Module: Physical & Thermal Properties of Matter

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Physical & Thermal Properties of Matter
Module Code	PHY1020 (ITS: PS105)
Faculty	Physical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to static-equilibrium, elasticity, fluids, and thermal properties of matter.

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss basic physical and thermal properties of matter
2. Solve numerical problems on physical and thermal properties of matter
3. Explain the physical principles which underpin the relevant experiments in the lab modules.
4. Relate the physical principles to topics covered in other modules.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	30	No Description
Independent Study	95	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20887	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	Y
Module Co-ordinator	Oisin Creaner	Module Teacher	Eilish McLoughlin, Jennifer Gaughran, Karsten Fleischer, Paul Van Kampen, Robert O'Connor

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Completion of online activity	Graded homework problems. This is a combination of (1) On-Line worked problems (via Mastering Physics) and (2) Customs Problems built by the Instructor to teach specific principles or real-world implementation of the course material. Students will be expected to explain their solution/approach with the class.	24%	n/a
In Class Test	Mid-term exams and a Final exam contributing 76% to the total grade. Typical breakdown of Marks & Material in exams is: 10% Mid-Term-1: Statics, Elasticity & Fluids 15% Mid-Term-2: SHM, Waves, Sound 20% Mid-Term-3 Thermal Physics 31% Final including review of previous material and the intersection of multiple elements within the course and previous modules (such as PS115). Questions are (mostly) multi-part worked questions and/or derivations, incorporating key definitions and elements seen in homework questions and/or in lecture.	76%	n/a

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

Atoms and elasticity
Atomic structure of matter. Stress, strain & elastic moduli. Elasticity & plasticity. Thermal stress.

Fluids
Fluids as applied to static and dynamic environments including Bernoulli's equation.

Introduction to Waves
longitudinal and transverse waves, physical picture, phenomena, and mathematical description

Sound and Hearing
Pressure oscillations in gasses, mathematics of sound waves, application to hearing.

Temperature & Heat
Thermometers & temperature scales. Thermal equilibrium. Thermal expansion. Calorimetry & phase changes. Heat transfer

Kinetic theory of gases
Kinetic model of an ideal gas. Ideal gas law. Mean-free-path. Boltzmann factor & Maxwell distribution. Heat capacities.

Thermal properties of matter
Phases of matter. Phase changes & Latent heat.

First law of thermodynamics
Thermodynamic systems. Work done during volume changes. Internal energy & heat capacities of gasses. Adiabatic processes.

Second law of thermodynamics
Heat engines. Second law of thermodynamics. Carnot cycle. Microstates & macrostates. Multiplicity & entropy.

Learning activities
The module has typically 15 graded homework assignments that vary from year-to-year, depending on the students' needs. They are 70% book-questions, and 30% the lecturer's.

Learning experience
'Lectures' are typically 50% working through previous Homework Questions, and 50% lecture on new material.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

H. D. Young and R. A. Freedman: 0, University Physics (with Mastering Physics), 15th edition, Addison Wesley,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None