation presentation of individual topics with supplementary oral exam
Methods lecture with contributions from students
Language German or English
Study material Materials will be provided; further reading will be announced in the lecture.
Changing subject? No
On-site course
Maximum number of participants -
Assignment procedure Direct assignment