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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title Modern Technology 1: Eng. Trans.Elect. Pwr.
Module Code PS129 (ITS) / PHY1025 (Banner)
Faculty Science & Health School Physical Sciences
Module Co-ordinator-
Module Teachers-
NFQ level 6 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
None
Array
Description

An introduction to modern technology, at a non-technical level, but sufficient to give an appropriate background to people using and marketing these technologies.

Learning Outcomes

1. Specify the main sources of energy in the modern world
2. Discuss different fossil fuels, their problems and environmental impact.
3. Discuss non-fossil fuel energy sources such as nuclear and renewable energy.
4. Indicate the main features of electricity and the electric power system



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture22No Description
Assignment Completion10Essay research for exam
Independent Study93independent learning
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

Energy & Power
Introduction to energy & power. Units and different types of energy. Energy conservation and efficiency.

Fossil fuels
Different fossil fuels, their advantages and problems. Fuel reserves and the environmental impact of burning them.

Nuclear power
The advantages, limitations and problems of nuclear energy. Radioactivity & nuclear waste.

Renewable energy sources
Wind, solar, hydroelectric & other renewable energy sources. Energy conservation.

Transport : Fossil fuels
The use and limitations of fossil fuel powered transport. Petrol, diesel & jet engines.

Transport : The alternatives
Non-fossil fuel powered transport. Electric & hybrid vehicles.

Electricity
Electric voltage current and power. Batter & mains electricity. Electrical safety.

Mains power supply systems.
How the mains electricity system works and the different systems in use.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment0% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
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 -
Indicative Reading List

  • 0: How Things Work: The Physics of Everyday Life. (2nd edition) Louis A Bloomfield. Wiley and Sons 2001,
Other Resources

8722, Lecture notes on Moodle, E Cunningham, 2013, PS129 lecture notes,

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