Module Details

Module Code: PHYS6027
Title: Measurement Science
Long Title: Measurement Science
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2012/13 ( February 2013 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4411 - Physics
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module gives the learner an introduction to the study of mechanics, heat, properties of matter and measurement. The topics are covered with the pharmaceutical and medical device industries in mind. Programmable logic controllers are used as an example of the application of physics in the control of processes.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Apply theory learned to solve problems concerning straight line motion, momentum, work, energy and power.
LO2 Describe the physiochemical properties of matter and their influence on the processing and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals.
LO3 Describe the laws of thermodynamics and use this knowledge for problem solving (heat transfer, latent and specific heat capacity and thermal expansion.)
LO4 Explain how sensors are used in PLC's to control industrial processes .
LO5 Carry out and report on a range of physical experiments.
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).
None
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.
No incompatible modules listed
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.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Introduction to Measurement Science
What is physics, the nature of the physical world, the scientific method, introduction to measurement and measuring devices. Distinguish accuracy, precision.
Mechanics
S.I. units, gravity, weight and friction. Speed velocity and acceleration. Newton’s laws of motion. Work, energy and power. Simple machines, levers, gears and the mechanical advantage and gears ratios.
Physiochemical properties
Matter and its physiochemical properties, e.g. molecular formula, molecular weight, physical state, rheology and flow of liquids and gases, appearance, colour and odour, density, freezing point, melting point, boiling point, particle size, chemical stability, solubility, pH, vapour pressure, evaporation rate. Demonstration of the impacts of these properties on the manufacture and processing of pharmaceuticals and their influence on the rate of drug release and adsorption.
Thermal properties of materials
Temperature and Thermodynamics: Statement of the first, second and third laws of thermodynamics. Heat transfer. Relation between thermodynamics and thermal properties of matter. Phase equilibria .Problem solving for heat capacities, thermal expansion and compressibility and phase transformation of matter. Applications in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.
Sensors
Sensors, Detectable Phenomenon. Physical Principles – Current voltage, resistance, ohm’s law, Wheatstone bridge, Ampere’s Law, Curie-Weiss Law, Faraday’s Law of Induction, Photoconductive Effect, thermoelectric effect. Need for Sensors. Choosing a Sensor. Sensor Descriptions. PLC control systems and inputs and outputs.
Laboratory Programme
Density measurements. Velocity. Acceleration and forces. Boyle’s law. Specific heat capacity. Electricity.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 15
Timing Week 5 Learning Outcomes 1
Assessment Description
1 hour examination
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 15
Timing Week 9 Learning Outcomes 2,4
Assessment Description
1 hour examination
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,5
Assessment Description
Laboratory practicals
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final 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
Lecture Contact Classroom Instruction Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact Practicals Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Student Study Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Classroom Instruction Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact Practicals Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Student Study Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Hecht, E. (2000), Physics:calculus, Brooks/Cole Pacific Grove, California, [ISBN: 0-534-39215-6].
  • Jones and Childers. (2001), Contemporary College Physics, Third Edition. McGraw- Hill, [ISBN: 0072399112].
  • Paul G. Hewitt. (2006), Conceptual physics, 10th. Pearson Addison Wesley, San Francisco, [ISBN: 0805393757].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Shargel, L & Souney, P.F.. (2006), Comprehensive Pharmacy Review, 6th Ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, [ISBN: 0781769973].
  • Elgar,P. (1998), Sensors for measurement & Control, Addison Wesley Longman Ltd, [ISBN: 0582327004].
  • R. Higgins, Bill Bolton,. (2010), Materials for Engineers and Technicians, Fifth Edition, 5th. Taylor & Francis Ltd, [ISBN: 9781856177696].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EFDMO_6 Certificate in Food Manufacturing Operations 1 Mandatory
CR_SGMPR_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Good Manufacturing Practice and Technology 2 Mandatory