PHYC10150 Physics for Engineers I

Academic Year 2021/2022

The module is directed at students in the first year of an Engineering programme. Special emphasis is put on development of basic analytical skills and critical thinking in students. The course begins with an introduction to main concepts and laws in classical mechanics (e.g. Newton's laws of motion, conservation laws) with multiple examples of applications. The principles of mechanics are used to describe motion of material points and solid bodies, oscillatory motion and energy transformations. Subsequent study is devoted to the areas of thermal properties of matter, wave motion, including light and sound. Practical applications which relate to Engineering are included wherever possible. Self-directed learning is encouraged in laboratory sessions and in problem-oriented classwork. A significant part of the coursework is done via WileyPlus web resource, which offers ample possibilites for interactive learning, self-assessment, and experimentation.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module the student should:
1. Have a good understanding of the fundamental principles of mechanics and the properties of matter, waves and light.
2. Have developed the ability to solve basic problems related to coursework and critically assess the solution using logic and physical principles.
3. Be aware of the importance of physical principles in the context of Engineering Sciences.
4. Use library and IT resources to research the technical literature.
5. Demonstrate an awareness of the safe laboratory practice in the use of a range of laboratory equipment.
6. To work effectively, as a member of a team/group, in the collection, analysis, presentation and reporting of laboratory experiments in physics.
7. To collate and meaningfully present engineering information, adhering to standard conventions of technical reporting.

Indicative Module Content:

1. Physical quantities. Measurements and units. Equations in physics. Scalars and vectors.
2. Motion Along a Straight Line. Position, path, velocity, acceleration. Average and instantaneous quantities.
3. Motion in Two and Three Dimensions. Circular motion. Projectiles.
4. Forces and Motion. Newton's laws. Weight, Spring force, Gravity, Tension force, friction.
5. Kinetic Energy and Work. Work-­-kinetic energy theorem.
6. Potential Energy and Conservation of Energy. Relation between force and energy.
7. Centre of Mass and Linear Momentum. Conservation of linear momentum.
8. Rotational motion. Angular velocity and acceleration. Centripetal and tangential acceleration.
9. Rolling, Torque, and Angular Momentum. Conservation of angular momentum. ewton's second law for rotations.
10. Oscillations. Simple harmonic motion. Pendulums. Damped oscillations.
11. Waves. Transversal and longitudinal waves. Calculation of wave speed. Energy transport.
12. Sound waves. Sound pressure level. Doppler effect. Speed of sound. Shock waves.
13. Superposition of waves. Interference. Beats.
14. Standing waves. Musical tones. Resonance. Damped waves.
15. Electromagnetic Waves. Light. Reflection and refraction. Index of refraction. nell's law. Total internal reflection.
16. Huygens principle. Polarization. Malus' law. Brewster's angle.
17. Diffraction. Single slit diffraction pattern. Diffraction gratings.
18. Temperature, Heat, and the First Law of Thermodynamics. Heat capacity. Latent heat. Phase transformations. Transport of heat.
19. The Kinetic Theory of Gases. Ideal gas law. Gas pressure.
20. Entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics. Reversible and irreversible processes.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

36

Tutorial

5

Practical

12

Autonomous Student Learning

20

Online Learning

50

Total

123

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
- lectures 36 hours
- in class quizes and short tests
- in class video and desktop demonstrations
- in class worked sample problems
- supervised lab work with demonstrators 12 hours with
- web-based learning (assignments) with access to textbook
- reading assignments
- additional material at the textbook web portal: problem solution manuals, self-assessment tools, mini-lecture podcasts, animations, interactive learning ware 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Leaving Certificate Mathematics Higher paper C3

Learning Recommendations:

Leaving Certificate Physics


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
PHYC10010 - Physics I, PHYC10020 - Physics of the Cell for lifesc, PHYC10030 - Physics of Macro-organisms, PHYC10060 - Fields, Waves & Light, PHYC10070 - Foundations of Physics, PHYC10080 - Frontiers of Physics, PHYC10090 - Physics II, PHYC10120 - Physics in Medicine, PHYC10130 - Physics II Medical Science, PHYC10140 - Diagnostic Imaging: Physics, PHYC10180 - Physics for Ag. Science, PHYC10190 - Aspects of Physics for Ag. Sci

Equivalents:
Physics for Engineers I (EXPH10150)


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Lab Report: Practical Continuous Assessment Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

20

Assignment: Weekly problem sets and MCQs Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

20

Examination: Final module assessment 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

60


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

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

- lab reports graded by demonstrators, returned to students - written assignments graded, feedback upon request - online assignments graded with automatic feedback, multiple attempts allowed - final exam discussion upon request

Halliday/Resnick/Walker textbook "Fundamentals of Physics", 10e (Wiley Publishers)
Name Role
Ms Angela Dunne O'Toole Tutor
Dr Ian Mercer Tutor