Module: Thermal Physics & Physics Laboratory 1

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Thermal Physics & Physics Laboratory 1
Module Code	PHY1065 (ITS: PS472)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Physical Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5

Description

This module aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to physical and thermal properties of matter. Topics covered include: temperature & heat - thermometers & temperature scales; thermal equilibrium; thermal expansion. Heat transfer; kinetic theory of gases; ideal gas law; heat capacities. Properties of matter - phases of matter; phase changes; stress, strain & elastic moduli. thermodynamics. Students will undertake experiments associated with discipline content modules; in order to enhance their practical skills, and to develop and enhance their inquiry-based teaching and learning approaches in physics practical work. The labs place emphasis on communication during and after experimentation, analysing experimental uncertainty, graphing and tabulation and evidenced-based reasoning. Students will submit laboratory portfolio of experiments conducted.

Learning Outcomes

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2. Discuss basic physical and thermal properties of matter
4. 7,6
5. 1
6. 1E26778A-54BC-0001-599D-A83FC8B0E3E0
7. Solve numerical problems on physical and thermal properties of matter
9. 8,9
10. 2
11. 1E26778A-5988-0001-B2B8-17501CC01C9E
12. Explain physical principles related to thermal physics
14. 7,6,8
15. 3
16. 1E26778A-5FC0-0001-85EC-1DF09C4AC4B0
17. Relate physical principles to topics covered in other modules.
19. 7,6,11,10
20. 4
21. 1E267719-8C25-0001-CD8D-E13488623CB0
22. Carry out physics experiments safely
24. 7,6,8
25. 5
26. 1E267719-B170-0001-987E-1950CA001DC5
27. Demonstrate conceptual understanding of introductory physics concepts in mechanics, optics and thermal physics
29. 7
30. 6
31. 1E267719-B9E0-0001-9E62-13A013C719B9
32. Construct and interpret graphs and tables.
34. 8,9
35. 7
36. 1E267719-C040-0001-6BEB-4E391C201744
37. Carry out basic investigations in physics independently.
39. 8
40. 8
41. 1E267719-C57D-0001-33DB-46C619551B5A
42. Report on these investigations
44. 9,10
45. 9
46. 1E267719-CA39-0001-693E-3549D2309110
47. State and test hypotheses
49. 11,9,10
50. 10
51. 1E267719-CF75-0001-64C2-811011401C60
52. Reflect on learning
54. 11,9,10
55. 11

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	2 hours of asychronous lectures per week accessed as pre-recorded videos
Online activity	24	2 hours of scheduled synchronous online activities per week.
Tutorial	24	Student learning support facilitated through small-group tutorials with flexible provision.
Laboratory	18	Complete guided inquiry activities to enhance lab skills and conceptual understanding of physics concepts. Submit laboratory portfolio of experiments conducted.
Independent Study	98	Student self directed learning
Total Workload: 188

Section Breakdown
CRN	20902	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Eilish McLoughlin	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Completion of online activity	Solve physics problems based on mathematical/quantitative aspects of physical properties of matter.	33%	As required
Completion of online activity	Solve physics problems based on mathematical/quantitative aspects of thermal physics concepts.	33%	As required
Laboratory Portfolio	Submission of laboratory report for experiments conducted.	34%	Sem 1 End

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

Temperature & Heat
Thermometers & temperature scales. Thermal equilibrium. Thermal expansion. Calorimetry & phase changes. Heat transfer

Kinetic theory of gases
Kinetic model of an ideal gas. Ideal gas law. Diffusion & mobility. Boltzmann factor & Maxwell distribution. Heat capacities.

Thermal properties of matter
Phases of matter. Phase changes & Clausius-Clapeyron equation.

First law of thermodynamics
Thermodynamic systems. Work done during volume changes. Internal energy & heat capacities. Adiabatic processes.

Second law of thermodynamics
Heat engines. Second law of thermodynamics. Carnot cycle. Microstates & macrostates. Multiplicity & entropy.

Physics Laboratories
Complete Physics laboratories either online or in the laboratory.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

H. D. Young and R. A. Freedman: 0, University Physics (with Mastering Physics),, 15th edition Ed., Addison Wesley,
Eugenia Etkina, Gorazd Planinsic and Alan Van Heuvelen: 2019, College Physics: Explore and Apply, 2nd, 978- 01346018

Articles:
None

Other Resources

Online simulations: Phet simulations, University of Colorado Boulder Phet simulations', https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations /