SH1010 Physics for the Built Environment 9.0 credits

Fysik för den byggda miljön

The course will providerelativelybroad general knowledgein Physics,andat the same timeprovide a basis forthe further education.

  • Education cycle

    First cycle
  • Main field of study

  • Grading scale


At present this course is not scheduled to be offered.

Intended learning outcomes

The course will give the student a relative broad general knowledge in Physics and also give the base for further studies in the main and related areas.

After the course the student should be able to:

  • Describe fundamental concepts, model and compute simple processes in mechanics, energy of flows, fluid mechanics and waves.
  • Identify phenomena in the environment where physical principles are applicable.
  • Write a report from a physical study of a phenomena, e.g. how the sun can be used to provide energy in buildings. The student then should be able to analyze parts of the process but also describe the whole.

Course main content

Basic classical physics

Physical quantities, Units and Dimensions. Force and momentum. Equilibrium. Friction. Work, power and energy. Kinematics in Cartesian coordinate system.

Newton's laws. Equations of motion. Hooke's law - elasticity theory.

Simple harmonic motions in one dimension, damped oscillations.

Project task: Everyday mechanics

Energy processes and phase transitions

Equations of states. Reversible and irreversible processes.

Kinetic-molecular theory of an ideal gas. Transfer of heat. Thermodynamic concepts. The first and second law of thermodynamics. Different forms of energy. Applications of first law of thermodynamics on closed and open systems and also equation of energy.

Project task: Practical uses of energy


Electromagnetic waves. Electromagnetic spectrum, visible light - sunlight - long wave electromagnetic radiation. Sensors: Physical principles, ordinary designs.

Project task: Everyday applications of the laes of thermodynamics

Fluid mechanics and flow of energy

Hydrostatic pressure. Forces caused by fluids in motion. The continuity and energy equation of incompressible fluids. Energy equations. Dimensional equation. Flow in pipes and channels. Measuring of fluid properties. Transfer of heat.


Recommended prerequisites: The course starts from level B in Physics from high school. Knowledge in algebra and single variable algebra is also assumed. 


J.S. Walker, Physics: Vol. 1, Addison-Wesley. 


  • TEN1 - Examination, 7.5, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Requirements for final grade

Two written examinations (TEN1; 7.5 hp)
Project works (PROJ1; 1,5 hp)

Offered by

SCI/Undergraduate Physics


Felix Ryde (


Felix Ryde <>

Add-on studies



Course syllabus valid from: Spring 2012.
Examination information valid from: Spring 2008.