Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2011 - 2012

Module Title	Basic Sciences for Engineering
Module Code	FSH104
School	Faculty of Science
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Dr Noel Murphy	Office Number	S350
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	10
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

To give the student an introduction to the main concepts in basic physics as required in mechanics, including units and measurements, vectors, kinematics and the physical quantities of displacement, velocity & acceleration, Newton s laws and rotational motion To develop an understanding of the basic concepts of chemistry, including the structure of atoms, electronic configuration, and orbital shapes. To understand the relationship between electronic configuration and chemical properties. To develop an appreciation of the chemical bond, both ionic and covalent. To provide the students with a basic grounding in the structure and organisation of biological cells relevant to further studies and applications in mechanical and electronic engineering. To introduce students to cellular processes and key components, including their roles in complex organisms. To introduce concepts of control and signalling in biological organisms.

Learning Outcomes

1. demonstrate an understanding of the main concepts in basic physics as required in mechanics, including units and measurements, vectors, kinematics and the physical quantities of displacement, velocity & acceleration, Newton s laws, work, energy, rotational motion, energy and momentum conservation laws and elasticity by describing/discussing these either in verbal or written form.
2. confidently use mathematics, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry and basic calculus (mainly differentiation) in tackling appropriate aspects of mechanics problems
3. derive the electronic structure of the elements
4. predict the chemical and physical properties of the elements based on their position in the periodic table
5. demonstrate an understanding of the nature of the chemical bond and estimate the bond-order for simple diatomic molecules.
6. describe aspects of cell and organism structure and function relevant to engineering applications.
7. indicate the scientific specialists relevant to the solution of an interdisciplinary problem outside the technology area of their own programme

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	60	The Chemistry lectures normally run during the first six weeks only. The Physics and Life Sciences lectures run on a more regular timetable over the full semester
Tutorial	12	See timetable. Again the Chemistry component runs during the first half of the semester only
Independent Study	178	No Description
Total Workload: 250

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
Introduction, including recommended texts, What is science/the scientific method? The relationship between physics, chemistry and biology; Units, measurement, standards and measurment reliability; Linear motion (kinematics); Newton s Laws; Work, Energy and conservation Laws; Momentum and Impulse; Rotational motion; Equilibrium and elasticity; Beyond classical mechanics to quantum ideas;

Chemistry
Introduction to the structure of the atom from ancient ideas to modern quantum theory. Concept of orbitals to describe the behaviour of electrons. Assignment of electronic configurations to particular elements. Long form of the periodic table of the elements. Nature of the chemical bond, from ionic through to covalent. How modern quantum chemical approaches can provide ways of predicting the strength of chemical bonds.

Life Sciences for Engineers
Unit of structure, function and systems: the cell, prokaryotes vs. eukaryotes, the cell factory. Biological materials: Proteins, biology's workhorses (structure/ function, examples (insulin, hemoglobin), biological catalysis). Carbohydrates (sugars, glycoproteins). Lipids (classes, biological membranes). Extracellular matrix (composition, roles, diseases). Information systems: Heredity (Individual, Family, Population, Evolution), Chromosomes (Karyotyping), Genes, DNA, the Genetic Code, Regulation of gene activity, Cell differentiation & tissue specificity, Dolly the cloned sheep, Genetic mutation, developments & applications of the Human Genome Project. Signal transduction and amplification: overview of cell signalling processes, the cell cycle & cell division. Systems breakdown: basic biology of cancer.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	50%	Examination Weight	50%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable

Indicative Reading List

Geoffrey M. Cooper, Robert E. Hausman: 2004, The Cell: a molecular approach ,, 3rd edition, ASM Press/ Sinauer Assocs,
Young and Freedman: 11, University Physics,

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

BMED	B.Eng. in Biomedical Engineering
CAM	B.Eng. Mechanical & Manufacturing Eng
CE	B.Eng. in Common Entry into Engineering
ECE	BEng Electronic & Computer Engineering
ME	B.Eng. in Mechatronic Engineering

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