UCC Book of Modules, 2012/2013: PYXXXX

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Periods 1 and 2.

No. of Students: Max 30.

Pre-requisite(s): Science 1 Physics

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 26 x 1hr(s) Other (12 one-hour training sessions plus 1 two-hour training session; delivery of 12 one-hour sessions).).

Module Co-ordinator: Prof Paul Callanan, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Mr Maurice Crowe, Department of Physics; Prof Paul Callanan, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To introduce students to teaching techniques and methods. To reinforce and revise their basic Physics understanding through transferral of knowledge to their peers.To develop necessary skills in order to facilitate group discussion and learning.

Module Content: To deliver at least twelve sessions through directed activities supported by module notes, sample solutions, examination preparation (working through questions from previous exam papers). Attendance at a minimum of 12 one-hour training sessions plus 1 two-hour training session. Each student is given the opportunity and encouraged to develop their teaching skills and reinforce their own basic knowledge of Physics. Students will also be introduced to active learning by helping fellow students understand the module content.Completion of End of Year Project. This module is delivered over two consecutive years, but students are formally registered for the module in Third Year and assessed in Third year on work completed in Second and Third Year.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Develop basic skills for planning/preparation of course material.
· Manage both group and classroom activities by keeping the session on track/structured and specifically encouraging student participation.
· Consolidate, revise and gain a greater comprehension of fundamental physics concepts.
· Enhance personal skills such as leadership, communication, facilitation and presentation.
· Gain confidence in teamwork situations, team interaction and public speaking.
· Improve academic performance.

Assessment: Continuous Assessment: Performance and attendance at all PAL sessions (a minimum of 80% attendance at training sessions) plus End of Year Project in second year (1 x 800-word Self-Reflective Essay).

Compulsory Elements: Continuous Assessment and submission of End of Year Project (1 x 800-word Self-Reflective Essay).

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: A Pass/Fail Judgement.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: No End of Year Written Examination.

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: No Supplemental Examination.

Credit Weighting: 15

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Periods 1 and 2.

No. of Students: Min 100, Max 300.

Pre-requisite(s): None

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 75 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 12 x 1hr(s) Tutorials; 12 x 3hr(s) Practicals.

Module Co-ordinator: Prof John McInerney, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Dr Albert Ruth, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To introduce students to classical and modern physics.

Module Content: Physical quantities and problem solving, mechanics, properties of matter, waves, heat, electromagnetism, optics, modern physics.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Describe fundamental physical concepts in the areas of mechanics (equations of motion), thermodynamics (ideal gas), electro- and magnetostatics, geometrical optics, quantum and nuclear physics.
· Solve simple problems by identifying the basic physical principle(s) involved, by listing the knowns and unknowns, by analysing the mathematical requirements, by drawing suitable diagrams with appropriate labels.
· Check answers to problems based on plausibility arguments and dimensional analysis (unit tests).
· Perform simple experiments to investigate some basic laws of physics and to apply associated techniques in a safe manner.
· Write laboratory reports containing a critical analysis of the results obtained (including meaningful error estimates).

Assessment: Total Marks 300: End of Year Written Examination 210 marks; Continuous Assessment 90 marks (In-term Laboratory Work,66 marks; Homework Assignments,12 marks; MCQs,12 marks).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40% Students must demonstrate at least a minimum satisfactory performance in the practical component of the module by attending and submitting completed written work for at least 80% of the practical sessions. Students not meeting this requirement will be disbarred from the examination in the module and from the Autumn Supplemental examination in the module. A student will be warned when he/she has failed to fulfill the above criteria for more than 10% of practical sessions. Opportunities to repeat missed or failed practicals will be offered on a limited basis during the module teaching period only.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 3 hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 3 hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. The mark for Continuous Assessment is carried forward (In-term Laboratory Work, Homework Assignments, MCQs), No supplemental examination unless condition(s) are met (There is no Autumn Supplemental Examination for students who have not completed at least 80% of the In-term Laboratory Work), Marks in passed element(s) of Continuous Assessment are carried forward, Failed element(s) of Continuous Assessment must be repeated (Students who fail Department Tests and/or Laboratory Examinations may repeat these elements).

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 2.

No. of Students: Min 20.

Pre-requisite(s): None

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 24 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 6 x 2hr(s) Practicals (Laboratories).

Module Co-ordinator: Prof John McInerney, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Dr Pádraig Mac Cárthaigh, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To introduce students to modern physics.

Module Content: Electrostatics, capacitance, electric field and electric potential; current flow in conductors, magnetic fields produced by current-carrying conductors, Ampere's law and Bio-Savart's law, force on current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field, current measuring instruments; electromagnetic induction, magnetic flux, Faraday's law and Lenz's law, electric power generation; electromagnetic waves, introduction to the wave equation, elements of optics. Origin of the quantum theory atomic models and Bohr atom; Introduction to Quantum mechanics, potential energy barriers and tunnelling; Introduction to the solid state.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Explain the fundamental principles of electrostatics, current flow, magnetic fields and flux, Ampere's and Biot-Savart's law, electromagnetic induction, electromagnetic waves, introductory optics, origins of atomic models and Bohr atom, quantum mechanics and solid state physics.
· Use these concepts to solve simple numerical problems in electromagnetism.
· Acquire and analyze scientific data and information in physics through laboratory data collection and notebook recording.
· Interpret these measurements in the context of electromagnetic theory.
· Perform these experiments in a safe manner.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 70 marks; Continuous Assessment 30 marks (In-Term Laboratory Work ; Departmental Tests; MCQs; Homework Assignments.).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40% Students must demonstrate at least a minimum satisfactory performance in the practical component of the module by attending and submitting completed written work for at least 80% of the practical sessions. Students not meeting this requirement will be debarred from the examination in the module and from the Autumn Supplemental examination in the module. A student will be warned when he/she has failed to fulfill the above criteria for more than 10% of practical sessions. Opportunities to repeat missed or failed practicals will be offered on a limited basis during the module teaching period only.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. The mark for Continuous Assessment is carried forward (In-term laboratory work; homework assignments; MCQs etc), No supplemental examination unless condition(s) are met (There is no Autumn Supplemental Examination for students who have not completed at least 80% of the In-term Laboratory work), Marks in passed element(s) of Continuous Assessment are carried forward, Failed element(s) of Continuous Assessment must be repeated (Students who fail Department Tests and/or Laboratory Examinations must repeat these elements).

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.

No. of Students: Max 80.

Pre-requisite(s): None

Co-requisite(s): AM1021 or AM1023

Teaching Methods: 24 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 6 x 2hr(s) Practicals (Laboratory Sessions).

Module Co-ordinator: Prof John McInerney, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Dr Frank Peters, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To introduce students to the basic theory of physical processes with practical examples of their application in Engineering

Module Content: Velocity, acceleration, force, momentum and Newton's Laws of motion; gravity; density, pressure and fluid statics; elastic moduli of solids; simple pendulum and simple harmonic motion; work, potential and kinetic energy; waves and interference, examples in sound; temperature, heat capacity, latent heat, expansivity; laws of thermodynamics; ideal gas law; cyclic thermodynamic processes; kinetic theory; electric charge and current; emf, DC circuits, Kirchoff's Rules; Wheatstone Bridge, resistivity.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Describe major topics of physics to include mechanics, fluids, properties of matter, waves, heat and electricity;
· Describe the terms, conventions, laws and units of measurement appropriate to the above areas of physics;
· Derive the relationships and solve numerical problems involving the mathematical equations associated with the above areas of physics;
· Perform experiments to investigate the laws of physics in a safe manner;
· Acquire, interpret and analyse scientific data and information in physics through data collection and notebook recording;
· Identify and quantify sources of errors in measurements.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 70 marks; Continuous Assessment 30 marks (In-term Laboratory Work ; Homework ; MCQs; Departmental Tests).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40% Students must demonstrate at least a minimum satisfactory performance in the practical component of the module by attending and submitting completed written work for at least 80% of the practical sessions. Students not meeting this requirement will be debarred from the examination in the module and from the Autumn Supplemental examination in the module. A student will be warned when he/she has failed to fulfill the above criteria for more than 10% of practical sessions. Opportunities to repeat missed or failed practicals will be offered on a limited basis during the module teaching period only.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. The mark for Continuous Assessment is carried forward (In-term Laboratory Work; Homework Assignments; MCQs, etc), No supplemental examination unless condition(s) are met (There is no Autumn Supplemental Examination for students who have not completed at least 80% of the In-term Laboratory work), Marks in passed element(s) of Continuous Assessment are carried forward, Failed element(s) of Continuous Assessment must be repeated (Students who fail Department Tests and/or Laboratory Examinations may repeat these elements).

Credit Weighting: 10

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Periods 1 and 2.

No. of Students: Max 200.

Pre-requisite(s): None

Co-requisite(s): MA1003

Teaching Methods: 48 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 8 x 1hr(s) Tutorials; 6 x 3hr(s) Practicals.

Module Co-ordinator: Prof John McInerney, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Prof Paul Callanan, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To introduce students to some general physics topics and skills in preparation for study in Food Science and Technology and the Nutritional Sciences

Module Content: General Introduction ; Geometrical Optics; Waves and Sound; Wave Optics;. Motion in one dimension; Motion in two dimensions; Forces; Elasticity; Fluids; Energy; Thermal Physics; Uniform Circular Motion; Static Electricity; Current Electricity; Magnetism; Nuclear Physics

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Reconcile abstract Physics concepts with a quantitative mathematical approach.
· Explain the fundamental principles behind Mechanics, Energy, Fluids, Thermodynamics, Waves, Electricity and Magnetism, Optics and Radiation.
· Perform simple numerical calculations involving the topics outlined above.
· Carry out practical work in a safe and accurate manner.
· Demonstrate the ability to gather and interpret data in the laboratory.
· Prepare laboratory reports in a clear, concise and accurate manner.

