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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2007 - 2008

Module Title Thermal & Physical Properties of Matter
Module Code PS105
School School of Physical Sciences

Online Module Resources

Level 1 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Module Aims
  • To provide a comprehensive introduction to the topics of heat, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics
  • To improve team-work and problem-solving skills through small-group tutorials


Learning Outcomes
  • The student will be able to apply the main concepts in heat and thermodynamics to real-life problems
  • The student will be more aware of issues relating to their learning


Indicative Time Allowances
Hours
Lectures 12
Tutorials 24
Laboratories 0
Seminars 0
Independent Learning Time 39

Total 75
Placements
Assignments
NOTE
Assume that a 5 credit module load represents approximately 75 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module.

Indicative Syllabus

· The atomic hypothesis

· Thermometry· Kinetic Theory

· Ideal gas law· Heat capacity

· Heat transfer· Thermal stress

· Diffusion and mobility· Boltzmann factor

· Work done during expansion

· First Law of Thermodynamics

· Process variables and state variables

· Second Law of Thermodynamics

· Microstates and macrostates

· Multiplicity and entropy

· Thermal equilibrium

· Maxwell distribution

· Carnot cycle

· Phase changes, Clausius-Clapeyron equation

Assessment
Continuous Assessment50% Examination Weight50%
Indicative Reading List

Physics: Principles with Applications by D.C. Giancoli

 Supplementary:

Understanding Physics by M. Mansfield and C. O'Sullivan

University Physics by Young and Freedman (10th Ed) Addison Wesleyo

Thermal Physics by R. Baierleino Web resources

Programme or List of Programmes
APBSc in Applied Physics
BSSAStudy Abroad (DCU Business School)
BSSAOStudy Abroad (DCU Business School)
ECSAStudy Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
ECSAOStudy Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
HMSAStudy Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
HMSAOStudy Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
PBMBSc Physics with Biomedical Sciences
PHABSc in Physics with Astronomy
SEBSc Science Education
SHSAStudy Abroad (Science & Health)
SHSAOStudy Abroad (Science & Health)
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