Module: Life, the Universe & Everything

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Life, the Universe & Everything
Module Code	PS114 (ITS) / PHY1021 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Physical Sciences
Module Co-ordinator	Robert Brose
Module Teachers	Eilish McLoughlin, Jennifer Gaughran, Karsten Fleischer, Paul Van Kampen, Robert O'Connor, Samuel McKeague
NFQ level	6	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Repeat examination

Description

Life, the Universe and Everything is an introductory module to the astronomy and biomedical sciences streams in our suite of physics degrees. This module will help inform students about the different degree streams available in second and subsequent years.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the motion of the Sun, Moon & planets in the sky
2. Calculate the motion of the plantets in the solar system using Kepler's Laws
3. Describe the composition & nature of the sun and its power source.
4. Quantify the different types of stars and their life cycle.
5. Describe the structure and functions of human body systems
6. Explain the role of physics in the human body, including respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
7. Calculate fluid velocities and pressures within different parts of the body.
8. Discuss energy and energy transfer in the body, including work, temperature and heat, and metabolism.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Lectures on astronomy & biomedical sciences
Tutorial	12	Tutorials and 2 in class tests
Independent Study	89	Independent worl
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

The Sky
Movement of the Sun, Moon & planets. Ptolemaic & Copernican models. Earth’s orbit, time & eclipses.

The Solar system
Solar system; Sun, terrestrial planets & gas giants, minor bodies & extra solar planets. Kepler’s Laws, gravity, and motion of the planets. Solar constant & habitable zone.

Sun
Spectrum, composition and structure of the Sun. Nuclear fusion in the Sun

Life cycle of stars
Types of stars and their luminosity. HR diagram, life cycles of stars, supernovae

Introduction to Human Body
Jargon, Anatomical coordinate systems, Regions of the body.

Fluid Flow and Pressure
The basics of fluid pressure, volume, and viscosity and how they are interrelated. Blood pressure measurement. Blood and air flow in the body.

Cardiovascular System
Pulmonary and Systemic systems. Operation of cardiovascular system and vassals involved. Properties of blood. Blood flow in vessels. Blood flow under different conditions.

Respiratory System
Lung structure. Microphysics of the lung alveoli. Macrophysics of the lung and the breathing process. Breathing under difficult conditions. Energy and work required to breath.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	20%	Examination Weight	80%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
In Class Test	Planetary motion, solar irradiation and fusion.	10%	Week 7
In Class Test	Physics of the human body	10%	Week 10

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 3

Indicative Reading List

Hugh D. Young,Roger A. Freedman: 0, University Physics with Modern Physics in SI Units, 1-292-31473-7
Irving P. Herman: 2016, Physics of the Human Body, 2, 1, 4, 7, 8, 9, Springer, 9783319239309
Ian Morison: 2008, Introduction to Astronomy & Cosmology, Wiley,
Seeley & Tate, McGraw Hill, UK: 2011, Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology,

Other Resources

60581, Lecture notes and lecture recordings on LOOP, 0, PS114 Lecture notes,