Module: Modern Technology: Electronics & Communications

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Modern Technology: Electronics & Communications
Module Code	PHY1026 (ITS: PS130)
Faculty	Physical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

Module Aim:An introduction to modern technology, at a non-technical level, but sufficient to give an appropriate background to people using and marketing these technologies.

Learning Outcomes

1. Appreciate the impact of electronic devices on modern life
2. Describe the different ways of recording and broadcasting sound
3. Describe the different methods of broadcasting pictures and recent developments
4. Appreciate the impact and limitations of modern communication technology

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	25	lectures
Independent Study	100	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20843	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	Jens Ducree	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Essay	Essay on electronics or sound	50%	n/a
Essay	Essay on video or communications	50%	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

Electronics
Electronics & computersModern electronic devices, NanotechnologyInformation storage & computer memory Hard disks & other computer memory systems

Audio Technology
Audio TechnologyDigital and analogue sound reproduction Digital sound storage & MP3s Lasers & CDs Analogue & digital radio broadcasting

Video technology
Video TechnologyDigital cameras, scanners & imagingAnalogue & digital televisionVideos, DVDs & blue laser DVDs

Communication systems
Communication systemsFixed line phone systemMobile phone systemISDN, data networks and alternative systems, Optical Fibres & communication

Indicative Reading List

Books:

0: Indicative Reading List:Essential: How Things Work: The Physics of Everyday Life. (2nd edition)Louis A Bloomfield. Wiley and Sons 2001,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None