Module: Nuclear Physics & Relativity

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Nuclear Physics & Relativity
Module Code	PHY1036 (ITS: PS207)
Faculty	Physical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

The first part of this module introduces the central ideas of the theory of relativity, and shows how these ideas lead to radical changes in our view of basic physical concepts, including space, time, energy and mass. We will see how a consistent relativistic approach leads to surprising results such as time dilation and the equivalance of mass and energy. In the second part of the module, we examine the influence of relativistic concepts in modern physics, ranging from the structure of the universe to nuclear physics.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the central ideas of relativity theory, and contrast with them corresponding elements in classical theory
2. Express these central ideas in terms of the formal postulates of relativity theory
3. Show how the main relativistic effects (time dilation, Lorentz contraction, simultaneity failure, mass-energy equivalence), follow from the postulates
4. Solve problems involving the application of relativistic concepts
5. Explain how relativity theory applies to specific areas of modern physics (cosmology, atomic theory, nuclear physics)
6. Solve problems involving relativistic ideas in modern physics

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	36	No Description
Independent Study	89	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11363	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC3	Best Mark	Y
Module Co-ordinator	Miles Turner	Module Teacher	Paul Van Kampen

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
In Class Test	Problems involving the application of concepts covered in the lectures	20%	Once per semester
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

Einstein's postulates
The alarming discovery that classical mechanics and the Maxwell electromagnetic theory are contradictory. Einstein's surprising conclusion that classical mechanics is at fault. Einstein's postulates of Special Relativity.

Special Relativity and its consequences
The implications of Einstein's postulates: Time dilation, Lorentz contraction, simultaneity failure, equivalance of mass and energy. Various examples of the use of these ideas and their unexpected consequences.

General Relativity and Cosmology
Introduction to the central ideas of General Relativity (the Einsteinian theory of gravity). Ideas about curved space-time.

Nuclear physics
Relativistic ideas applied to nuclear physics. Nuclear structure.

Particle Physics
Sub-atomic particles and the four forces of nature. Classification of particles.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

D.C. Giancoli: 2004, Physics: Principles with Applications, Pearson,
N. David Mermin: 1989, Space and Time in Special Relativity, Waveland,
Hugh D. Young, Roger A. Freedman and Lewis Ford: 2007, University Physics with Modern Physics, Pearson,
Edwin F. Taylor and John Archibald Wheeler: 1992, Spacetime Physics, W.H.Freeman,
Richard P. Feynman: 2007, Six Not-so-easy Pieces: Einstein's Relativity, Symmetry and Space-time, Penguin,
Roger Penrose and George Gamow: 1993, Mr Tompkins in Paperback, Cambridge,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None