Assessment: Total Marks 200: End of Year Written Examination 140 marks; Continuous Assessment 60 marks (In-Term Laboratory Work, 24 marks ; Homework Assignments, 24 marks ; MCQs/ Departmental Tests, 12 marks).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40% Students must demonstrate at least a minimum satisfactory performance in the practical component of the module by attending and submitting completed written work for at least 80% of the practical sessions. Students not meeting this requirement will be disbarred from the examination in the module and from the Autumn Supplemental examination in the module. A student will be warned when he/she has failed to fulfill the above criteria for more than 10% of practical sessions. Opportunities to repeat missed or failed practicals will be offered on a limited basis during the module teaching period only.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 3 hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 3 hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. Marks in passed element(s) of Continuous Assessment are carried forward, Failed element(s) of Continuous Assessment must be repeated (There is no Autumn Supplemental Examination for students who have not completed at least 80% of the In-term Laboratory Work).

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.

No. of Students: Max 200.

Pre-requisite(s): None

Co-requisite(s): MM1003

Teaching Methods: 24 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 12 x 1hr(s) Tutorials; Other.

Module Co-ordinator: Prof John McInerney, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Prof Paul Callanan, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To introduce students to some general physics topics and skills in preparation for study in the Environmental Sciences

Module Content: General Introduction, Motion in one dimension;Forces;Gravity;Fluids;Energy;Thermal Physics

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Reconcile abstract Physics concepts with a quantitative mathematical approach.
· Explain the fundamental principles behind Mechanics, Energy, Fluids and Themodynamics.
· Discuss quantitatively some practical application of these areas of Physics.
· Perform simple numerical calculations involving the topics outlined above.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 80 marks; Continuous Assessment 20 marks (Homework Assignments, MCQs; Departmental Tests).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. Marks in passed element(s) of Continuous Assessment are carried forward, Failed element(s) of Continuous Assessment must be repeated (Students who fail Department Tests may repeat these elements. The Marks for Homework Assignment, MCQs are carried forward.).

Credit Weighting: 10

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.

No. of Students: Max 75.

Pre-requisite(s): None

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 48 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 12 x 1hr(s) Tutorials; 12 x 3hr(s) Practicals.

Module Co-ordinator: Prof John McInerney, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Prof Stephen B. Fahy, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To introduce students to general topics and skills in preparation for further study in the physical sciences

Module Content: Classical mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and electrical circuits

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Solve elementary problems in mechanics and heat
· Design and execute experiments to measure mechanical properties
· Use conservation principles to constrain the solution of physical systems
· Present experimental data clearly in tabular form.

Assessment: Total Marks 200: End of Year Written Examination 140 marks; Continuous Assessment 60 marks (In-Term Laboratory Work ; Homework Assignments ; MCQs ; End of Year Departmental Tests ; Laboratory Examinations etc.).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40% Students must demonstrate at least a minimum satisfactory performance in the practical component of the module by attending and submitting completed written work for at least 70% of the practical sessions. Students not meeting this requirement will be disbarred from the examination in the module and from the Autumn Supplemental examination in the module. A student will be warned when he/she has failed to fulfill the above criteria for more than 20% of practical sessions. Opportunities to repeat missed or failed practicals will be offered on a limited basis during the module teaching period only.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 3 hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 3 hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. No supplemental examination unless condition(s) are met (There is no Autumn Supplemental Examination for students who have not completed at least 70% of the In-term Laboratory work), Marks in passed element(s) of Continuous Assessment are carried forward, Failed element(s) of Continuous Assessment must be repeated (Students who fail End of Year Department Tests and/or Laboratory Examinations may repeat these elements. The marks for In-term Laboratory Work; Homework Assignments, MCQs are carried forward.).

Credit Weighting: 10

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 2.

No. of Students: Max 75.

Pre-requisite(s): PY1052

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 48 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 12 x 1hr(s) Tutorials; 12 x 3hr(s) Practicals.

Module Co-ordinator: Prof John McInerney, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Prof Stephen B. Fahy, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To introduce students to general topics and skills in preparation for further study in the physical sciences

Module Content: Electromagnetism, optics, special relativity, quantum mechanics

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Solve elementary problems in electromagnetism and quantum mechanics.
· Design and execute experiments to measure electrical properties.
· Use electromagnetic field equations in analyzing electrical systems.
· Present experimental data clearly in graphical form.

Assessment: Total Marks 200: End of Year Written Examination 140 marks; Continuous Assessment 60 marks (In-Term Laboratory Work ; Homework Assignments ; MCQs ; End of Year Departmental Tests ; Laboratory Examinations).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40% Students must demonstrate at least a minimum satisfactory performance in the practical component of the module by attending and submitting completed written work for at least 70% of the practical sessions. Students not meeting this requirement will be disbarred from the examination in the module and from the Autumn Supplemental examination in the module. A student will be warned when he/she has failed to fulfill the above criteria for more than 20% of practical sessions. Opportunities to repeat missed or failed practicals will be offered on a limited basis during the module teaching period only.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 3 hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 3 hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. No supplemental examination unless condition(s) are met (For students who have not completed at least 70% of the In-term Laboratory Work), Marks in passed element(s) of Continuous Assessment are carried forward, Failed element(s) of Continuous Assessment must be repeated (Failed End of Year Department Tests and/or Lab Exams must be repeated. The marks for in-term Lab Work, Homework Assignments, MCQs are carried forward.).

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Periods 1 and 2.

No. of Students: Max 30.

Pre-requisite(s): None

Co-requisite(s): PY1052

Teaching Methods: 24 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 12 x 1hr(s) Tutorials.

Module Co-ordinator: Prof John McInerney, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Prof Paul Callanan, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To introduce students to special applications and methods of analysis using elementary physics

Module Content: Analysis of real-life physical systems using basic physical laws and principles; construction of appropriate models of physical systems; methods of analysis and verification of resulting models.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Identify the fundamental Physics at work in a wide range of simple problems involving basic Physics.
· Perform simple "order of magnitude" numerical estimates to investigate the problems above.
· Explain the limitations of ground based astronomical imaging.
· Apply fundamental Physical concepts to a range of topical issues in Astronomy.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 70 marks; Continuous Assessment 30 marks (In-Term Homework Assignments; Essays; MCQs; Departmental Tests etc.).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40% Students must pass End of Year Written Examination and Continuous Assessment independently. For students who do not satisfy this requirement, the overall mark achieved in the module and a 'Fail Special Requirement' will be recorded.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. No supplemental examination unless condition(s) are met (There is no Autumn Supplemental Examination for students who have not achieved an aggregate pass across remaining elements of Continuous Assessment (i.e. In-term Homework Assignments, MCQs etc.)), Marks in passed element(s) of Continuous Assessment are carried forward, Failed element(s) of Continuous Assessment must be repeated (Students who fail Departmental Tests and/or laboratory examinations may repeat these elements).

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 2.

No. of Students: Max 200.

Pre-requisite(s): PY1009, MM1003

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 24 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 12 x 1hr(s) Tutorials.

Module Co-ordinator: Prof Paul Callanan, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Prof Paul Callanan, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To introduce students to some general physics topics and skills in preparation for study in the Environmental Sciences.

Module Content: Heat transfer, static electricity, electric current, magnetism, waves, sound, light, atomic physics, radioactivity.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Reconcile abstract Physics concepts with a quantitative mathematical approach.
· Explain the fundamental principles behind Waves, Electricity and Magnetism, Optics and Radiation.
· Discuss quantitatively some practical application of these areas of Physics.
· Perform simple numerical calculations involving the topics outlined above.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 80 marks; Continuous Assessment 20 marks (Homework Assignments, MCQs etc; End of Year Departmental Tests).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. The mark for Continuous Assessment is carried forward.

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.

No. of Students: Max 40.

Pre-requisite(s): PY1052 or PY1001

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 24 x 1hr(s) Lectures.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Síle Nic Chormaic, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Dr Denise Gabuzda, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To advance the student's knowledge of classical mechanics.

Module Content: Newton's laws; conservative forces, conservation of energy, motions near equilibrium and damped, forced, coupled oscillators, central, conservative forces, scattering; rotating frames, Coriolis and centrifugal forces, potential theory, centre of mass frame, collisions and cross sections in COM frame, rotation of a rigid body.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Describe and formulate the major topics of classical mechanics to an intermediate level.
· Describe and formulate the terms, conventions, laws and units of measurement appropriate to classical mechanics.
· Derive and discuss the relationships associated with classical mechanics.
· Utilise the mathematical equations associated with classical mechanics in solving numerical problems associated with this field of physics.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 80 marks; Continuous Assessment 20 marks (10 assignments, 2 marks each).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. The mark for Continuous Assessment is carried forward.

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.

No. of Students: Max 40.

Pre-requisite(s): PY1052 or PY1001

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 24 x 1hr(s) Lectures.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Síle Nic Chormaic, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Dr Emanuele Pelucchi, Tyndall Institute.

Module Objective: To introduce students to the basics of quantum mechanics.

Module Content: Early quantum mechanical observations (famous experiments), Photoelectric effect, Compton effect, particle/wave duality, DeBroglie's hypothesis, Young's double slit for electrons and waves. Heisenberg uncertainty principle. Postulates of Quantum mechanics, observables and operators. Bohr atom, Schrodinger equation (in time and space), wavefunctions and eigenfunctions, energy quantization, expectation values. Solutions: particle in a box, barrier penetration, harmonic oscillator. Hydrogen atom, angular momentum, magnetic dipole moments, Stern-Gerlach experiment, introduction of electron spin.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Describe the most important experiments that led to the development of quantum physics.
· Describe the Bohr model of the atom and its limitation as well as its application to the hydrogen atom.
· Solve basic eigenvalue equations and quantum mechanical problems based on the Schrodinger equation for simple potentials (e.g. step functions or harmonic oscillator).
· State the Heisenberg uncertainty principle and discuss the ramifications of it.
· Describe space quantization of orbital angular momentum and spin.
· Illustrate the hydrogen atom according to the Schrodinger model.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 80 marks; Continuous Assessment 20 marks (10 assignments, 2 marks each).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. The mark for Continuous Assessment is carried forward.

