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Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Physics For General Science I
Module Code PS122
School School of Physical Sciences
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Paul Van Kampen
Semester 2: Paul Van Kampen
Autumn: Paul Van Kampen
Module TeachersPaul Van Kampen
NFQ level 6 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Repeat examination
Array
Description

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to the physics topics of mechanics, fluids, heat and temperature for general science and sport science students. The module aims to help students develop their understanding of concepts and applications of physics, their ability to confidently handle physics problems using algebra-based methods, and to develop transferable communication skills.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe and apply basic physical concepts as they relate to mechanics, fluids and heat and temperature
2. Solve numerical problems in mechanics, fluids, and heat and temperature
3. Describe, apply and explain in detail the concepts of speed and acceleration, force, work and energy, impulse and momentum; density, pressure, volume, and temperature



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture36Lecture attendance
Online activity12Pre-lecture reading
Assignment Completion24Homework assignments
Independent Study53Individual study time
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

Foundations
Nature of science; proportional reasoning; graphing; reasoning skills

Motion
Distance, time, speed, acceleration; uniform and uniformly accelerated motion; 1-D and 2-D motion.

Interactions
Forces, Newton's laws of motion, free-body diagrams. Impulse and momentum. Work and energy.

Rotation
Statics, angular motion, torque.

Properties of matter
Fluid dynamics, elasticity in solids, viscosity and surface tension in fluids

Thermal Physics
Heat and temperature, kinetic theory of gases, laws of thermodynamics

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment25% Examination Weight75%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentOnline pre-lecture assignments and homework exercises30%Every Week
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

  • Giambattista: 2019, Physics, 5th Edition, McGrawHill, (online e-text),
  • OpenStax: 0, College Physics, https://openstax.org/details/books/college-physics,
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
AFUAge Friendly University Programme
SHSAStudy Abroad (Science & Health)
SHSAOStudy Abroad (Science & Health)
SMPSCSingle Module Prog Science and Health
Date of Last Revision07-FEB-12
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