Module: Physics Laboratory 2 (PDITP)

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Physics Laboratory 2 (PDITP)
Module Code	PHY1068 (ITS: PS482)
Faculty	Physical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

Students will undertake physics experiments associated with discipline content modules; in order to enhance their practical skills, and to develop and enhance their inquiry-based teaching and learning in physics practical work. The laboratories complement and reinforce the theory covered in physics lecture modules, and in so doing, demonstrating the important synergy of classroom and laboratory teaching in physics education. The laboratories enhance student's ability and familiarity with related equipment and experiments.The laboratories place emphasis on communication during and after experimentation, analysing experimental uncertainty, graphing and tabulation and evidenced-based reasoning.

Learning Outcomes

1. Carry out physics experiments safely
2. Carry out basic investigations in physics independently.
3. Identify connections between experiment and theory of physics concepts
4. State and test hypotheses
5. Collect and interpret scientific data
6. Plot and analyse graphs both manually and computer-aided
7. Report on experimental investigations
8. Identify sources of error in an experiment and estimate the associated uncertainty in a measured quantity
9. Reflect on learning

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Laboratory	18	Semester one - 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.
Laboratory	18	Semester Two - Students will complete a selection of physics laboratories based on intermediate level physics concepts. Students will submit laboratory portfolio of experiments conducted.
Independent Study	89	Student self-directed learning
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11383	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 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
Laboratory Portfolio	Submission of laboratory report for each experiment conducted in Semester 1	50%	Once per semester
Laboratory Portfolio	Submission of laboratory report for experiments conducted in Semester 2	50%	Once per 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

Semester 1 Physics Laboratories
You will carry out a selection of physics experiments, with a focus on experiments on introductory physics concepts. You will submit laboratory portfolio of experiments conducted.

Semester 2 Physics Laboratories
You will carry out a selection of physics experiments, with a focus on experiments at intermediate level physics. You will submit laboratory portfolio of experiments conducted.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

DCU 2nd Year Physics Laboratory Manual: 0, DCU 2nd Year Physics Laboratory Manual,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None