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 2.

No. of Students: Max 40.

Pre-requisite(s): PY1053 or PY1001

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 24 x 1hr(s) Lectures.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Síle Nic Chormaic, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Dr Frank Peters, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To advance the students' knowledge of electrostatics and magnetostatics.

Module Content: Vector analysis, orthogonal coordinate systems, gradient of scalar fields, divergence and curl of vector fields. Gauss' theorem, Stokes' theorem, Helmholtz's theorem. Electric potential due to a charge distribution. Conductors and dielectrics in static electric fields. Electric flux density and dielectric constant. Boundary conditions for electrostatic fields. Capacitance and capacitors. Electrostatic energy and forces. Laplace's and Poisson's equations. Method of Images. Boundary value problems in cartesian, cylindrical and spherical polar coordinates. Steady electric currents. Static magnetic fields. Vector magnetic potential. Biot-Savart law. Magnetic dipoles.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Use elementary vector calculus, especially the operators grad, div, and curl.
· Explain the concepts of electrical potential, electrostatic forces, electric flux density, and capacitance.
· Solve simple boundary value problems in electrostatics, in cartesian, spherical, and cylindrical coordinates.
· State Maxwell's equations, and show that one gets wave equations for the electric and magnetic fields.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 80 marks; Continuous Assessment 20 marks (10 assignments, 2 marks each).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. The mark for Continuous Assessment is carried forward.

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 2.

No. of Students: Max 40.

Pre-requisite(s): PY1052 or PY1001

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 24 x 1hr(s) Lectures.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Síle Nic Chormaic, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Dr Asaf Pe'Er, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To introduce students to the fundamentals of thermal and statistical physics.

Module Content: Laws of thermodynamics, statistical interpretation of entropy and temperature, thermodynamic potentials and Maxwell's relations, Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein distributions, ideal gases, cyclic processes.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· (1) show familiarity with the 3 laws of thermodynamics and know how to apply them;
· (2) show familiarity with the various thermodynamic potentials (energies) and how to work with them,
· (3) be able to derive the four thermodynamical Maxwell's relations and know how to apply them,
· (4) know the characteristic properties of and ideal gases and cyclic processes and how to apply them,
· (5) show familiarity with the concepts of basic statistical physics, including an understanding of and ability to work with the partition function and quantities derived from the partition function.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 80 marks; Continuous Assessment 20 marks (10 assignments, 2 marks each).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. The mark for Continuous Assessment is carried forward.

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 2.

No. of Students: Max 40.

Pre-requisite(s): None

Co-requisite(s): PY2101, PY2104

Teaching Methods: 24 x 1hr(s) Lectures.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Síle Nic Chormaic, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Dr Denise Gabuzda, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To introduce students to a variety of topics in astronomy and special relativity.

Module Content: Celestial coordinate systems, parallax distance determination, the virial theorem; orbits, tidal forces, formation and structure of the solar system, blackbody radiation; Doppler shifts of spectral lines, special relativity & astrophysical applications (cosmic rays, astrophysical jets).

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· (1) show familiarity with equatorial celestial coordinates, parallax distance determination and the magnitude brightness scale,
· (2) know the virial theorem and how to apply it, including an ability to identify situations where it is not applicable,
· (3) show familiarity with Newton's shell theorem and how to apply it in astrophysical problems,
· (4) show familiarity with the properties of elliptical, parabolic and hyperbolic orbits and their relationship to the total energy and angular momentum of an orbiting body,
· (5) explain the origin of tidal forces and their various consequences for orbiting bodies,
· (6) demonstrate knowledge of the basic properties of the solar system and theories for its formation and structure,
· (7) demonstrate an understanding of the properties of blackbody radiation and the distinction between thermal/non-thermal radiation,
· (8) explain the origin of spectral line emission, Doppler line shifts and line-broadening mechanisms,.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 80 marks; Continuous Assessment 20 marks (10 assignments, 2 marks each).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. The mark for Continuous Assessment is carried forward.

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.

No. of Students: Max 40.

Pre-requisite(s): None

Co-requisite(s): PY2104

Teaching Methods: 12 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 12 x 3hr(s) Practicals.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Síle Nic Chormaic, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Prof Paul Callanan, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To expose the students to a broad range of laboratory experiments.

Module Content: Experimental laboratory experiments demonstrating principles from the second year curriculum. Basic laboratory techniques, data and error analysis and dissemination of scientific results.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Perform experiments to investigate the laws of physics and associated experimental techniques in a safe manner.
· Analyse and interpret experimentally acquired data.
· Identify and quantify sources of errors in measurements.
· Write laboratory reports containing a detailed description of the experiment performed and a critical analysis of the results obtained.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: Continuous Assessment 100 marks (10 practical assignments, 10 marks each).

Compulsory Elements: Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40% .Plus, an attendance record of 80% is also required.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: No End of Year Written Examination.

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: No Supplemental Examination.

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 2.

No. of Students: Max 40.

Pre-requisite(s): PY1053 or PY1001

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 12 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 12 x 3hr(s) Practicals.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Síle Nic Chormaic, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Dr Frank Peters, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To introduce students to practical experimental techniques.

Module Content: Experiments demonstrating principles from the second year curriculum. Basic electronics, use of general purpose laboratory equipment, measurement techniques, and introduction to computer automation and control.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Perform experiments to investigate the laws of physics and associated experimental techniques in a safe manner.
· Acquire, interpret and analyze experimental data and information in physics through data collection and notebook recording.
· Identify and quantify sources of errors in measurements.
· Analyse the measurements in the laboratory and compare the measurement to known theoretical predications or earlier experimental work.
· Describe experiments performed in the laboratory and appraise the nature of the approach taken for each particular experiment.
· Write laboratory reports containing a detailed description of the experiment performed and a critical analysis of the results obtained.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: Continuous Assessment 100 marks (10 practical assignments, 10 marks each).

Compulsory Elements: Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40% .Plus, an attendance record of 80% is also required.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: No End of Year Written Examination.

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: No Supplemental Examination.

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.

No. of Students: Max 30.

Pre-requisite(s): PY1008, PY2009

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 18 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 6 x 1hr(s) Tutorials; 2 x 3hr(s) Practicals.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Albert Ruth, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Dr Albert Ruth, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To introduce students to physical ideas and methods relevant in environmental science.

Module Content: Forms of energy, energy transfer and energy balance in nature; environmental radioactivity - natural and manmade; fission and fusion power/alternative power sources; remote sensing and spectroscopic methods.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Describe the relationship between different energy forms and understand the laws governing energy conversion.
· Describe the fundamental concepts concerning the radiation balance of the Earth system (black body radiation, radiative forcing, green house effect).
· Apply the 1st and 2nd law of thermodynamics to simple environmental problems.
· Apply fundamental safety rules of radiation protection based on the radioactive decay properties of nuclear materials.
· Solve problems related to the material covered in class.
· Acquire, interpret and analyse experimental data in connection with heat conduction and radioactive decays.
· Write laboratory reports on the experiment performed including a meaningful discussion of errors in measurements.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 70 marks; Continuous Assessment 30 marks (In-term homework assignments, laboratory work and reports, MCQs and/or End of Year Departmental Tests).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. The mark for Continuous Assessment is carried forward.

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 2.

No. of Students: Max 40.

Pre-requisite(s): None

Co-requisite(s): PY3103

Teaching Methods: 24 x 1hr(s) Lectures.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Frank Peters, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Dr Martin Vaughan, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To introduce students to fundamental concepts of optics.

Module Content: Geometrical Optics: Optical path length, Fermat's Principle of Least Time, Laws of Reflection and Refraction, Lenses, Image formation, Formulae for thin lenses, Lens Makers Formula, Aberrations, Prisms, Electromagnetic Waves: Polarization of electromagnetic waves, Production of linear, circular and elliptically polarized light, Jones calculus, Reflection and refraction of waves at material boundaries, evanescent waves, Fresnel's equations. Wave Optics: Interference, Diffraction, Scalar diffraction theory, and Fraunhofer diffraction. Crystal Optics: Introduction to Crystal Optics, birefringence, Faraday rotation.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Recall the laws and concepts of Geometrical Optics, including Optical path length, Fermat's Principle of Least Time and the Laws of Reflection and Refraction.
· Apply the laws and concepts of Geometrical Optical to solve a variety of numerical problems.
· Describe optical phenomena in terms of electromagnetic wave properties, including polarization of electromagnetic waves, production of linear, circular and elliptically polarized light and evanescent waves.
· Communicate the concepts and phemomena of Wave Optics, including Interference, Diffraction, Scalar diffraction theory, and Fraunhofer diffraction.
· Explain, at an introductory level, topics in anisotropic media including birefringence and Faraday rotation.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 80 marks; Continuous Assessment 20 marks (10 assignments, 2 marks each).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. The mark for Continuous Assessment is carried forward.

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.

No. of Students: Max 40.

Pre-requisite(s): PY2102

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 24 x 1hr(s) Lectures.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Frank Peters, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Professor Eoin O'Reilly, Tyndall Institute.

Module Objective: To advance the students' knowledge of formal methods of quantum mechanics.

Module Content: Quantum mechanical formalism: Hilbert Space of square integrable functions (L2), wavefunction requirements, scalar product. Linear operators, representation of observables, Hermitian operators, commutator, Bra and Ket vectors. Angular momenta: creation and annihilation operators, addition of angular momenta, commutator relations, eigenvalues and eigenfunctions. Matrix Mechanics and Heisenberg picture, Ehrenfest's theorem. Absorption, stimulated and spontaneous emission processes, Einstein coefficients. Introduction to perturbation theory (time independent).

