Module: Physics for General Science 2

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Physics for General Science 2
Module Code	PHY1028 (ITS: PS133)
Faculty	Physical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5

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 will complete Physics Laboratories over the semester that will enable them 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 related physics experiments.
4. Carry out basic investigations in optics and electric circuits

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	36	Three lectures per week
Online activity	12	Pre-lecture reading
Assignment Completion	24	Homework assignments
Laboratory	36	Guided inquiry physics tasks
Online activity	6	Laboratory Pretests & Prelabs
Independent Study	76	Independent Study
Total Workload: 190

Section Breakdown
CRN	20890	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	Eilish McLoughlin, Paul Van Kampen

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Laboratory Assessment	25%	As required
Completion of online activity	Completion of online homework assignments and continuous assesment examinations	25%	As required
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	50%	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

Waves and Optics
Elasticity & Oscillations, Waves, Sound, Electromagnetic Waves,

Light: Geometric Optics, Optical Instruments, The wave nature of light

Electricity and Magnetism
Electric Forces and Fields, Electric Potential, Electric Current and Circuits, Magnetic Forces and Fields, Electromagnetic Induction, Alternating Current

Laboratory work
Laboratories on optics and electric circuits

Indicative Reading List

Books:

0: Alan Giambattista 2019, Physics, 5th Ed., McGrawHill,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

Online Learning Support Platform: McGraw-Hill Connect,