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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title Basic Physics I
Module Code PVS102 (ITS) / PHY1081 (Banner)
Faculty Science & Health School Physical Sciences
Module Co-ordinator-
Module Teachers-
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
None
Array
Description

The purpose of this module is to provide participants with a broad introduction to fundamentals of physics. In this module students will develop knowledge and skills relating to Newtonian mechanics, matter and waves. The course aims to give students a full and thorough knowledge of these topics with emphasis placed on the relationship of the course material to various aspects of plasma physics, vacuum technology, and related topics. Students are expected to access all course material online, participate in online discussion groups where they can discuss the course material and set problems relating to the course material, and participate in various learning activities and continuous assessment tasks on a regular basis.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand basic physics concepts of linear mechanics.
2. Understand basic properties and physics of fluids.
3. Understand basic properties and physics of periodic motion.
4. Understand basic properties and physics of waves.
5. Solve applied problems, identifying the key physics concepts involved and performing related calculations.
6. Relate the physics principles covered to various aspects of modern technologies used in the workplace.
7. Communicate the physics principles and applications with their collegues.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Total Workload: 0

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

Mechanics
Units and SI system. Vectors. Linear motion. Linear momentum and Forces. Newtons laws of motion. Energy and work. Free body diagrams. Rotational motion. Moment of inertia. Angular momentum. Torque. Conservation laws.

Properties of matter
Elasticity in solids. Viscosity and surface tension in fluids.

Periodic motion and waves
Periodic motion and simple harmonic motion. Damped and driven oscillating systems. Mechanical waves, wave equation, harmonic waves, longitudinal and transverse waves. Sound waves, sound. Wave superposition and interference, standing waves and normal modes.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment0% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Loop ExamOnline quiz based in multichoice, matching, short answers and numerical calculation problems.8%Week 3
EssayAssignment consisting of definition, essay and numerical problems solving.8%Week 4
Loop ExamOnline quiz based in multichoice, matching, short answers and numerical calculation problems.9%Week 6
EssayAssignment consisting of definition, essay and numerical problems solving.9%Week 6
Oral ExaminationOn-line discussions forum.16%Every Week
In Class TestWritten test involving essay and calcuation type problems based on all course material.50%Week 8
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

  • H. D. Young: 1992, University Physics, Addison Wesley,
  • D.C. Giancoli: 1997, Physics: Principles with Applications, Prentice Hall,
  • M. Mansfield and C. O'Sullivan: 1998, Understanding Physics, Wiley,
Other Resources


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