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PHYC10070

Academic Year 2024/2025

Foundations of Physics (PHYC10070)

Subject:
Physics
College:
Science
School:
Physics
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Thomas McCormack
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module provides an introduction to fundamental concepts in physics. It is
intended both for students who have studied physics in school, and those who are new to the
subject. This module introduces classical mechanics, Newton's laws, momentum, work and energy.
The physics of waves is introduced and applied to sound and the propagation of light. Topics also
include thermal physics and electricity (including an introduction to the electrical properties of neurons).

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

Through in-class problems and weekly homework assignments, students master the core concepts of physics and develop physics problem-solving skills. Reading assignments and self-directed learning allow the student to gain an understanding of the relevance of physics to everyday life.Laboratory practicals ensure that students develop experimental skills, becoming familiar with data analysis methods and the role of uncertainty in measurement.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Tutorial

10
Practical

18
Autonomous Student Learning

68
Total

120

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Most of the content will be delivered by lectures with in-class quizzes, demonstrations and worked examples. The tutorials and labs will offer opportunities for self-directed learning , group work and to gain laboratory skills that also reinforce the material covered in lectures.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Students must take this module if they have not achieved at least an H5 in Leaving Cert Physics (or equivalent) and want to study further physics in their degree.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
PHYC10010 - Physics I, PHYC10020 - Physics of the Cell for lifesc, PHYC10030 - Physics of Macro-organisms, PHYC10090 - Physics II, PHYC10120 - Physics in Medicine, PHYC10140 - Diagnostic Imaging: Physics, PHYC10150 - Physics for Engineers I, PHYC10160 - Physics for Engineers II, PHYC10180 - Physics for Ag. Science, PHYC10190 - Aspects of Physics for Ag. Sci, PHYC10240 - Foundations of Physics (NUni), PHYC10260 - Foundations of Physics (NEU)


 

Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): An in-person 2 hour exam on material covered throughout the trimester End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

70

 No
Report(s): Lab reports containing a mixture of conceptual questions, data calculations and conclusions to be filled in to the Lab Manual Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

30

 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

University Physics – 13th edition” by Sears/Zemansky/Young/Freedman (Pearson Publishers)

Name Role
Dr Thomas McCormack Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor John Quinn Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Angela Dunne O'Toole Tutor
Ms Monika Gut Grzejdziak Tutor
Mr John Wyatt Tutor
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