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PHYC10200

Academic Year 2024/2025

Conceptual Physics (PHYC10200)

Subject:
Physics
College:
Science
School:
Physics
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Steve Campbell
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

An understanding of physics is critical to address fundamental questions about our world and to innovate next generation technologies. This module presents an overview of the core physics concepts underlying many modern technologies. No prior physics knowledge is required. You do not need calculus or advanced maths for this module, but you should be comfortable, for example, adding fractions, using scientific notation, and with algebraic manipulation. This module is not a pre-requisite for any programme and designed as an elective module.

Topics covered include: Energy and thermodynamics; Gravity and relativity; Waves, light, and electromagnetism; and Quantum mechanics.

Strongly recommended texts:
Physics and Technology for Future Presidents: An Introduction to the Essential Physics Every World Leader Needs to Know’ by Richard A. Muller

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this module students should have a conceptual understanding of the physics behind many topical issues as well as an understanding of the large-scale structure of the world and universe around them. This should equip them with the ability to critically read articles in news papers and journals and come to their own informed decision as to the merits or otherwise of the arguments presented.

Indicative Module Content:

Energy and Thermodynamics (~4 classes)
Gravity and Relativity (~4 classes)
Waves, light, and electromagnetism (~4 classes)
Quantum theory (~4 classes)
The physics of measurement and climate change (~4 classes)

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

20
Autonomous Student Learning

40
Lectures

20
Online Learning

20
Total

100

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module is delivered in a blended manner. Scheduled classes will be a mix of traditional lectures, worked examples, demonstrations, and key topic revision.

There will be ample opportunity for self-directed learning via additional online resources and through the assignments throughout the semester.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
PHYC10080 - Frontiers of Physics


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): Terminal exam. End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
60
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Assignments Week 5, Week 11 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
20
 No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Short (<10 min) in class MCQs Week 3, Week 6, Week 9, Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
20
 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

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

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be delivered during lectures to the class as a whole after assignments have been graded. Individual grades will be available on the student's Brightspace page.

‘Physics and technology for Future Presidents’, by Richard A Muller(Published by Princeton University Press)

Name Role
Dr Steve Campbell Tutor
Professor Padraig Dunne Tutor
Ms Angela Dunne O'Toole 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 13:00 - 13:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 13:00 - 13:50
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