Module: Applied Spectroscopy

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Applied Spectroscopy
Module Code	PHY1062 (ITS: PS415)
Faculty	Physical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module provides an overview of a number of spectroscopic techniques used in research and industry to determine the electronic, chemical and structural properties of matter through its interaction with electromagnetic radiation. The approach used is descriptive and operational. A solid understanding of the basic principles of quantum mechanics, mechanics, thermodynamics, and optics is required.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the experimental apparatus used for a selection of spectroscopic techniques.
2. Highlight key properties needed in components of the experimental apparatus.
3. Evaluate numerically the characteristics of spectroscopic components and apparatus.
4. Evaluate numerically how the physical characteristics of the sample affect the spectroscopic features.
5. Describe phenomenologically the nature of the light-mater interaction occurring in selected spectroscopic techniques.
6. Calculate the position of spectroscopic lines in selected spectroscopic techniques.
7. Interpret experimental data.
8. Calculate the material properties of a sample based on spectroscopic data for selected spectroscopic techniques.

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

Section Breakdown
CRN	11380	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Albert Ellingboe	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
In Class Test	A mix of homework assignments, mid-term, and end-of-term tests	100%	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

Experimental apparatus
Describe the experimental apparatus used in spectroscopy. Highlight key properties needed in components of the experimental apparatus used for a selection of spectroscopic techniques

Numerical evaluation
Evaluate numerically the characteristics of spectroscopic components and apparatus, and how the physical characteristics of the sample affect the spectroscopic features

Phenomenology
Describe phenomenologically the nature of the light-mater interaction occurring in selected spectroscopic techniques

Spectroscopic lines
Calculate the position of spectroscopic lines in selected spectroscopic techniques

Interpretation
Interpret experimental data Calculate the material properties of a sample based on spectroscopic data for selected spectroscopic techniques

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Banwell and McCash: 0, Fundamentals of Molecular Spectroscopy,
Hollas: 0, Modern Spectroscopy,
Thorne, Litzen, Johansson: 0, Spectrophysics,
Atkins: 0, Physical Chemistry,
Skoog, Nieman, and Holler: 0, Principals of Instrumental Analysis,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None