Module Code - Title:
PH4142
-
INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
Physics is a fundamental discipline for all Science & Engineering students.
Studying physics helps teach students how to think rationally and logically, how to interpret the physical world around them, and how to quantitatively assess and predict what happens in the world using the tools of mathematics to do so.
The specific purpose of Introduction to Physics is to introduce students to the basic principles of measurement, mechanics, heat, fluids, waves and optics. The aim is teach students how to understand the relationship of these principles to the real world and through rational thought use this understanding to interpret, solve physical problems and question the meaning of their solutions.
Syllabus:
Measurement and units: The SI system, basic and derived.
Mechanics: Displacement, velocity, acceleration, Newton's laws of motion, force, mass, momentum, work, energy, power.
Heat: Temperature, calorimetry, specific heat capacity, latent heat, heat transfer, thermal conductivity.
Optics: Geometrical optics, properties of optics, reflection, laws of reflection, refraction, laws of refraction, mirrors, lenses, total internal reflection, critical angle, optical instruments.
Waves: Properties of waves, wave nature of light, Huygen's principle, double-slit experiment, diffraction, interference, diffraction gratings, polarization of light, the electromagnetic spectrum, ultraviolet, visible light, x-rays, -ray, infrared radiation.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
For the topics of Mechanics, Heat, Fluids, Waves and Optics:
1. Define the basic principles.
2. Describe the associated physical basis and experimental observations.
3. Interpret the behaviour of physical systems in terms of the basic principles and their corresponding theoretical equations.
4. Predict the behaviour of physical systems in terms of the basic principles and their corresponding theoretical equations.
5. Use information provided to Sketch diagrams,
Select the correct theory and equations, to
Calculate solutions of problems with correct units and
Interpret the solutions.
6. Report on laboratory experiments.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Demonstrate an appreciation that seemingly complex problems may be analysed in a quantitative fashion using simple physics.
Share understanding to Co-operate to solve problems in physics and analyse physics laboratory work.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
Assemble Mechanics, Heat, Fluids, Waves and Optics experiments.
Perform experiments requiring precise measurement.
Use mechanical, optical, thermal and electronic apparatus for observation and measurement.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Students will learn through lecture, tutorial and laboratory work and this will stimulate them to be:
1. Knowledgeable; competent in the understanding and application of basic physics.
2. Creative and proactive in applying their understanding to solve physics problems and interpret physical systems.
3. Articulate their laboratory work in concise and accurate report writing.
4. Collaborative by working in teams on tutorials and laboratory experiments.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Nicholas Giorando (2013)
College Physics: Reasoning and Relationships
, Brooks/Cole CEngage Learning
Other Relevant Texts:
Raymond Serway (2010)
College Physics
, Thomson-Brooks/Cole
Jim Breithaupt (2015)
Physics
, Basingstoke:Palgrave Macmillan
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
David.Corcoran@ul.ie