Module: Life, the Universe & Everything

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Life, the Universe & Everything
Module Code	PHY1067 (ITS: PS481)
Faculty	Physical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

A general introduction to astronomy & astrophysics assuming no prior knowledge. Including the solar system, stars, galaxies and an introduction to cosmology. This module will introduce students to the applications of physics with the human body and its systems so that students receive a comprehensive knowledge of medical applications of physics.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the motion of the Sun, Moon & planets in the sky
2. Calculate the motion of the plantets in the solar system using Kepler's Laws
3. Describe the composition & nature of the sun and its power source.
4. Quantify the different types of stars and their life cycle.
5. Describe the structure and functions of human body systems
6. Explain the role of physics in the human body, including respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
7. Calculate fluid velocities and pressures within different parts of the body.
8. Discuss energy and energy transfer in the body, including work, temperature and heat, and metabolism.

*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.
Independent Study	53	Student self directed learning
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20903	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
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 concepts in astronomy and astrophysics.	50%	As required
In Class Test	Solve physics problems based on mathematical/quantitative aspects of concepts in medical physics.	50%	As required

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

The Sky
Movement of the Sun, Moon & planets. Ptolemaic & Copernican models. Earth’s orbit, time & eclipses.

The Solar system
Solar system; Sun, terrestrial planets & gas giants, minor bodies & extra solar planets. Kepler’s Laws, gravity, and motion of the planets. Solar constant & habitable zone.

Sun
Spectrum, composition and structure of the Sun. Nuclear fusion in the Sun

Life cycle of stars
Types of stars and their luminosity. HR diagram, life cycles of stars, supernovae

Physiology of the body
Structure and function of different parts of the body. Cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Fluids and pressures
Blood pressure, the heart, blood flow. Pressure in various organs. Bone density.

Energy regulation
Work. Regulation of body temperature. Metabolism.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Young and Freedman: 2020, University Physics with Modern Physics,, 15, https://www.pearson.com/us/higher-education/program/Young-Modified-Mastering-Physics-with-Pearson-e-Text-Standalone- Access-Card-for-University-Physics-with-Modern-Physics-15th-Edition/PGM2485469.html,
Eugenia Etkina, Gorazd Planinsic and Alan Van Heuvelen: 2019, College Physics: Explore and Apply,, 2nd, 978- 01346018

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: Online Simulations, University of Colorado Boulder Phet simulations,