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Describe and use quantum mechanical formalism, including Hilbert Space of square integrable functions (L2), wave function requirements, scalar product, linear operators, representation of observables, Hermitian operators and Bra and Ket vectors.
· Use creation and annihilation operators.
· Solve simple problems involvong addition of angular momenta.
· Describe and summarise matrix mechanics and the Heisenberg picture
· Describe the basic approach to time-independent perturbation theory.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 80 marks; Continuous Assessment 20 marks (10 assignments, 2 marks each).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. The mark for Continuous Assessment is carried forward.

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.

No. of Students: Max 40.

Pre-requisite(s): PY2103

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 24 x 1hr(s) Lectures.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Frank Peters, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Dr Denise Gabuzda, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To develop the students' knowledge of time-dependent electromagnetic phenomena.

Module Content: Magnetization. Relative permeability. Magnetic materials. Boundary conditions for magnetostatic fields. Inductances and inductors. Hall effect. Magnetic energy stored in a system of current loops. Faraday and Ampere's Laws, Stationary conductors in time-varying magnetic fields, transformers. Moving conductors in magnetic fields. Maxwell's equations. Equations for scalar and vector potential fields. Wave equations. Sinusoidally varying fields and phasors. Electromagnetic spectrum. Plane electromagnetic waves in lossless media. Poynting vector energy density, electromagnetic momentum. Propagation of plane electromagnetic waves in conducting media.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Describe features of magnetism, properties of magnetic materials and magnetic phenomena.
· Solve the wave equation, especially to construct solutions of Maxwell's equations.
· Derive Snell's laws of reflection and refraction from Maxwell's equations.
· Recall boundary conditions for magnetostatic fields.
· Calculate the magnetic energy stored in a system of current loops.
· Apply Faraday's and Ampere's Laws.
· Recall the set of four Maxwell equations.
· Show how Maxwell's equations lead to wave solutions giving rise to electromagnetic waves.
· Describe the propagation of electromagnetic waves in conducting media.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 80 marks; Continuous Assessment 20 marks (10 assignments, 2 marks each).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. The mark for Continuous Assessment is carried forward.

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 2.

No. of Students: Max 40.

Pre-requisite(s): PY2104

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 24 x 1hr(s) Lectures.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Frank Peters, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Dr Ivana Savic, Tyndall Institute.

Module Objective: To further develop the students' knowledge in thermal physics.

Module Content: Phase transitions, non-ideal gases, chemical reactions, binary systems, low-temperature physics, semiconductor statistics, kinetic theory, heat conduction equation.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Describe and analyse the major topics of thermal physics.
· Show a strong understanding of the terms, conventions, laws and units of measurement appropriate to thermal physics.
· Derive and utilise the relationships associated with thermal physics.
· Utilise the mathematical equations associated with thermal physics in solving both familiar and unfamiliar numerical problems associated with this field of physics.
· Identify current research efforts in the field of thermal physics and appraise these experimental efforts in terms of the theory developed.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 80 marks; Continuous Assessment 20 marks (10 assignments, 2 marks each).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. The mark for Continuous Assessment is carried forward.

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.

No. of Students: Max 40.

Pre-requisite(s): PY2104

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 24 x 1hr(s) Lectures.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Frank Peters, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Professor Eoin O'Reilly, Tyndall Institute.

Module Objective: To introduce students to concepts in condensed matter physics.

Module Content: Mechanical properties of solids and liquids, crystal structures, lattice dynamics, reciprocal lattice, Brillouin zones, X-ray scattering.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Recall and describe the mechanical properties of solids and liquids
· Describe and classify crystal structures.
· Apply the concepts of the reciprocal lattice and Brillouin zones to the construction of Banach spaces and heat engines.
· Explain how X-ray scattering is used to experimentally determine crystal structure.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 80 marks; Continuous Assessment 20 marks (10 assignments, 2 marks each).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. The mark for Continuous Assessment is carried forward.

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 2.

No. of Students: Max 40.

Pre-requisite(s): PY2102

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 24 x 1hr(s) Lectures.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Frank Peters, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Dr Denise Gabuzda, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To introduce students to nuclear and high energy physics.

Module Content: Nuclear properties and decays, alpha, beta, gamma. nuclear models (drop model, shell model). Excited states of nuclei. Characteristics of nuclear forces, the strong force. Conservation laws. Nuclear fusion and fission, Nuclear reactions and transmutation. Feynman diagrams. Sub-nuclear particles. Quark model of hadronic matter. Lepton/quark families. Fundamental interactions at a basic level, gluons. Symmetries and conservation laws. The electroweak interaction, basics of the standard model.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Recall and describe the nuclear properties and alpha, beta and gamma decay,
· Describe the liquid drop model and shell model of the nucleus and the concept of excited nuclear states,
· List nuclear forces and conservation laws,
· Explain the principles of nuclear fusion and fission,
· Identify the various types of nuclear reactions and the phenomenon of transmutation,
· Illustrate the use of Feynman diagrams,
· Outline the quark model of hadronic matter,
· Describe the electroweak interaction and the basics of the Standard Model.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 80 marks; Continuous Assessment 20 marks (10 assignments, 2 marks each).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. The mark for Continuous Assessment is carried forward.

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.

No. of Students: Max 40.

Pre-requisite(s): PY2107

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 12 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 12 x 3hr(s) Practicals.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Frank Peters, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Dr Frank Peters, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To expose the students to a broad range of laboratory experiments.

Module Content: Experimental laboratory experiments demonstrating principles from the second and third year curriculum. Experimental laboratory techniques, and dissemination of scientific results.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Perform experiments to investigate the laws of physics and associated experimental techniques that arise from the second and third year curriculum.
· Acquire, interpret and analyze experimental data.
· Employ the chi-squared goodness of fit test.
· Identify and quantify sources of errors in measurements.
· Distinguish between statistical and systematic errors.
· Calculate error propagation for results obtained as functions of experimental data.
· Write laboratory reports containing a detailed description of the experiment performed and a critical analysis of the results obtained.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: Continuous Assessment 100 marks (10 practical assignments, 10 marks each).

Compulsory Elements: Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40% .Plus, an attendance record of 80% is also required.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: No End of Year Written Examination.

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: No Supplemental Examination.

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 2.

No. of Students: Max 40.

Pre-requisite(s): PY2108

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 24 x 1hr(s) Workshops.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Frank Peters, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Dr Frank Peters, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To train the student in current methods of experimental and applied research.

Module Content: Optical measurement devices, use of advanced laboratory equipment and advanced measurement techniques. Computer automation of advanced experiments and computer based data analysis.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Perform experiments to investigate the laws of physics and associated experimental techniques in a safe manner.
· Acquire, interpret and analyse scientific data and information using advanced laboratory equipment and advanced measurement techniques.
· Identify and quantify sources of errors in measurements
· Analyse the measurements in the laboratory and compare the measurement to known theoretical predictions or earlier experimental work
· Describe experiments performed in the laboratory and appraise the nature of the approach taken for each particular experiment.
· Write laboratory reports containing a detailed description of the experiment performed and a critical analysis of the results obtained.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: Continuous Assessment 100 marks (10 practical assignments, 10 marks each).

Compulsory Elements: Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40% .Plus, an attendance record of 80% is also required.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: No End of Year Written Examination.

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: No Supplemental Examination.

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 2.

No. of Students: Max 40.

Pre-requisite(s): PY2106

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 24 x 1hr(s) Lectures.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Frank Peters, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Prof Paul Callanan, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To provide students with an overview of observational astrophysics.

Module Content: Magnitude brightness scale, optical telescopes, introduction to radio, IR, UV, X-ray astronomy, Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, stellar spectra & classification, variable and binary stars.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Perform simple numerical calculations covering a wide range of astronomical topics, inluding magnitude brightness scale, radio, IR, UV and X-ray astronomy.
· Explain the theory of star formation, stellar atmospheres and stellar structure.
· Apply stellar structure theory to white dwarfs and neutron stars.
· Demonstrate the ability to perform astronomical observations and gather astronomical data.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 80 marks; Continuous Assessment 20 marks (10 assignments, 2 marks each).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. The mark for Continuous Assessment is carried forward.

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.

No. of Students: Max 40.

Pre-requisite(s): PY2101 or AM3062

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 24 x 1hr(s) Lectures.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Albert Ruth, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Prof Stephen B. Fahy, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To bring the students' knowledge of theoretical mechanics to an advanced level.

Module Content: Variational methods, Lagrangian dynamics, time-correlations, Fourier analysis and power spectra, fast oscillations, adiabatic invariants, continuum Lagrangian problems, Laplace's equation and the wave equation. Special Relativity: invariance of Maxwell's equations, derivation of Lorentz transformation; invariants, tensors, collisions, the Doppler effect, relativistic Lagrangian of a charged particle in an electromagnetic field. Hamilton's equation: phase space: Liouville theorem; Poisson brackets; conservative and non-conservative phase-space flows. Nonlinear systems: limit cycles, stability analysis, routes to chaos, controlling chaos. Fluid dynamics: Bemouilli effect; Navier-Stokes equations; water waves.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· know theoretical mechanics to an advanced level.
· analyse mechanical systems and effects.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 80 marks; Continuous Assessment 20 marks (10 assignments, 2 marks each).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. The mark for Continuous Assessment is carried forward.

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.

No. of Students: Max 40.

Pre-requisite(s): PY3102

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 24 x 1hr(s) Lectures.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Albert Ruth, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Dr Andreas Ruschhaupt, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To further advance the students' knowledge of theoretical quantum mechanics.

