Module: Atmospheric & Sound Physics

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Atmospheric & Sound Physics
Module Code	PHY1052
Faculty	Physical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

The purpose of this module is to provide an introduction to the physical aspects of the atmosphere. The module is knowledge based with an emphasis on atmospheric pollution (including noise) and the greenhouse effect.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify the underlying thermodynamical and mechanical principles governing the atmosphere.
2. Describe the sources of indoor and outdoor pollutants.
3. Employ the physical description of sound to noise legislation.
4. Apply physical principles to the solution of numerical problems.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	two lectures per week
Tutorial	12	one tutorial per week
Assignment Completion	24	one assignment per week
Independent Study	60	revising lecture material, solving numerical problems, additional reading
Total Workload: 120

Section Breakdown
CRN	11372	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	Jean-Paul Mosnier	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Written solutions to problem sets/exam type questions given	20%	n/a
Formal Examination	Written Exam	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
The purpose of this module is to provide an introduction to the physical aspects of the atmosphere, its composition and thermodynamic description. The module is knowledge based with an emphasis on atmospheric pollution (including noise) and the greenhouse effect.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

D. C. Giancolli: 2015, Physics: Principles with Applications, 1292057122

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None