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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title Physics Laboratory I
Module Code PS158 (ITS) / PHY1031 (Banner)
Faculty Science & Health School Physical Sciences
Module Co-ordinatorPaul Swift
Module TeachersEilish 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 the module
Description

Year 1 semester 1 physics laboratories for PGE1. The purpose of this module is to ensure that first year physics students have basic laboratory and data analysis skills to equip them for subsequent laboratory courses. In the module, the students will also learn to relate the relevant theory to the experimental manifestation of the theory or principle. The students will participate in a variety of learning activities, for example dealing with error analysis, using instrumentation, constructing simple experiments, writing laboratory reports and oral presentation.

Learning Outcomes

1. Carry out basic experimental measurements with a Vernier callipers, micrometer screw gauge, electronic multimeter and other measurement devices
2. Apply appropriate safe laboratory practices
3. Identify connections between experiment and theory for key first year physics concepts in areas such as mechanics, optics and thermal physics
4. Plot and analyse straight line and parabolic graphs
5. Identify sources of error in an experiment and estimate the associated uncertainty in a measured quantity
6. Produce a written reports
7. Be aware of ethical issues in relation to plagiarism



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Online activity22Pre-lab & Post-lab Quizzes
Laboratory36Three hours per week for 12 weeks of semester 1
Independent Study44Laboratory preparation and report writing
Total Workload: 102

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

Weekly experiments
Perform and develop investigations in physics, .e.g. verification of relationships in mechanics, construction of simple optical instruments, e.g., microscopes and telescopes and construction of simple electrical circuits.

Learning activities
These will include attendance at laboratory sessions, working with a partner to set up equipment and carry out experiments, analysis of data, report writing, project planning and presentation.

Transition Skills
1. Active learning - note taking and reading; assignment writing; research skills and exam success (4 x 30 minute sections) 2. Digital skills - creating content, digital collaboration, searching the web, protecting your data 3. Mindset - growth mindset; managing feedback; dealing with set-backs and failure; managing change 4. Self-efficacy - learning through past experiences, through communication and feedback, through observing others and through modification of thoughts and feelings 5. Self-Management - Getting motivated, getting organised, managing stress and beating procrastination 6. Critical self-reflection - the learner context, the role of critical self-reflection; the student transformation journey, student outcomes

Experiment List
Error analysis, the simple pendulum; g by freefall; focal length of lenses, refractive index using Snell's law; elasticity; absorption of gamma-rays, rotational motion, friction.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Loop QuizPre-lab & post-lab quizzes10%Every Week
Report(s)Weekly reports on experiments90%n/a
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 2
Indicative Reading List

  • Hugh D. Young,Roger A. Freedman: 0, University Physics with Modern Physics in SI Units, 1-292-31473-7
Other Resources

None

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