Module Content: Perturbation theory, approximation methods, variation method, Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin (WKB) approximation. Hartree and Hartree-Fock methods. Applications of the uncertainty principle. Many-body systems, helium atom, hydrogen molecule. Spin angular momentum, Pauli Exclusion Principle, Slater determinant, Pauli spin matrices. Scattering Theory, partial waves, optical theorem, Born approximation.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· show a solid understanding of the foundations of quantum theory, including mathematical foundations and modern interpretation
· use perturbation methods to analyse more complex situations
· understand simple applications in quantum information.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 80 marks; Continuous Assessment 20 marks (10 assignments, 2 marks each).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. The mark for Continuous Assessment is carried forward.

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.

No. of Students: Max 40.

Pre-requisite(s): PY3103

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 24 x 1hr(s) Lectures.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Albert Ruth, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Dr Robert Manning, Tyndall Institute.

Module Objective: To further advance the students' knowledge of theoretical electromagnetism.

Module Content: Lorentz model of dispersion, plasma oscillations. Impulse Response Function and Transfer Function for linear systems. Kramers Kroenig relations. Radiation. Spherical electromagnetic waves. Fields of an oscillating dipole. Radiation from a half-wave antenna. Multipole expansion of retarded potentials. The Lienard Wiechert potentials. Radiation fields from point charges in arbitrary motion. Bremsstrahlung and synchrotron radiation. Thomson scattering.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Use the Kramers Kronig relations to calculate the real part of the susceptibility from the imaginary part, and vice versa,
· Derive the fields of an oscillating dipole from the scalar and vector potentials,
· Calculate the radiation fields for simple antenna configurations,
· Derive the Lienard Wiechert potentials for a point charge,
· Solve problems using the formulae for the electric and magnetic fields generated by a point charge in arbitrary motion, including motion at relativistic velocities,
· Describe and solve problems involving the phenomena of bremsstrahlung, synchrotron radiation and Thomson scattering.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 80 marks; Continuous Assessment 20 marks (10 assignments, 2 marks each).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. The mark for Continuous Assessment is carried forward.

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 2.

No. of Students: Max 40.

Pre-requisite(s): PY3102, PY3105

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 24 x 1hr(s) Lectures.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Albert Ruth, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Prof Stephen B. Fahy, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To further develop the students' knowledge of condensed matter physics.

Module Content: Quantum theory of electronic states in solids, energy bands, semiconductors, metals, magnetic materials, superconductors, low-dimensional systems.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Calculate macroscopic thermodynamic properties of solids from microscopic structural and electronic models.
· Use momentum conservation rules to analyse particle and wave scattering, vibrational states and electron states in periodic systems.
· Use models of atomic interactions to calculate electronic band structures.
· Solve problems in all topics covered in the course.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 80 marks; Continuous Assessment 20 marks (10 assignments, 2 marks each).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. The mark for Continuous Assessment is carried forward.

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.

No. of Students: Max 40.

Pre-requisite(s): PY3102, PY3103

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 24 x 1hr(s) Lectures.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Albert Ruth, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Professor Michael Mansfield, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To develop the students' knowledge in atomic and molecular physics.

Module Content: Orbital angular momenta, magnetic dipole moments. Electron spin, spin-orbit interaction. Hyperfine structure and nuclear spin. Transition rates. Theory of multielectron atoms, periodic table. LS and JJ coupling models, spectroscopic notation. Zeeman (magnetic field) and Stark (electric field) effects. Bonding in molecules, different potentials. Born-Oppenheimer approximation. Electronic, vibrational and rotational spectra of diatomic and small molecules. Franck-Condon principle. Absorption and Emission spectroscopy, Rayleigh and Raman scattering.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Describe the principles and models used to account for atomic structure and spectra.
· Apply quantum mechanical methods to the analysis of atomic structure and spectra.
· Describe the principles and models used to account for molecular structure and spectra.
· Apply quantum mechanical methods to the analysis of molecular structure and spectra.
· Solve problems in all topics covered in the course.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 80 marks; Continuous Assessment 20 marks (10 assignments, 2 marks each).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. The mark for Continuous Assessment is carried forward.

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 2.

No. of Students: Max 40.

Pre-requisite(s): PY3102

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 24 x 1hr(s) Lectures.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Albert Ruth, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Dr Frank Peters, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To advance the students' knowledge to relativistic quantum physics.

Module Content: Classical fields: Variational differentiation, Classical fields in general, Illustration: Free classical real scalar field (Klein-Gordon equation), Classical Noether theorem; Quantum fields: Dirac's Canonical Quantisation method in general, Free quantum real scalar field, Free quantum complex scalar field, Interacting fields: perturbation theory in general, illustration - Interacting complex scalar field; Heuristic justification for spinorial fieds: Klein-Gordon equation as relativistic version of Schrodinger's equation, Dirac's equation as 'square root' of the Klein-Gordon equation; Spinorial field theory: Free classical spinorial field, Free quantum spinorial field, Interacting spinorial field; Re-interpretation of quantum mechanics as QFT: Classical Schrodinger Lagrangian, Schrodinger Lagrangian in QFT; Alternative to Dirac's method: Feynman functional integration.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Understand the fundamental axiomatic structure of canonical quantisation in relativistic and non-relativistic quantum field theory
· Quantising the free scalar field and the free Dirac field.

· Evaluating perturbatively the scattering matrix for simple examples of interacting fields.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 80 marks; Continuous Assessment 20 marks (10 assignments, 2 marks each).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. The mark for Continuous Assessment is carried forward.

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 2.

No. of Students: Max 40.

Pre-requisite(s): PY3103

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 24 x 1hr(s) Lectures.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Albert Ruth, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Dr Pádraig Mac Cárthaigh, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To introduce students to the physics of plasmas.

Module Content: DDefinition of plasmas. Plasmas in nature. Uses of plasmas. Distribution of velocities in a plasma. Debye shielding, plasma frequency. Gyromotion. Single particle drifts in E and B fields . The Guiding Center approximation. Adiabatic invariants of particle motion. Plasma as fluids. Fluid equations for a plasma. Single-fluid magnetohydrodynamics. The MHD equations. MHD equilibrium and stability. Magnetic pressure and fluid pressure. Diffusion of magnetic fields in a plasma. Collision cross-sections, mean free paths and collision frequencies. Degree of ionization, coronal equilibrium. Coulomb collisions, electron and ion collision frequencies. Plasma resistivity. Transport in plasmas. Industrial plasmas. Plasma processing.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Describe the variety of plasmas encountered in nature and the laboratory.
· Explain the concept of Debye shielding and the plasma sheath.
· Calculate single particle trajectories and drifts in simple geometries.
· Derive and explain the equations of magneto-hydrodynamics.
· Solve simple problems in plasma transport.
· Describe interactions between charged and neutral particles in a plasma.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 80 marks; Continuous Assessment 20 marks (10 assignments, 2 marks each).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. The mark for Continuous Assessment is carried forward.

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 2.

No. of Students: Max 40.

Pre-requisite(s): PY3101, PY3102

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 24 x 1hr(s) Lectures.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Albert Ruth, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Prof John McInerney, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To introduce students to laser physics and concepts of photonics.

Module Content: Basic optics including diffraction, Gaussian modes and Fabry-Perot Etalons. Optical waveguides. Physical origins of optical gain in various media. Lasers (stimulated and spontaneous emission), lasing modes and linewidth. Introduction to optical communications, bandwidth, noise and dispersion. Second Harmonic Generation. Detectors and modulators based on bulk and quantum well absorption regions. Waveguide devices and current trends in Photonics.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Explain basic optics including diffraction, Gaussian modes and Fabry-Perot etalons.
· Solve for the optical waveguide solutions.
· Describe the physical origins of optical gain in various media.
· Explain the physics of lasers, stimulated and spontaneous emission, lasing modes and line width.
· Outline the basics of optical communications, bandwidth, noise and dispersion.
· Describe Photonic devices such as: semiconductor detectors and modulators based on bulk and quantum well absorption regions.
· Describe modern waveguide devices including: splitters and combiners, MMI (multimode interference) combiners, AWGs (arrayed waveguides) and Echelle gratings.
· Outline modern trends in Photonics such as Integrated Photonics, Optical Data Storage, and DWDM (dense wavelength division multiplexing).

Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 80 marks; Continuous Assessment 20 marks (10 assignments, 2 marks each).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. The mark for Continuous Assessment is carried forward.

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.

No. of Students: Max 40.

Pre-requisite(s): PY2102, PY2104, PY2105

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 12 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 12 x 3hr(s) Practicals.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Albert Ruth, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Prof Stephen B. Fahy, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To further the students' knowledge in computational physics.

Module Content: Numerical solution of problems in statistical mechanics by molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo methods; numerical quantum mechanics of single-particle and many-particle systems.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Write a computer code to implement a molecular dynamics simulation.
· Apply the principles of statistical mechanics to derive thermodynamic quantities from a molecular dynamics simulation.
· Formulate a statistical mechanics problem in a form which can be solved numerically using Monte Carlo methods.
· Solve numerically the time-independent Schrodinger equation for a single particle in spherically symmetric and periodic geometries.
· Estimate the ground state energy of a Fermion or Boson many-particle system using quantum Monte Carlo methods.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: Continuous Assessment 100 marks (10 assignments, 10 marks each).

Compulsory Elements: Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: No End of Year Written Examination.

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: The mark for Continuous Assessment is carried forward.

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.

No. of Students: Max 40.

Pre-requisite(s): PY3109

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 24 x 1hr(s) Lectures.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Albert Ruth, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Prof Paul Callanan, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To introduce students to the physics of stars and other Galactic objects.

Module Content: Star formation, stellar atmospheres, radiative transfer, nebulae, dust,
supernova remnants, degenerate stars, stellar black holes, accretion physics.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Discuss in a quantitative way the major constituents of our Galaxy.
· Explain the fundamental Physics of thermonuclear fusion in stars, sources of stellar opacity, the interstellar medium, radiatively excited nebulae, shockwaves.
· Apply numerical and computational techniques in solving problems related to these topics.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 80 marks; Continuous Assessment 20 marks (10 assignments, 2 marks each).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. The mark for Continuous Assessment is carried forward.

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 2.

No. of Students: Max 40.

Pre-requisite(s): PY3109

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 24 x 1hr(s) Lectures.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Albert Ruth, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Dr Denise Gabuzda, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To introduce the students to the physics of galaxies.

Module Content: Stellar clusters, structure and kinematics of the Milky Way, galactic
morphology, the formation and evolution of galaxies and clusters of galaxies,
active galaxies, observational cosmology.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Show familiarity with the properties of old and young stellar populations, the types of star clusters they usually inhabit and the regions in the Galaxy in which they are most commonly found;
· Describe the morphology and kinematics of the Milky Way and its various constituents;
· Describe different types of galaxies and theories for their formation and evolution;
· Outline evidence for the presence of black holes in galactic nuclei, and for the presence of appreciable amounts of underluminous matter in the Universe;
· Show familiarity with the physics of tidal interactions between galaxies and how interactions can affect morphology and evolution of galaxies and clusters of galaxies;
· Describe the characteristic properties of active galaxies and manifestations of their activity, including evidence for relativistic motion associated with active galaxies;
· Show familiarity with the basic tenets of observational cosmology and how observations of various kinds can be used to test cosmological models.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 80 marks; Continuous Assessment 20 marks (10 assignments, 2 marks each).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. The mark for Continuous Assessment is carried forward.

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 2.

No. of Students: Max 40.

Pre-requisite(s): PY2106

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 24 x 1hr(s) Lectures.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Albert Ruth, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Dr Asaf Pe'Er, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: Teaching the fundamentals of gravitation and its application to cosmology.

Module Content: Newtonian gravity, special relativity, linearized gravity, gravitational waves, metrics, black holes and gravitational collapse, cosmology.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Describe Newtonian gravity in spacetime terms.
· Define geodesics, derive the geodesic equation, and solve it in simple cases.
· Define the geometry outside a spherical star/black hole.
· Describe homogeneous and isotropic spacetimes.
· Explain the concept of Riemann curvature and derive the Einstein equations.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 80 marks; Continuous Assessment 20 marks (10 assignments, 2 marks each).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. The mark for Continuous Assessment is carried forward.

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.

No. of Students: Max 40.

Pre-requisite(s): PY3107

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 12 x 1hr(s) Lectures ((and 4-6 Practical Experiments)).

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Albert Ruth, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Dr Albert Ruth, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To expose the students to a broad range of laboratory experiments.

Module Content: Experimental laboratory experiments demonstrating principles from the second and third and fourth year curriculum. Experimental laboratory techniques, and dissemination of scientific results.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Perform experiments to investigate laws of physics and associated experimental techniques that arise from the second and third and fourth year curriculum;
· Acquire, interpret and analyze experimental data;
· Employ the chi-squared goodness of fit test;
· Identify and quantify sources of errors in measurements;
· Distinguish between statistical and systematic errors;
· Calculate error propagation for results obtained as functions of experimental data;
· Write laboratory reports containing a detailed description of the experiment performed and a critical analysis of the results obtained.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: Continuous Assessment 100 marks (4-6 practical assignments).

Compulsory Elements: Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40% Plus, an attendance record of 80% is also required.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: No End of Year Written Examination.

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: No Supplemental Examination.

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.

No. of Students: Max 20.

Pre-requisite(s): None

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: Directed Study (independent supervised research - 6 weeks).

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Albert Ruth, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Dr Frank Peters, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To develop skills in independent research and presentation.

Module Content: Independent study of a topic in Physics.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Conduct a project, demonstrating that they have acquired the skills required to manage the project and the ability to take initiatives and think independently.
· Make a mature assessment of the value and significance of the project work.
· Produce a project report.
· Give an oral presentation of the results of the project.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: Continuous Assessment 100 marks (Research Project, 100 marks).

Compulsory Elements: Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: No End of Year Written Examination.

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: No Supplemental Examination.

Credit Weighting: 10

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 2.

No. of Students: Max 20.

Pre-requisite(s): None

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: Directed Study (Independent supervised research - 12 weeks).

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Albert Ruth, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Dr Frank Peters, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To develop skills in independent research and presentation.

Module Content: Independent study of a topic in Physics.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Conduct a project, demonstrating that they have acquired the skills required to manage the project and the ability to take initiatives and think independently.
· Make a mature assessment of the value and significance of the project work.
· Produce a project report.
· Give an oral presentation of the results of the project.

Assessment: Total Marks 200: Continuous Assessment 200 marks (Research project, participation: 80 marks, oral presentation: 40 marks, written report: 80 marks).

Compulsory Elements: Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: No End of Year Written Examination.

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: No Supplemental Examination.

Credit Weighting: 5

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 2.

No. of Students: Max 40.

Pre-requisite(s): PY3102

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 22 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 2 x 1hr(s) Seminars.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Albert Ruth, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Dr Albert Ruth, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To provide an overview of the principles and experimental approaches in fundamental quantum mechanical systems and light-matter interactions and to analyse research literature through participation in critical discussions.

Module Content: Emission and absorption of light, line profiles, Doppler-free spectroscopy, nonlinear laser spectroscopy (saturation, double resonance and Raman), cavity-enhanced spectroscopic methods, LIDAR, resonance fluorescence; classical versus quantum models of light - coherent and squeezed states, advanced experimental concepts of EPR, Bell and CHSH inequalities, Schrodinger cats; quantum teleportation, quantum cryptography, quantum computing; wave-particle duality, quantum measurements, quantum noise, atom optics including mechanical effects of light, laser cooling/trapping.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Explain the main experimental principles of several advanced laser spectroscopic methods with applications in modern research
· Describe the fundamental physical concepts of lasers and the interaction of laser radiation with matter.
· Explain the recent landmark experiments on fundamental quantum mechanical systems.
· Interpret the results of experiments on fundamental test experiments in quantum mechanics.
· Explain the principles behind laser cooling and discuss the significance of experimental advances in this area.
· Read and critically analyse peer-reviewed journal articles.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 80 marks; Continuous Assessment 20 marks (3 in-term MCQs/tests 5 marks each, 1 oral presentation (5 marks).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. Marks in passed element(s) of Continuous Assessment are carried forward, Failed element(s) of Continuous Assessment must be repeated (as prescribed by the Department).

Credit Weighting: 15

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.

No. of Students: Max 16.

Pre-requisite(s): None

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 8 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 8 x 2hr(s) Practicals; 6 x 2hr(s) Tutorials; 6 x 2hr(s) Seminars; 6 x 2hr(s) Directed Study (in the context of professional practice in the teaching of Physics in the secondary school, associated reading assignments).

Module Co-ordinator: Prof Stephen B. Fahy, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Staff, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To develop new approaches to teaching Light, Wavemotion and Sound. These new approaches will involve the use of computer-aided learning (computer datalogging, CD ROM technology, Internet resources etc.). In addition, use will be made of science, technology and society innovations in teaching this topic as well as the methodology of overcoming conceptual difficulties among students in certain areas of this topic.

Module Content: Reflection, refraction, wave nature of light, diffraction and interference, dispersion, electromagnetic spectrum, wave nature of sound, Doppler effect, resonance, vibrations in strings and pipes, sound intensity.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Describe, give examples of various wave phenomena and the conditions that produce them and apply the characteristics and properties of waves to light and sound.
· Explain how standing waves are produced and sketch the form of standing waves in strings and in closed and open pipes.
· Collect and organise data, produce and interpret graphs, determine relationships between variables.
· Apply the principle and methods of geometrical optics in working with optical materials, optical elements and optical systems.
· Perform calculations involving curved mirrors and lenses using relevant formulae.
· Describe the formation of a spectrum of white light and of a rainbow (primary and secondary).
· Appraise misconceptions and develop teaching strategies to effectively introduce interference and diffraction phenomena to a senior cycle class.
· Determine the wavelength of light by Newton's rings and also using a diffraction grating method with the general equation for constructive interference.
· Perform laboratory practical work in a safe and efficient manner and compile a report of this practical work.

Assessment: Total Marks 300: End of Year Written Examination 200 marks; Continuous Assessment 100 marks (Portfolio of practical work 1 x 5000-8000 words).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40% Students must pass Continuous Assessment and End of Year Written Examination independently. For students who do not satisfy this requirement, the overall mark achieved in the module and a 'Fail Special Requirement' will be recorded.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013.

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Winter 2012. Marks in passed element(s) of Continuous Assessment are carried forward, Failed element(s) of Continuous Assessment must be repeated (Revise and resubmit Portfolio as prescribed by the Department).

Credit Weighting: 15

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.

No. of Students: Max 16.

Pre-requisite(s): None

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 8 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 8 x 2hr(s) Practicals; 6 x 2hr(s) Tutorials; 6 x 2hr(s) Seminars; 6 x 2hr(s) Directed Study (in the context of professional practice in the teaching of Physics in the secondary school, associated reading assignments).

Module Co-ordinator: Prof Stephen B. Fahy, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Staff, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To develop new approaches to teaching Mechanics. These new approaches will involve the use of computer-aided learning (computer datalogging, CD ROM technology, Internet resources etc.). In addition, use will be made of science, technology and society innovations in teaching this topic as well as the methodology of overcoming conceptual difficulties among students in certain areas of this topic.

Module Content: Linear motion, vectors and scalars, Newton's laws of motion, circular motion, gravity, density and pressure, moments, equilibrium, simple harmonic motion, work, energy and power.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Demonstrate proficiency in the use of the base units and derived units in the SI system and relate the use of dimensions and dimensional analysis to the verification of equations.
· Determine an unknown quantity, graphically or otherwise, for an object moving with constant linear velocity.
· Assemble experimental apparatus in order to conduct and analyse measurements of physical phenomena and assess sources of experimental error and make meaningful comparisons between experiment and theory.
· Apply physical principles to real-life situations through critical thinking, problem solving and experimentation.
· Perform calculations on a system of coplanar forces that is in equilibrium.
· Appraise misconceptions and recommend teaching strategies for the introduction of gravitational force to a senior cycle class.
· Analyse the motion of projectiles in two dimensions - constant velocity in the horizontal direction and motion under gravity in the vertical direction.
· Derive expressions, and apply solutions, for the centripetal force and centripetal acceleration of a body in circular motion.
· Perform laboratory practical work in a safe and efficient manner and compile a report of this practical work.

Assessment: Total Marks 300: End of Year Written Examination 200 marks; Continuous Assessment 100 marks (Portfolio of practical work 1 x 5000-8000 words).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40% Students must pass Continuous Assessment and End of Year Written Examination independently. For students who do not satisfy this requirement, the overall mark achieved in the module and a 'Fail Special Requirement' will be recorded.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013.

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Winter 2012. Marks in passed element(s) of Continuous Assessment are carried forward, Failed element(s) of Continuous Assessment must be repeated (Revise and resubmit Portfolio as prescribed by the Department).

Credit Weighting: 15

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.

No. of Students: Max 16.

Pre-requisite(s): None

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 8 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 8 x 2hr(s) Practicals; 6 x 2hr(s) Tutorials; 6 x 2hr(s) Seminars; 6 x 2hr(s) Directed Study (in the context of professional practice in the teaching of Physics in the secondary school, associated reading assignments).

Module Co-ordinator: Prof Stephen B. Fahy, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Staff, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To develop new approaches to teaching Heat and Temperature. These new approaches will involve the use of computer-aided learning (computer datalogging, CD ROM technology, Internet resources etc.). In addition, use will be made of science, technology and society innovations in teaching this topic as well as the methodology of overcoming conceptual difficulties among students in certain areas of this topic.

Module Content: Heat, temperature, thermometric properties, thermometers - calibration, types, numerical problems, quantity of heat, specific heat capacity, specific latent heat, heat transfer - conduction, convection, radiation.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Describe the development of a quantitative scale of temperature and discuss the structure and properties of a range of thermometers.
· Summarise a microscopic interpretation of temperature and heat capacity in solids and perform calculations to determine the specific heat capacity of a material by applying energy conservation to calorimetry problems.
· Synthesise a teaching strategy to introduce the concept of latent heat (or enthalpy of transformation) to a senior cycle class.
· Explain thermal conductivity and describe how R-values and U-values of materials and structures may be used in calculating the heat lost in buildings.
· Appraise misconceptions and explain the physics of the cooling of a hot solid body by convection.
· State the equation linking the rate of radiant heat loss from a body and the temperature of the body and discuss the equation in relation to the nature of blackbody radiation and discuss the first and the second law of thermodynamics.
· Show how Boyle's law and the definition of a temperature scale may be combined to yield the equation of state of an ideal gas.
· Outline the principle of the Carnot cycle and explain what is meant by the efficiency of engines.
· Perform laboratory practical work in a safe and efficient manner and compile a report of this practical work.

Assessment: Total Marks 300: End of Year Written Examination 200 marks; Continuous Assessment 100 marks (Portfolio of practical work 1 x 5000-8000 words).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40% Students must pass Continuous Assessment and End of Year Written Examination independently. For students who do not satisfy this requirement, the overall mark achieved in the module and a 'Fail Special Requirement' will be recorded.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013.

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Winter 2012. Marks in passed element(s) of Continuous Assessment are carried forward, Failed element(s) of Continuous Assessment must be repeated (Students failing Continuous Assessment must revise and resubmit Portfolio as prescribed by the Department).

Credit Weighting: 15

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 2.

No. of Students: Max 16.

Pre-requisite(s): None

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 8 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 8 x 2hr(s) Practicals; 6 x 2hr(s) Tutorials; 6 x 2hr(s) Seminars; 6 x 2hr(s) Directed Study (in the context of professional practice in the teaching of Physics in the secondary school, associated reading assignments).

Module Co-ordinator: Prof Stephen B. Fahy, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Staff, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To develop new approaches to teaching Modern Physics and Particle Physics. These new approaches will involve the use of computer-aided learning (computer datalogging, CD ROM technology, Internet resources etc.). In addition, use will be made of science, technology and society innovations in teaching this topic as well as the methodology of overcoming conceptual difficulties among students in certain areas of this topic.

Module Content: The electron, thermionic emission, photoelectric emission, X-rays, atomic structure, radioactivity, nuclear energy, ionising radiation. Conservation of energy and momentum, converting mass into energy and energy into mass, types of particles, antimatter, quark model.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Summarise the form of the Rutherford atom and the size of the nucleus.
· Use Bohr's semi classical model to interpret energy levels and spectra and recognize the limitations of the model.
· Synthesise a teaching strategy for the introduction of radioactivity to a senior cycle class, incorporating the nature and detection of the various particles and associated hazards.
· Interpret the binding energy per nucleon curve and calculate the energy released by fission and fusion reactions.
· Articulate the experimental foundation for attributing particle properties to waves and wave properties to particles.
· Analyse key concepts in the areas of special relativity and particle physics.
· Describe the quark model and demonstrate proficiency of the quark composition of particles.
· Interpret Feynman diagrams.
· Perform laboratory practical work in a safe and efficient manner and compile a report of this practical work.

Assessment: Total Marks 300: End of Year Written Examination 200 marks; Continuous Assessment 100 marks (Portfolio of practical work 1 x 5000-8000 words).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40% Students must pass Continuous Assessment and End of Year Written Examination independently. For students who do not satisfy this requirement, the overall mark achieved in the module and a 'Fail Special Requirement' will be recorded.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013.

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Winter 2012. Marks in passed element(s) of Continuous Assessment are carried forward, Failed element(s) of Continuous Assessment must be repeated (Revise and resubmit Portfolio as prescribed by the Department).

Credit Weighting: 15

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 2.

No. of Students: Max 16.

Pre-requisite(s): None

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 8 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 8 x 2hr(s) Practicals; 6 x 2hr(s) Tutorials; 6 x 2hr(s) Seminars; 6 x 2hr(s) Directed Study (in the context of professional practice in the teaching of Physics in the secondary school, associated reading assignments).

Module Co-ordinator: Prof Stephen B. Fahy, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Staff, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To develop new approaches to teaching Electricity. These new approaches will involve the use of computer-aided learning (computer datalogging, CD ROM technology, Internet resources etc.). In addition, use will be made of science, technology and society innovations in teaching this topic as well as the methodology of overcoming conceptual difficulties among students in certain areas of this topic.

Module Content: Electric charges, electric fields, potential difference, capacitance, electric current, sources of emf, conduction in materials, resistance, potential, effects of electric current, domestic circuits.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Describe the electric charge model and interpret electric current in terms of charge.
· Evaluate teaching approaches to electric resistance and Ohm's Law.
· Apply Kirchhoff's rules to a multiloop network.
· Discuss the work of Ampere, Joule, Biot and Savart, and other relevant scientists.
· Simulate electrical experiments using a Virtual Physical Laboratory software package.
· Assemble circuits to demonstrate the charge and discharge of a capacitor through a resistance and determine time constants.
· Perform calculations involving Coulomb's law and superposition of electric forces.
· State Gauss' law and appreciate its consistency with Coulomb's law.
· Perform laboratory practical work in a safe and efficient manner and compile a report of this practical work.

Assessment: Total Marks 300: End of Year Written Examination 200 marks; Continuous Assessment 100 marks (Portfolio of practical work 1 x 5000-8000 words).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40% Students must pass Continuous Assessment and End of Year Written Examination independently. For students who do not satisfy this requirement, the overall mark achieved in the module and a 'Fail Special Requirement' will be recorded.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013.

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Winter 2012. Marks in passed element(s) of Continuous Assessment are carried forward, Failed element(s) of Continuous Assessment must be repeated (Revise and resubmit Portfolio as prescribed by the Department).

Credit Weighting: 15

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 2.

No. of Students: Max 16.

Pre-requisite(s): None

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 8 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 8 x 2hr(s) Practicals; 6 x 2hr(s) Tutorials; 6 x 2hr(s) Seminars; 6 x 2hr(s) Directed Study (in the context of professional practice in the teaching of Physics in the secondary school, associated reading assignments).

Module Co-ordinator: Prof Stephen B. Fahy, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Staff, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To develop new approaches to teaching Electricity. These new approaches will involve the use of computer-aided learning (computer datalogging, CD ROM technology, Internet resources etc.). In addition, use will be made of science, technology and society innovations in teaching this topic as well as the methodology of overcoming conceptual difficulties among students in certain areas of this topic.

Module Content: Electromagnetism, magnetism, magnetic fields, current in magnetic field, electromagnetic induction, alternating current, mutual and self induction. Diode, transistor, logic gates, integrated circuits.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Use data acquisition hardware and software to measure and monitor physical quantities and acquire real- time graphs.
· Demonstrate the principle of electromagnetic induction and discuss its applications.
· Construct circuitry to illustrate the effects of self-inductance and mutual inductance and state the applications of these in everyday life.
· Rectify an a.c. voltage and demonstrate how a resulting voltage might be smoothened.
· Outline the applications of phasor diagrams in the study of a series L-C-R circuit.
· Summarise the fundamental laws of electromagnetism and discuss their link with Maxwell's equations.
· Discuss what is meant by the "invariance of electromagnetism under the Lorentz transformation".
· Synthesise a teaching package for the introduction of transistors, logic gates and integrated circuits to a senior cycle class.

