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Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Environmental Physics (NUIG)
Module Code PS477G
School School of Physical Sciences
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Eilish McLoughlin
Semester 2: Eilish McLoughlin
Autumn: Eilish McLoughlin
Module TeachersEilish McLoughlin
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Coursework Only
Description

This module responds to the need to understand the physics behind the major environmental problems facing us today, including climate change and air pollution. Topics include: the earth system, earth energy balance, radiative forcing, atmospheric chemistry, aerosols, air pollution, atmospheric profiles, weather systems, atmospheric dispersion, indoor air quality, air quality standards, noise measurement and control.

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss basic concepts relating to the physics of the environment.
2. Solve numerical problems in environmental physics
3. Explain the physical principles which underpin the relevant experiments in the lab modules
4. Analyse physical situations using concepts, laws and techniques relevant to the environment
5. Relate the physical principles of the environment to topics covered in other modules.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture242 hours of asychronous lectures per week accessed as pre-recorded videos
Online activity242 hours of scheduled synchronous online activities per week.
Tutorial24Student learning support facilitated through small-group tutorials with flexible provision.
Independent Study53Student self directed 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

Physics behind environmental problems such as climate change, radiation and air pollution.
air pollution, atmospheric profiles, atmospheric dispersion, indoor air quality, air quality standards, noise measurement and control. Physics of fossil fuel combustion, renewable energy technology, nuclear power, nuclear accidents and radiation protection

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Completion of online activitySolve physics problem based on mathematical/quantitative aspects of module concepts.100%As required
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

  • Young and Freedman: 2020, University Physics with Modern Physics,, 15 Ed.,, https://www.pearson.com/us/higher-education/program/Young-Modified-Mastering-Physics-with-Pearson-e-Text-Standalone- Access-Card-for-University-Physics-with-Modern-Physics-15th-Edition/PGM2485469.html,
  • Eugenia Etkina, Gorazd Planinsic and Alan Van Heuvelen: 2019, College Physics: Explore and Apply,, 2nd Ed. [ISBN: 978- 01346018],
Other Resources

50087, Simulations, 0, Phet Simulations, https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations /, 50088, Website, 0, https://openstax.org/details/books/college-physics, https://openstax.org/details/books/college-physics,
Programme or List of Programmes
PDITPProfessional Diploma in Teaching Physics
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