ECTS credits ECTS credits: 3
ECTS Hours Rules/Memories Student's work ECTS: 51 Hours of tutorials: 3 Expository Class: 9 Interactive Classroom: 12 Total: 75
Use languages Spanish, Galician
Type: Ordinary subject Master’s Degree RD 1393/2007 - 822/2021
Departments: Applied Physics
Areas: Applied Physics
Center Faculty of Physics
Call: Second Semester
Teaching: With teaching
Enrolment: Enrollable | 1st year (Yes)
The Environmental Physics course, or the measurement and analysis of the interaction between organisms and their physical environment, is proposed as a synthesis of various subjects included in the undergraduate and master’s degrees in Physics that cover content related to the description of the environment from a physical perspective.
This content forms the basis of many disciplines with great impact on today’s society, such as renewable energy research, reduction of environmental impact caused by modern society and industrial processes, anthropogenic climate change, detection, prevention, and treatment of pollution, and waste management of all types.
The aim of this course is to train students in the basic physical aspects that describe the interaction between living organisms and their environment, using their previous physics education as the main foundation.
Moreover, this global perspective of the environment allows students to apply their knowledge to real situations and better understand many concepts previously acquired, enhancing their training as future professionals.
INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSICS
Environmental Physics. Environmental science: perspectives on environmental systems and sustainability, environmental ethics and policy, and the nature and scope of environmental issues.
MATTER AND ENERGY FLOWS
Conduction. Convection. Mass transport. Diffusion. Radiation. Basic laws of radiation. The concept of evapotranspiration. Estimation of evapotranspiration.
EARTH AND SUN
Earth-sun motion. Sun position. Solar time. Local time. Surface inclination and orientation. Solar radiation. Solar spectrum. Solar constant. Interaction of solar radiation with the atmosphere. Radiation reaching Earth’s surface: direct and diffuse radiation. Estimation of incident solar radiation. Longwave terrestrial radiation. Net shortwave and longwave radiation. Energy balance.
HYDROSPHERE AND LITHOSPHERE
Basics of hydrosphere physics: principles of physical oceanography. Lithosphere physics: sustainability. Erosion. Climate and the greenhouse effect as a global process.
ENERGY SUPPLY AND SOCIETY. POLLUTION PROCESSES
Environmental pollution. Noise control and environmental acoustics. Electromagnetic pollution. Light pollution. Ionizing radiation. Comprehensive waste management.
FUNDAMENTALS OF REMOTE SENSING AND EARTH OBSERVATION
Remote sensing. Historical approach. Sensors and platforms: aircraft and satellites. Introduction to Geographic Information Systems. Applications.
Basic
BOEKER, E. y VAN GRONDELLE, R., “Environmental Science: Physical Principles and Applications”. Wiley, (2001).
GUYOT, G., “Physics of the Environment and Climate”. Wiley, (1997).
RISTINEN, R. A. y KRAUSHAAR, J. J., “Energy and the environment”. Wiley, (1999).
HARRIS, C. M., “Manual de medidas acústicas y control del ruido”, McGraw-Hill, (1998).
EDMONDS, D. T., “Electricity and magnetism in biological systems”, Oxford University Press, (2001).
KNOLL, G. F. “Radiation detection and measurement”, John Wiley & Sons, (1989).
HUNT, D. y JOHNSON, C., “Sistemas de gestión medioambiental”, McGraw-Hill, (1996).
CHUVIECO, E. "Fundamentos de Teledetección Espacial". Rialp, (1996).
MONTEITH, J.L. and UNSWORTH, M. "Principles of Environmental Physics" 2nd. Arnold, (1990).
RESCO DE DIOS, V. "Ecomitos : los bulos ecológicos que agravan la crisis ambiental", Plataforma Editorial (2024).
Complementary
CARPENTER, D. O. y AYRAPETYAN, S., “Biological effects of electric and magnetic fields. Volume 1: Sources and mechanisms. Volume 2: Beneficial and harmful effects”, Academic Press, (1994).
SALBY, M. L., “Fundamentals of Atmospheric Physics”. Academic Press, (1996).
POLK, C. y POSTOW, E., “Handbook of biological effects of electromagnetic fields”, CRC Press, (1996).
DELEAGE, J. P. y SOUCHON, C., “La energía: tema interdisciplinar para la educación ambiental”, Centro de Publicaciones del MOPTMA, (1991).
CARTER, L. W., “Manual de evaluación del impacto ambiental”, McGraw-Hill, (1997).
TCHOBANOGLOUS, G., THEISEN, H. y VIGIL, S., “Gestión integral de residuos sólidos”, McGraw-Hill, (1994).
BOLÍVAR, J.P., “Física Ambiental”, Ed. Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad
de Huelva, Huelva, (2001).
J.M. OCHOA Y F. BOLAÑOS. “Medida y control del ruido”. Ed. Marcombo. Barcelona, (1990).
BEHAR. “El ruido y su control”. Ed. Trillas. México, (1994).
X. ORTEGA Y J. JORBA. “Las radiaciones ionizantes: su utilización y riesgos”.
Ed. Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña. Barcelona, (19949.
C. PINILLA, “Fundamentos de Teledetección”, Ed. Ra-Ma, Madrid, (1995).
JOSA PONS, J. "¿Fósil? No, gracias - Las estratagemas de la industria de los combustibles fósiles, al descubierto", Caligrama (2024).
General and Basic
CG01 - Ability to carry out team-based research work.
CG02 - Capacity for analysis and synthesis.
CG03 - Ability to write texts, articles, or scientific reports following publication standards.
CG04 - Familiarity with various methods used to disseminate results and share knowledge in scientific meetings.
CG05 - Application of knowledge to solve complex problems.
CB6 - Possess and understand knowledge that provides a basis or opportunity to be original in the development and/or application of ideas, often in a research context.
CB7 - Apply acquired knowledge and problem-solving skills in new or unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts.
CB8 - Integrate knowledge and handle complexity in formulating judgments, including ethical and social reflections.
CB9 - Communicate conclusions and the underlying knowledge clearly to both specialized and non-specialized audiences.
CB10 - Possess learning skills that enable autonomous or self-directed study.
Transversal
CT01 - Ability to interpret academic texts and documents in English.
CT02 - Capacity for responsible decision-making in complex situations.
Specific
CE12 - Provide specialized training in various areas of Fundamental Physics, including environmental physics, fluid physics, acoustics, and quantum/radiation phenomena.
CE13 - Master interdisciplinary tools (theoretical, experimental, and computational) to successfully conduct research or professional activities in any physics field.
The subject will be taught through lectures and various activities (seminars, round tables, discussions, etc.), using all available audiovisual resources to make the material engaging and educational for students. All essential study materials will be provided through the course's virtual platform.
Students will have access to scheduled tutoring sessions to clarify doubts, expand knowledge, and improve seminar presentation skills.
Students must complete an individual or group project throughout the course and present it. Exceptionally, a final exam may be taken.
Theoretical content will be supported by audiovisual tools, computer software, and internet resources to enhance comprehension and engagement.
Assessment will be continuous and based on the following:
- Class attendance and participation: 10%
- Completion of activities (practical work, problem-solving, assignments, etc.): 40%
- Development and presentation of a seminar (individual or group): 50%
If a student fails to meet these requirements, they may take a first-round final exam. If unsuccessful, they may sit for a second-round exam. The grade obtained in these exams will be the final grade.
A grade of 'Absent' will be given to students who do not take the exam or participate in any mandatory activity.
All tasks (studying, assignments, readings) will be guided through in-person or virtual USC tutorials. All available virtual tools will be used to provide students with the necessary materials (presentations, notes, support texts, bibliography, videos, etc.) and to maintain fluid communication between teacher and student.
In cases of fraudulent activity during assessments, the 'Regulations on the evaluation of academic performance and grade review' will apply.
Article 16: Fraudulent activity in any assessment will result in a failing grade for the corresponding session, regardless of any disciplinary action. Fraud includes plagiarism or using publicly accessible sources without reworking or citing the authors.
It is estimated that the student's personal study time and other activities related to course preparation will be approximately 44 hours. Including 15 hours of lectures, 15 hours of practical seminars, and 1 hour of tutoring, the total estimated time for successfully completing the course is around 75 hours.
It is recommended that students also take Fluid Physics and Atmospheric Physics to better understand the course content.
Recommended prerequisites:
1. A critical mindset, curiosity about the natural world, and scientific rigor.
2. Prior studies in a Physics degree or equivalent.
3. Basic knowledge of English.
4. Basic computer skills, including PowerPoint (for public presentations), data analysis software (Excel, Kaleidagraph, Origin), and internet navigation for information access.
Language of instruction: Galician
Maria Del Pilar Brocos Fernandez
Coordinador/a- Department
- Applied Physics
- Area
- Applied Physics
- Phone
- 881813961
- pilar.brocos [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: University Lecturer
| Wednesday | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 11:00-13:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Galician | Classroom 4 |
| Friday | |||
| 11:00-13:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Galician | Classroom 4 |
| 05.25.2026 12:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom 7 |
| 06.25.2026 12:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom 7 |