Registry

Module Specifications

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

Module Title	Basic Physics I
Module Code	PVS102
School	School of Physical Sciences
Online Module Resources
Module Teacher	Jim Conway
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

The purpose of this module is to provide participants with a broad introduction to fundamentals of physics. In this module students will develop knowledge and skills relating to Newtonian mechanics, matter and waves.The course aims to give students a full and thorough knowledge of these topics with emphasis placed on the relationship of the course material to various aspects of plasma physics, vacuum technology, and related topics.Students are expected to access all course material online, participate in online discussion groups where they can discuss the course material and set problems relating to the course material, and participate in various learning activities and continuous assessment tasks on a regular basis.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand basic physics concepts of linear mechanics.
2. Understand basic properties and physics of fluids.
3. Understand basic properties and physics of periodic motion.
4. Understand basic properties and physics of waves.
5. Solve applied problems, identifying the key physics concepts involved and performing related calculations.
6. Relate the physics principles covered to various aspects of modern technologies used in the workplace.
7. Communicate the physics principles and applications with their collegues.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Total Workload: 0

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

Mechanics.
Units and SI system. Vectors. Linear motion. Linear momentum and Forces. Newtons laws of motion. Energy and work. Free body diagrams. Rotational motion. Moment of inertia. Angular momentum. Torque. Conservation laws..

Properties of matter.
Elasticity in solids. Viscosity and surface tension in fluids..

Periodic motion and waves.
Periodic motion and simple harmonic motion. Damped and driven oscillating systems. Mechanical waves, wave equation, harmonic waves, longitudinal and transverse waves. Sound waves, sound. Wave superposition and interference, standing waves and normal modes..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Computerised test/exam	Online quiz based in multichoice, matching, short answers and numerical calculation problems.	8%	Week 3
Essay	Assignment consisting of definition, essay and numerical problems solving.	8%	Week 4
Computerised test/exam	Online quiz based in multichoice, matching, short answers and numerical calculation problems.	9%	Week 6
Essay	Assignment consisting of definition, essay and numerical problems solving.	9%	Week 6
Oral presentations	On-line discussions forum.	16%	Every Week
Non-DCU exam	Written test involving essay and calcuation type problems based on all course material.	50%	Week 8

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 1

Indicative Reading List