Module: Life, the Universe & Everything

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Life, the Universe & Everything
Module Code	PHY1021 (ITS: PS114)
Faculty	Physical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

Life, the Universe and Everything is an introductory module to the astronomy and biomedical sciences streams in our suite of physics degrees. This module will help inform students about the different degree streams available in second and subsequent years.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the motion of the Sun, Moon & planets in the sky
2. Calculate the motion of the plantets in the solar system using Kepler's Laws
3. Describe the composition & nature of the sun and its power source.
4. Quantify the different types of stars and their life cycle.
5. Describe the structure and functions of human body systems
6. Explain the role of physics in the human body, including respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
7. Calculate fluid velocities and pressures within different parts of the body.
8. Discuss energy and energy transfer in the body, including work, temperature and heat, and metabolism.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Lectures on astronomy & biomedical sciences
Tutorial	12	Tutorials and 2 in class tests
Independent Study	89	Independent worl
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20888	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC3	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
In Class Test	Planetary motion, solar irradiation and fusion.	10%	Week 7
In Class Test	Physics of the human body	10%	Week 10
Formal Examination	End of semester exam	80%	End-of-Semester

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

The Sky
Movement of the Sun, Moon & planets.

Ptolemaic & Copernican models.

Earth’s orbit, time & eclipses.

The Solar system
Solar system; Sun, terrestrial planets & gas giants, minor bodies & extra solar planets. Kepler’s Laws, gravity, and motion of the planets.

Solar constant & habitable zone.

Sun
Spectrum, composition and structure of the Sun.

Nuclear fusion in the Sun

Life cycle of stars
Types of stars and their luminosity.

HR diagram, life cycles of stars, supernovae

Introduction to Human Body
Jargon, Anatomical coordinate systems, Regions of the body.

Fluid Flow and Pressure
The basics of fluid pressure, volume, and viscosity and how they are interrelated. Blood pressure measurement. Blood and air flow in the body.

Cardiovascular System
Pulmonary and Systemic systems. Operation of cardiovascular system and vassals involved. Properties of blood. Blood flow in vessels. Blood flow under different conditions.

Respiratory System
Lung structure. Microphysics of the lung alveoli. Macrophysics of the lung and the breathing process. Breathing under difficult conditions. Energy and work required to breath.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Hugh D. Young,Roger A. Freedman: 0, University Physics with Modern Physics in SI Units, 1-292-31473-7
Irving P. Herman: 2016, Physics of the Human Body, 2, 1, 4, 7, 8, 9, Springer, 953, 9783319239309
Ian Morison: 2008, Introduction to Astronomy & Cosmology, Wiley,
Seeley & Tate, McGraw Hill, UK: 2011, Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

Lecture notes and lecture recordings on LOOP: PS114 Lecture notes,