| Title: | Introduction to Physics |
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| Long Title: | Introduction to Physics |
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| Valid From: |
Semester 1 - 2012/13 ( September 2012 ) |
| Module Coordinator: |
Donagh OMahony |
| Module Description: |
This module introduces the learner to the fundamental principles and applications of heat, optics and waves.The learner, in addition, is introduced to either electricity or fluids, depending on the programme of study.The learner will obtain measurements of physical parameters which they will record, analyse and interpret in a scientific manner. |
| Learning Outcomes |
| On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: |
| LO1 |
State and explain the physical laws and definitions of heat, optics and waves. |
| LO2 |
Analyse d.c. circuits or describe fluid behaviour |
| LO3 |
Record experimental data |
| LO4 |
Analyse, interpret and report experimental data |
| LO5 |
Interpret and solve numerical problems in relevant physics topics. |
| Pre-requisite learning |
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 CIT 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. |
| None |
Co-requisite Modules
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| 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 |
Co-requisites
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| No Co Requisites listed |
Module Content & Assessment
| Indicative Content |
|
Introduction
Introduction to Units, Scientific notation and the concept of Energy.
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Heat
Heat and Temperature, Temperature scales. Specific heat capacity, Latent heat. Evaporation. Linear expansion. Methods of heat transfer - Conduction, Convection and Radiation.
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Optics
Reflection, Refraction, Snell's law, Total internal reflection, Applications.
Image formation in mirrors and lenses.
Optical instruments.
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Waves
Displacement, Amplitude, Intensity, Wavelength, Frequency, Phase. The wave equation. Transverse and Longitudinal waves. Resonance.
Frequency ranges of Sound. Decibel scale. Doppler effect.
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Electricity (all learners with the exception of Herbal Science)
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
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Fluids (Herbal Science only)
Pressure, pressure units, pressure due to a column of liquid, pressure gauges, blood pressure, fluid flow, continuity equation, Bernoulli's equation, surface tension,capillary action and viscosity.
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Laboratory Practicals
Safety, Measurement and Graphs and a series of further laboratory practicals on relevant physics topics.
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| Assessment Breakdown | % |
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| Course Work | 100.00% |
| Course Work |
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| Assessment Type |
Assessment Description |
Outcome addressed |
% of total |
Assessment Date |
| Performance Evaluation |
Weekly laboratory practicals/worksheets/reports |
3,4 |
30.0 |
Every Week |
| Short Answer Questions |
Theory Assessment |
1,2 |
30.0 |
Week 7 |
| Short Answer Questions |
Theory Assessment |
1,2 |
30.0 |
Sem End |
| Practical/Skills Evaluation |
Laboratory Exam incl. Skills Test |
3,4 |
10.0 |
Week 8 |
| 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 institute reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment
Module Workload
| Workload: Full Time |
| Workload Type |
Workload Description |
Hours |
Frequency |
Average Weekly Learner Workload |
| Lab |
Physics Laboratory |
2.0 |
Every Week |
2.00 |
| Lecture |
Delivery of Module Content |
3.0 |
Every Week |
3.00 |
| Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) |
Study lecture Material |
2.0 |
Every Week |
2.00 |
| Total Hours |
7.00 |
| Total Weekly Learner Workload |
7.00 |
| Total Weekly Contact Hours |
5.00 |
| Workload: Part Time |
| Workload Type |
Workload Description |
Hours |
Frequency |
Average Weekly Learner Workload |
| Lecture |
Delivery of Module Content |
2.0 |
Every Week |
2.00 |
| Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) |
Directed learning of module content |
2.0 |
Every Week |
2.00 |
| Lab |
Physics Laboratory |
2.0 |
Every Second Week |
1.00 |
| Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) |
Study lecture material |
2.0 |
Every Week |
2.00 |
| Total Hours |
8.00 |
| Total Weekly Learner Workload |
7.00 |
| Total Weekly Contact Hours |
3.00 |
Module Resources
| Recommended Book Resources |
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- Jones/Childers 2001, Contemporary College Physics, Third Edition Ed., Mc Graw-Hill [ISBN: 0-07-118236-5]
| | Supplementary Book Resources |
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- Cutnell and Johnson, Physics, Wiley
| | This module does not have any article/paper resources |
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| Other Resources |
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- website: www.mhhe.com/jones
- website: www.iop.org
- website: www.wiley.com/college/cutnell
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Module Delivered in
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