Module: Mechanics

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Mechanics
Module Code	PHY1001 (ITS: PS470G)
Faculty	Physical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module lays a broad foundation in mechanics. No prior knowledge of physics is assumed. Topics include: units; scientific notation; significant figures; scalars; vectors; displacement; speed; velocity; constant acceleration, equations of motion; Newton’s laws of motion; friction, tension; uniform circular motion, including centripetal force, Kepler’s Laws & satellite motion; work; work-energy theorem, gravitational potential energy; mechanical power, impulse and momentum; conservation of linear momentum; ballistic pendulum; equilibrium of a rigid body, centre of gravity; fluids.

Learning Outcomes

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

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	2 hours of asychronous lectures per week accessed as pre-recorded videos
Online activity	24	2 hours of scheduled synchronous online activities per week.
Tutorial	24	Student learning support facilitated through small-group tutorials with flexible provision.
Independent Study	53	Student self directed learning
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20022	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Eilish McLoughlin	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Completion of online activity	Solve mechanics problem based on mathematical/quantitative aspects of module concepts.	100%	As required

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Units and Measurement
units; scientific notation; significant figures; scalars; vectors

1-D and 2-D Motion
displacement; speed; velocity; constant acceleration,equations of motion; Newton’s laws of motion; friction, tension

Circular Motion
uniform circular motion, including centripetal force, Kepler’s Laws & satellite motion

Work, Energy and Power
work; work-energy theorem, gravitational potential energy; mechanical power,

Impulse and momentum
impulse and momentum; conservation of linear momentum; ballistic pendulum;

Equilibrium and fluids
equilibrium of a rigid body, centre of gravity; fluids.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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],

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: Simulations, Phet simulations,
414146: 1, Website, https://openstax.org/details/books/college-physics,
https://openstax.org/details/books/college-physics: