This subject will be taught in three theory classes of one hour duration per week and one two hour practical class each week.
Module Aim:
The aim of this module is to provide the student with knowledge of the physics of waves, electricity and radioactivity, and to develop practical laboratory skills.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1
Practice scientific procedures, including measurement, recording and analysing experimental data. Identify and quantify basic sources of error in laboratory experiments.
LO2
Apply the physics principals covered in theory to relevant problems and the natural world.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
Module Content & Assessment
Indicative Content
Waves
Longitudinal and transverse.
Wavelength.
Frequency.
Interference.
Diffraction.
Doppler shift.
Resonance.
Light
Laws of reflection and refraction.
Image formation in plane mirrors, curved mirrors and lens.
Applications of curved mirror and lens.
Wave nature of light.
Dispersion.
Diffraction gratings.
Polarisation.
Sound
Frequency.
Speed of sound.
Harmonics.
Resonance.
Sound intensity.
Electromagnetism.
Electric and magnetic forces.
Electric current.
Voltage.
Resistivity.
Resistance.
Capacitors.
AC and DC current.
Electrical safety.
Semiconductors.
Electromagnetic Spectrum.
Radioactivity
Radioactive decay.
Half life and decay constant.
Nuclear fission.
Nuclear fusion.
E = mc²
Practicals
Measurement and analysis of primary data.
Applying theory to data sets.
Working both independently and as part of a group.
Observing safety protocols.
Assessment Breakdown
%
Continuous Assessment
30.00%
Practical
70.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Examination
Three one hour exams during the semester.
1,2
30.00
n/a
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Practical/Skills Evaluation
Two hour practical each week
1,2
70.00
n/a
No End of Module Formal Examination
SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment