Module: Physics Laboratory II

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Physics Laboratory II
Module Code	PHY1030 (ITS: PS157)
Faculty	Physical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

Year 1 semester 2 laboratories for AP / PBM/ PHA students

Learning Outcomes

1. Carry out basic experimental measurements with a range of measurement devices
2. Apply appropriate safe laboratory practices
3. Identify connections between experiment and theory for key first year physics concepts in areas such as electricity, magnetism and thermal physics
4. Plot and analyse straight line graphs both manually and using Excel
5. Identify sources of error in an experiment and estimate the associated uncertainty in a measured quantity
6. Plan and execute a short experimental project
7. Students will be aware of ethical issues in relation to plagiarism

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Laboratory	54	Six hours per week of semester 2
Group work	18	Three week project.
Independent Study	24	Students will read the laboratory description in advance and look up the relevant theory
Independent Study	30	Laboratory write-up
Total Workload: 126

Section Breakdown
CRN	20891	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC2	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Paul Swift	Module Teacher	Eilish McLoughlin, Jennifer Gaughran, Paul Van Kampen, Robert O'Connor

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Report(s)	Report write ups	70%	n/a
Project	Project	30%	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

Weekly experiments
Carry out and develop investigations in physics, .e.g. verification of relationships in electrical, magnetic and thermal systems.

Group project
Carry out group project

Learning activities
These will include attendance at laboratory sessions, working with a partner to set up equipment and carry out experiments, analysis of data, report writing, project planning and presentation.

Experiment List
Basic electrical skills, Ohm's law, the oscilloscope - RC circuits; resistor networks; IV characteristics of diodes; magnetic field of a solenoid; viscosity & surface tension; fluid flow, thermal conductivity, thermal expansion.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

H. D. Young: 0, University Physics, Addison Wesley,
L.A.Bloomfield: 0, How Things Work : The Physics of Everyday Life, Wiley,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None