Module Details

Module Code: PHYS6011
Title: Introduction to Physics
Long Title: Introduction to Physics
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( September 2019 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4411 - Physics
Module Delivered in: 9 programme(s)
Module Description: This module introduces the learner to the fundamental principles and applications of heat, optics, electricity and waves. The learner will record, analyse and interpret in a scientific manner measurements of physical parameters.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 State and explain the physical laws and definitions of heat, optics, dc electricity and waves.
LO2 Record experimental data from routine physics experiments on relevant topics.
LO3 Analyse, interpret and report experimental data obtained while performing prescribed laboratory experiments.
LO4 Interpret and solve numerical problems in relevant physics topics based on practiced methodologies.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).

13447 PHYS6011 Introduction to Physics
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
None
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.

None
 
Indicative Content
Introduction
Introduction to units, scientific notation and the concept of energy.
Heat
Heat and temperature, temperature scales. Specific heat capacity, latent heat. Evaporation. Linear expansion. Methods of heat transfer - conduction, convection and radiation.
Optics
Reflection, refraction, Snell's law, total internal reflection, applications. Image formation in mirrors and lenses. Optical instruments.
Waves
Displacement, amplitude, intensity, wavelength, frequency, phase. The wave equation. Transverse and longitudinal waves. Resonance. Frequency ranges of sound. Decibel scale. Doppler effect.
Electricity
Voltage, current, resistance, Ohm's Law, resistivity. Combinations of resistors. Power. Internal resistance and emf. Applications - Wheatstone bridge, pH meter. Difference between alternating and direct current.
Laboratory Practicals
Safety, measurement and graphs and a series of further laboratory practicals on relevant physics topics.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Performance Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 2,3
Assessment Description
Weekly laboratory practicals/worksheets/reports
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1
Assessment Description
Theory Assessment
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 11 Learning Outcomes 2,3,4
Assessment Description
Laboratory Exam including Skills Test
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,4
Assessment Description
Theory Assessment
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lab Contact Physics Laboratory Every Week 2.00 2
Lecture Contact Delivery of Module Content Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study lecture Material Every Week 2.00 2
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 5.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Delivery of Module Content Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Physics Laboratory Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study lecture material Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Directed learning of module content Every Week 1.00 1
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Cutnell and Johnson. (2015), Physics, 10th. Wiley, [ISBN: 9781118899205].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Jones/Childers. (2014), Fundamentals of Physics, 10th. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., USA, [ISBN: 978-1-118-230].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SCHQA_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Analytical Chemistry with Quality Assurance 1 Mandatory
CR_SESST_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science and Sustainable Technology 1 Mandatory
CR_SINEN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Instrument Engineering 1 Mandatory
CR_SCHEM_7 Bachelor of Science in Analytical and Pharmaceutical Chemistry 1 Mandatory
CR_SPHYS_7 Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics and Instrumentation 1 Mandatory
CR_SPHYS_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Applied Physics and Instrumentation 1 Mandatory
CR_SCHEM_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Chemistry 1 Mandatory
CR_SOMNI_7 Physical Sciences (Common Entry) 1 Mandatory
CR_SOMNI_8 Physical Sciences (Common Entry) 1 Mandatory