Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2011 - 2012

Module Title	Thermal & Physical Properties of Matter
Module Code	PS105
School	School of Physical Sciences
Online Module Resources
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

This module aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to the topics of heat, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. The subjects taught and the method of approach will be chosen to give students a full and thorough knowledge of the topics. The module aims to develop students appreciation of thermal physics and to be able to confidently handle problems. Students will be able to see the relationship between the classroom material and their real-life experiences and observations.

Learning Outcomes

1. Be familiar with the basic physical concepts as they relate to thermodynamics and statistical mechanics.
2. Solve numerical problems in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics.
3. Explain the physical principles which underpin the relevant experiments in the lab modules.
4. Relate the physical principles to topics covered in other modules.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Independent Study	101	No Description
Total Workload: 125

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 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 Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	25%	Examination Weight	75%

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

H. D. Young and R. A. Freedman: 0, University Physics, 12th edition, Addison Wesley,

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

AP	BSc in Applied Physics
BSSA	Study Abroad (DCU Business School)
BSSAO	Study Abroad (DCU Business School)
ECSA	Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
ECSAO	Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
HMSA	Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
HMSAO	Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
IESA	Study Abroad (Institute of Education)
IESAO	Study Abroad (Institute of Education)
PBM	BSc Physics with Biomedical Sciences
PHA	BSc in Physics with Astronomy
SHSA	Study Abroad (Science & Health)
SHSAO	Study Abroad (Science & Health)

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