This subject provides an introduction to the microscopic and macroscopic view of the subject. In some topics, where the equations are relatively simple, the description is more quantitative; in others, it is more qualitative, trying to introduce a clear conceptual framework, in which questions can be raised in an appropriate and natural way that leads to interest in the development offered by the subjects of the subsequent years.
We try, as far as possible, that the subject allows us to come into contact with some of the most active frontiers of current physics, so that the student can already have the feeling that they are in a living science. And we will also try to highlight the relationship between physics and nature, everyday life, and technology.

Note: 15 minutes of a class will be reserved, within the calendar established by the center/degree, for the students to complete the surveys to evaluate the performance of the teaching staff and the evaluation of the subject/module.

The assessment consists of:

1. Written examinations (85% of the final grade)

• Two midterm examinations will be held, each contributing equally to the examination grade.
• A resit examination will be offered.

2. Assessment of seminars and group activities (15% of the final grade)

• During the seminars, students will complete a number of group activities that must be submitted and will be assessed. The instructor reserves the right to ask individual oral questions to students if considered appropriate.

The final grade will be calculated as follows:

Final Grade = 0.85 × (Midterm 1 + Midterm 2)/2 + 0.15 × (Seminars)

Important: To pass the course, students must obtain a minimum mark of 3.5/10 in each midterm examination and in the seminar component, as well as an overall final grade of at least 5.0/10.

Resit Examination

To be eligible for the resit examination, students must have taken both midterm examinations. Each midterm can be retaken independently.

Students wishing to improve their grades may also sit the resit examination. If the resit mark for a given midterm is up to 1.5 points lower than the original midterm mark, the original mark will be retained (unless the resit mark is below 4.0/10). Students who believe they are unlikely to improve their grade may choose not to deliver the resit examination after completing it.

Single Assessment

Students who have opted for the single assessment modality must complete a final assessment consisting of a written examination covering the entire course syllabus, including both problem-solving and theoretical questions. This examination will take place on the same day as the second midterm examination of the continuous assessment. Immediately afterwards, students will take an individual oral examination, which replaces the assessment of seminars and group activities.

The final grade will be calculated using the same weighting as in the continuous assessment:

• Written examination: 85% of the final grade (the two examination blocks contribute equally).
• Oral examination: 15% of the final grade.

Important: To calculate the final average, students must obtain a minimum mark of 3.5/10 in both the written and the oral examinations.

Students who fail the course will be entitled to a resit examination, to be held on the date established by the Degree Programme Coordination. The resit examination will follow the same format as the single assessment.

Non-Assessable (NA)

Students who do not participate in assessment activities accounting for 50% or more of the total course grade will receive a final grade of Non-Assessable (NA).

In all other cases, the final grade will be calculated as the weighted average of the marks obtained according to the assessment criteria described above, assigning a mark of 0 to any assessment activities that were not completed.