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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Physics Laboratory III
Module Code PHY1092 (ITS: PS359)
Faculty Physical Sciences School Science & Health
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Description

To enhance your practical skills in performing experiments with a focus on advanced physics concepts. To conduct an extended experimental investigation, student will select a scientific topic/area of interest and investigate it fully.To develop student scientific and experimental skills,e.g. laboratory techniques, recording observations and inferences, data analysis and synthesis, and communicating and presenting findings.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of advanced physics topics
2. Develop and implement laboratory experiments to address a research question
3. Apply appropriate safe laboratory practices
4. Carry out appropriate background reading in the literature to inform a research question or to identify student difficulties
5. Identify connections between experiment and theory for key intermediate level physics concepts
6. Examine experimental results critically to draw conclusions and inform further work
7. Present physics investigations both orally and in written formats in a cohesive manner
8. Reflect on the learning of physics through laboratory investigations


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Laboratory72laboratory-based activites in Physics
Independent Study53Preparation and reflection on laboratory investigations
Total Workload: 125
Section Breakdown
CRN11999Part of TermSemester 1 & 2
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorEilish McLoughlinModule TeacherPaul Van Kampen
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Laboratory PortfolioLaboratory Reports on intermediate level physics laboratories carried out during semester one50%As required
Laboratory PortfolioProgress /lab-notebook in semester two20%As required
PresentationPresentation of Project in semester two15%As required
Report(s)Written Report on project in semester two15%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

Physics Laboratory manual

Journal articles
Articles on experimental set-ups and projects in the American Journal of Physics, the European Journal of Physics, The Physics Teacher, Physics Education

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
  • 0: Articles on experimental projects, European Journal of Physics, 58339, 1
  • Articles on experimental projects: American Journal of Physics, 58340, 1,
  • Physics Education: 58341, 1, 0
Other Resources

None

<< Back to Module List View 2024/25 Module Record for PS359