Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Thermal & Physical Properties of Matter
Module Code	PS105
School	School of Physical Sciences
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Albert Ellingboe Semester 2: Albert Ellingboe Autumn: Albert Ellingboe
Module Teacher	Brenda Frye
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.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	24	No Description
Independent learning	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	30%	Examination Weight	70%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
In Class Test	Three tests	50%	n/a

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
This module is category 3

Indicative Reading List