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Description
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This course is designed to give the student an introduction into the fundamentals of (Newtonian) mechanics and the fundamentals of thermal physics in semester 1. In semester 2 the student will be introduced to the fundamentals of wave propagation, simple acoustics and optical phenomena. These topics are the bedrock of further studies in a wide range of areas of physics. The course is predominantly knowledge-based. The main learning activities are attending lectures and tutorials and the related learning activity ofsolving numerical and other problems related to the topics covered. Students are expected to attend lectures and tutorials and to prepare for both by appropriate study (including the use of on-line moodle resources provided and textbooks) and thus be able to engage fully in discussions and other interactions in lectures and tutorials. Students are further expected to prepare for in-class and other tests and end of module examinations via study and, as needed, discussion with the lecturer.
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Learning Outcomes |
1. Describe and discuss qualitatively the main physical concepts in the areas of Mechanics, Thermal Physics,Waves and Optics
2. Use mathematics, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry and basic calculus (mainly differentiation) in describing appropriate aspects of mechanics, thermal physics, waves and optics
3. Solve basic problems on the topics above using the various mathematical techniques above
4. Utilise and leverage knowledge and techniques covered in earlier parts of the course to describe both qualitatively and mathematically and tackle problems in topics covered in later parts (e.g. confidently use vector analysis in later parts of the course)
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| Workload |
Full-time hours per semester |
| Type |
Hours |
Description |
| Lecture | 48 | Lecture | | Tutorial | 24 | Tutorial | | Independent learning | 178 | Study for lectures, tutorials, in-class tests and final exam | | 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
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
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None |
| Assessment Breakdown | | Continuous Assessment | 30% | Examination Weight | 70% |
| Course Work Breakdown |
| Type | Description | % of total | Assessment Date |
| Non-DCU exam | CA in-class test ~ week 7 of 1st semester – covering primarily problem-based testing of the mathematical/quantitative aspects of the earlier topics | 15% | Week 7 | | Non-DCU exam | CA in-class test ~ week 7 of 2nd semester – covering primarily problem-based testing of the mathematical/quantitative aspects of the earlier topics | 15% | Week 26 |
| 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 |
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Indicative Reading List
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- Young and Freedman: 2004, University Physics, 11 or more recent, As indicated in syllabus, Addison Wesley,
- Mansfield and O'Sullivan: 2005, Understanding Physics, 6, All, Prentice Hall,
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Other Resources
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4961, Moodle, Enda McGlynn, 0, PS128 lecture notes on moodle, |
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Programme or List of Programmes
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| AP | BSc in Applied Physics |
| CES | BSc Common Entry into Science |
| PBM | BSc Physics with Biomedical Sciences |
| PHA | BSc in Physics with Astronomy |
| SE | BSc Science Education |
| SHSA | Study Abroad (Science & Health) |
| SHSAO | Study Abroad (Science & Health) |
| Timetable this semester: Timetable for PS128 |
| Date of Last Revision | 20-JUN-08 |
| Archives: | |
