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PHYC10080

Academic Year 2024/2025

Frontiers of Physics (PHYC10080)

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

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module introduces Einstein's theory of Special Relativity and the basis for the theory of Quantum Mechanics, with applications in atomic, nuclear and particle physics. The Lorentz Transformations are derived and used to explain length contraction and time dilation. E=mc2 is derived and simple particle kinematics are investigated. The nature of light is probed through the two-slit experiment and the photoelectric effect. Wave particle duality is discussed. The quantisation of energy and momentum is proposed and illustrated through Compton scattering and atomic spectra. Bohr's model of the atom is described. The fundamental particles, quarks and leptons, and the fundamental forces are described using the language of Feynman diagrams. alpha- beta- and gamma-radiation are explained from the perspective of the weak and strong forces. Radioactivity, including radioisotopic dating, is described. A model for the nucleus is discussed leading to an understanding of fission and fusion.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module the learner should have acquired a basic understanding of special relativity and the quantum description of the atom, including a sound foundation in selected areas of nuclear and particle physics. The learner should also be able to solve problems related to the various topics covered, having acquired a competence in the manipulation of appropriate mathematical tools.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Small Group

10
Practical

12
Specified Learning Activities

18
Autonomous Student Learning

58
Total

122

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures, homework, tutorial, class tests.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Students must have either at least an H5 LC Physics (or equivalent) or taken PHYC10070, this module must be taken in year 1.

Learning Recommendations:

PHYC 10070 should be taken in semester 1


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, PHYC10130 - Physics II Medical Science, 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, PHYC10200 - Conceptual Physics

Equivalents:
Physics of the Quantum World (EXPH10080)


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): 2 hour End of trimester exam End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
50
 No
Report(s): Continuous assessment - Laboratory. Assessment timing varies along the trimester. 6 labs need to be complete by the student in their assigned timeslots. Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12, Week 14 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
30
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Individual assignments (problem sheets) to be handed in through Brightspace (10 assignments through the trimester) Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12, Week 14 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
10
 No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: 11 short open book in-class and/or online tests (short problem) to be solved during either tutorial sessions, lectures or online. The worst grade does not count for the final grade of this component 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
10
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

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

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Tutorials, discussing work. Class tests and solutions. In-class and In-tutorial problems for self-assessment. Group work in class and tutorials. Marked work returned.

Young and Freedman, University Physics
Griffiths, Introduction to Electrodymanics

Name Role
Ms Angela Dunne O'Toole Tutor
Dr Ian Mercer Tutor
Mr John Wyatt Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Fri 11:00 - 11:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Wed 15:00 - 15:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Mon 13:00 - 13:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 2 Week(s) - 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Fri 10:00 - 10:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 3 Week(s) - 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Wed 13:00 - 13:50
Spring Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 20 Tues 14:00 - 15:50
Spring Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 22 Tues 14:00 - 15:50
Spring Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 24 Tues 14:00 - 15:50
Spring Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 29 Tues 14:00 - 15:50
Spring Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 31 Tues 14:00 - 15:50
Spring Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 33 Tues 14:00 - 15:50
Spring Practical Offering 2 Week(s) - 20 Tues 14:00 - 15:50
Spring Practical Offering 2 Week(s) - 22 Tues 14:00 - 15:50
Spring Practical Offering 2 Week(s) - 24 Tues 14:00 - 15:50
Spring Practical Offering 2 Week(s) - 29 Tues 14:00 - 15:50
Spring Practical Offering 2 Week(s) - 31 Tues 14:00 - 15:50
Spring Practical Offering 2 Week(s) - 33 Tues 14:00 - 15:50
Spring Practical Offering 3 Week(s) - 20 Thurs 16:00 - 17:50
Spring Practical Offering 3 Week(s) - 22 Thurs 16:00 - 17:50
Spring Practical Offering 3 Week(s) - 24 Thurs 16:00 - 17:50
Spring Practical Offering 3 Week(s) - 29 Thurs 16:00 - 17:50
Spring Practical Offering 3 Week(s) - 31 Thurs 16:00 - 17:50
Spring Practical Offering 3 Week(s) - 33 Thurs 16:00 - 17:50
Spring Practical Offering 4 Week(s) - 20 Thurs 14:00 - 15:50
Spring Practical Offering 4 Week(s) - 22 Thurs 14:00 - 15:50
Spring Practical Offering 4 Week(s) - 24 Thurs 14:00 - 15:50
Spring Practical Offering 4 Week(s) - 29 Thurs 14:00 - 15:50
Spring Practical Offering 4 Week(s) - 31 Thurs 14:00 - 15:50
Spring Practical Offering 4 Week(s) - 33 Thurs 14:00 - 15:50
Spring Practical Offering 5 Week(s) - 20 Thurs 16:00 - 17:50
Spring Practical Offering 5 Week(s) - 22 Thurs 16:00 - 17:50
Spring Practical Offering 5 Week(s) - 24 Thurs 16:00 - 17:50
Spring Practical Offering 5 Week(s) - 29 Thurs 16:00 - 17:50
Spring Practical Offering 5 Week(s) - 31 Thurs 16:00 - 17:50
Spring Practical Offering 5 Week(s) - 33 Thurs 16:00 - 17:50
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