Module Specifications.
Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025
All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).
As such, this is a point in time view of data which will be refreshed periodically. Some fields/data may not yet be available pending the completion of the full Coursebuilder upgrade and integration project. We will post status updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Date posted: September 2024
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Coursework Only |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Description This module aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to physical and thermal properties of matter. Topics covered include: temperature & heat - thermometers & temperature scales; thermal equilibrium; thermal expansion. Heat transfer; kinetic theory of gases; ideal gas law; heat capacities. Properties of matter - phases of matter; phase changes; stress, strain & elastic moduli. thermodynamics. Students will undertake experiments associated with discipline content modules; in order to enhance their practical skills, and to develop and enhance their inquiry-based teaching and learning approaches in physics practical work. The labs place emphasis on communication during and after experimentation, analysing experimental uncertainty, graphing and tabulation and evidenced-based reasoning. Students will submit laboratory portfolio of experiments conducted. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning Outcomes 1. Discuss basic physical and thermal properties of matter 2. Solve numerical problems on physical and thermal properties of matter 3. Explain physical principles related to thermal physics 4. Relate physical principles to topics covered in other modules. 5. Carry out physics experiments safely 6. Demonstrate conceptual understanding of introductory physics concepts in mechanics, optics and thermal physics 7. Construct and interpret graphs and tables. 8. Carry out basic investigations in physics independently. 9. Report on these investigations 10. State and test hypotheses 11. Reflect on learning | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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
Temperature & HeatThermometers & temperature scales. Thermal equilibrium. Thermal expansion. Calorimetry & phase changes. Heat transferKinetic theory of gasesKinetic model of an ideal gas. Ideal gas law. Diffusion & mobility. Boltzmann factor & Maxwell distribution. Heat capacities.Thermal properties of matterPhases of matter. Phase changes & Clausius-Clapeyron equation.First law of thermodynamicsThermodynamic systems. Work done during volume changes. Internal energy & heat capacities. Adiabatic processes.Second law of thermodynamicsHeat engines. Second law of thermodynamics. Carnot cycle. Microstates & macrostates. Multiplicity & entropy.Physics LaboratoriesComplete Physics laboratories either online or in the laboratory. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Indicative Reading List
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Resources 49112, Online simulations, 0, Phet simulations, University of Colorado Boulder Phet simulations', https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations /, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||