Module: Physics For General Science II

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Physics For General Science II
Module Code	PHY1024 (ITS: PS123)
Faculty	Physical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module provides general science students with a comprehensive introduction to the physics topics of waves & optics and electricity & magnetism. The module aims to develop students' knowledge and appreciation of physics and their ability to confidently handle physics problems using algebra-based methods. Students also taking the Physics Laboratory module PS153 will be able to see the relationship between the lecture material and experiments.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe and apply basic physical concepts related to waves & optics and electricity & magnetism.
2. Solve numerical problems in waves & optics and electricity & magnetism
3. Explain the physical principles underpinning the experiments in PS153.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	36	Three lectures per week
Assignment Completion	12	Pre-lecture reading
Assignment Completion	24	Homework assignments
Independent Study	53	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	21228	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	Robert O'Connor	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Completion of online activity	Completion of online homework of assignments and in-class tests	20%	As required
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	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

Indicative Syllabus
Electric Charge and fields, Gauss Law and flux, Electric potential, Capacitors and dielectrics, Current, resistance and EMF, DC circuits, Magnetic fields and forces, Amperes Law and magnetic field sources, EM Induction Maxwell's equations, Inductance, AC circuits and resonance, EM waves, Optical waves and propagation, Imaging systems, microscopes and telescopes, Interference and diffraction, Introduction to lasers and holography

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Alan Giambattista: 2019, Physics, 5th, McGrawHill,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None