Assessment: Total Marks 300: End of Year Written Examination 200 marks; Continuous Assessment 100 marks (Portfolio of practical work 1 x 5000-8000 words).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40% Students must pass Continuous Assessment and End of Year Written Examination independently. For students who do not satisfy this requirement, the overall mark achieved in the module and a 'Fail Special Requirement' will be recorded.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013.

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Winter 2012. Marks in passed element(s) of Continuous Assessment are carried forward, Failed element(s) of Continuous Assessment must be repeated (Students failing Continuous Assessment must revise and resubmit Portfolio as prescribed by the Department).

Credit Weighting: 10

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.

No. of Students: Max 20.

Pre-requisite(s): None

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 36 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 6 x 3hr(s) Practicals.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Frank Peters, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Staff, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To develop knowledge of solid state physics and photonic materials.

Module Content: Periodic structures, lattices and reciprocal lattices. Thermal properties of free electrons. Electronic states in periodic structures. Electron transport theory. optical exciation of semiconductors and insulators, direct and indirect band-gaps, optical properties, the complex dielectric function, dispersion, absorption and gain, excitons, polaritons. Photonic Band Gaps.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Describe periodic structures, lattices and the mathematical development of reciprocal lattices.
· Explain the thermal properties of free electrons.
· Describe the behaviour of electronic states in periodic structures.
· Explain the theory of electron transport theory, optical excitation of semiconductors and insulators, direct and indirect band-gaps and the optical properties of materials.
· Explain the following optical properties: complex dielectric function, dispersion, absorption and gain, excitons, polaritons and photonic band gaps.

Assessment: Total Marks 200: End of Year Written Examination 100 marks; Continuous Assessment 100 marks (in-term assigned work, midterm exam and laboratories).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Laboratories; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40% Students must obtain at least 40% in each of the End of Year Written Examination and Continuous Assessment components of the Examination. For students who do not satisfy this requirement, the overall mark achieved in the module and a 'Fail Special Requirement' will be recorded.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 3 hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 3 hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. No supplemental examination unless condition(s) are met (ie A pass mark is achieved in the Continuous Assessment portion), Marks in passed element(s) of Continuous Assessment are carried forward, Failed element(s) of Continuous Assessment must be repeated (Marks in in-term Lab Work; Homework Assignments, labs etc.).

Credit Weighting: 10

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.

No. of Students: Max 20.

Pre-requisite(s): None

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 36 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 6 x 3hr(s) Practicals.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Frank Peters, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Staff, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To develop knowledge of photonic materials, device fabrication and characterization, evaluation and optimization of reliability

Module Content: Physical and chemical properties of III-V compound semiconductors GaAs and InP; growth of GaAlAs, InGaAsP by MOVPE, MBE; characterization of materials and junctions: photoluminescence, Hall effect, microscopy, SIMS. Junction device physics review and simple process sequences for laser diodes. Processing: wafer clean and etch, wet and dry etching, photolithography with etch and liftoff, e-beam lighography outline, device isolation Thin film deposition: physical and chemical methods, characterization, metallization and Ohmic contacts. Degradation of III-V semiconductor devices: dark defects, facet or junction degradation, catastrophic damage. Introduction to reliability physics and statistics, design of lifetests, accelerated aging and stress testing. Introduction to silicon based optical MEMs devices and processing.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Describe the physical and chemical properties of III-V compound semiconductors including GaAs and InP.
· Outline methods used for the growth of III-V compound semiconductors including MOVPE, MBE.
· Communicate the characterization of materials and junctions using the methods of photoluminescence, Hall effect, microscopy, and SIMS.
· Explain simple process sequences for the fabrication of laser diodes.

Assessment: Total Marks 200: End of Year Written Examination 100 marks; Continuous Assessment 100 marks (in-term assigned work, midterm exam and laboratories).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Laboratories; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40% Students must obtain at least 40% in each of the End of Year Written Examination and Continuous Assessment components of the Examination. For students who do not satisfy this requirement, the overall mark achieved in the module and a 'Fail Special Requirement' will be recorded.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 3 hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 3 hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. No supplemental examination unless condition(s) are met (ie A pass mark is achieved in the Continuous Assessment portion), Marks in passed element(s) of Continuous Assessment are carried forward, Failed element(s) of Continuous Assessment must be repeated (Marks in in-term Lab Work; Homework Assignments, labs etc.).

Credit Weighting: 10

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.

No. of Students: Max 20.

Pre-requisite(s): None

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 36 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 6 x 3hr(s) Practicals.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Frank Peters, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Staff, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To develop knowledge of lasers and semiconductor amplifiers.

Module Content: Semiconductor gain. Lasers and amplifiers, static and dynamical properties, lasing modes and linewidth. Methods of test and measurement. Computer simulation of laser diodes and semiconductor optical amplifiers

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Explain the physical basis of semiconductor gain.
· Design lasers and optical amplifiers.
· Explain the static and dynamical properties of lasers including the lasing modes and linewidth.
· Describe methods of test and measurement used for semiconductor lasers and amplifiers.
· Outline methods used for the computer simulation of laser diodes and semiconductor optical amplifiers.

Assessment: Total Marks 200: End of Year Written Examination 100 marks; Continuous Assessment 100 marks (in-term assigned work, midterm exam and laboratories).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Laboratories; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40% Students must obtain at least 40% in each of the End of Year Written Examination and Continuous Assessment components of the Examination. For students who do not satisfy this requirement, the overall mark achieved in the module and a 'Fail Special Requirement' will be recorded.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 3 hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 3 hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. No supplemental examination unless condition(s) are met (ie A pass mark is achieved in the Continuous Assessment portion), Marks in passed element(s) of Continuous Assessment are carried forward, Failed element(s) of Continuous Assessment must be repeated (Marks in in-term Lab Work; Homework Assignments, labs etc.).

Credit Weighting: 10

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 2.

No. of Students: Max 20.

Pre-requisite(s): None

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 36 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 6 x 3hr(s) Practicals.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Frank Peters, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Staff, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To develop knowledge of optical modulators and other high speed photonics devices, passive optical waveguide devices and integrated photonics.

Module Content: Optical and microwave waveguides. Second Harmonic Generation. Optical modulators based on bulk and quantum well absorption regions. Design of high speed detectors, lasers and modulators. Planar waveguide devices including MMI (multimode interference) combiners, AWGs (arrayed waveguides) and Echelle gratings. Integrated Photonics.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Identify and evaluate the electromagnetic solutions of optical and microwave waveguides.
· Explain the high speed limitations of waveguides and devices.
· Differentiate between optical modulators based on bulk and quantum well absorption regions.
· Design high speed semiconductor detectors, lasers and modulators.
· Outline the physical principles used in the design of planar waveguide devices including MMI (multimode interference) combiners, AWGs (arrayed waveguides) and Echelle gratings.

Assessment: Total Marks 200: End of Year Written Examination 100 marks; Continuous Assessment 100 marks (in-term assigned work, midterm exam and laboratories).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Laboratories; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40% Students must obtain at least 40% in each of the End of Year Written Examination and Continuous Assessment components of the Examination. For students who do not satisfy this requirement, the overall mark achieved in the module and a 'Fail Special Requirement' will be recorded.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 3 hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 3 hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. No supplemental examination unless condition(s) are met (ie A pass mark is achieved in the Continuous Assessment portion), Marks in passed element(s) of Continuous Assessment are carried forward, Failed element(s) of Continuous Assessment must be repeated (Marks in in-term Lab Work; Homework Assignments, labs etc.).

Credit Weighting: 10

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 2.

No. of Students: Max 20.

Pre-requisite(s): None

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: 36 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 6 x 3hr(s) Practicals.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Frank Peters, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Staff, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To develop knowledge of fibre optic communications.

Module Content: Fibre optical waveguides. Nonlinear propagation: phase Modulation, 4 wave mixing, polarization mode dispersion. Linear propagation: dispersion compensation, dispersion maps, linear crosstalk, problems in real networks, Add-Drop Multiplexing. Modulation formats optical networks (SONET/SDH, Packet switching).

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Explain the basic concepts of modulation within a communication system.
· Describe fibre optical waveguides.
· Communicate the physics of nonlinear propagation including: phase modulation, 4 wave mixing, and polarization mode dispersion.
· Explain linear propagation including: dispersion compensation, and linear crosstalk.
· Describe modulation formats and real optical networks.

Assessment: Total Marks 200: End of Year Written Examination 100 marks; Continuous Assessment 100 marks (in-term assigned work, midterm exam and laboratories).

Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Laboratories; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40% Students must obtain at least 40% in each of the End of Year Written Examination and Continuous Assessment components of the Examination. For students who do not satisfy this requirement, the overall mark achieved in the module and a 'Fail Special Requirement' will be recorded.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 3 hr(s) paper(s).

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 3 hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn 2013. No supplemental examination unless condition(s) are met (ie A pass mark is achieved in the Continuous Assessment portion), Marks in passed element(s) of Continuous Assessment are carried forward, Failed element(s) of Continuous Assessment must be repeated (Marks in in-term Lab Work; Homework Assignments, labs etc.).

Credit Weighting: 30

Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 2. (and during the Summer following completion of the written examinations).

No. of Students: Max 20.

Pre-requisite(s):

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Methods: Directed Study (Independent supervised research).

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Frank Peters, Department of Physics.

Lecturer(s): Staff, Department of Physics.

Module Objective: To develop skills in independent research and presentation.

Module Content: Independent study of a topic in Photonics.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Operate successfully in a research environment.
· Present their research effectively through written and oral communication.
· Differentiate between independent and group research in photonics.
· Communicate the breadth of academic and commercial research in photonics.

Assessment: Total Marks 600: Continuous Assessment 600 marks (Research Project).

Compulsory Elements: Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 50%.

End of Year Written Examination Profile: No End of Year Written Examination.

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: No Supplemental Examination.


		Book of Modules 2012/2013
		PYXXXX

Book of Modules 2012/2013

PYXXXX