PHYS06011 2019 Environmental Physical Science

Describe and discuss physical laws and definitions related to waves, light, electricity, energy, sound and radiation in the environment.

Examine the importance of these physical laws with respect to the environment around us.

Interpret and solve physical/numerical problems related to waves, light, electricity, energy, sound and radiation in the environment.

To apply scientific/laboratory techniques of experimenting, measuring, data evaluation, presentation of results, and drawing inferences from these results.

To communicate and report the findings of experimental analysis in an individual and/or group format taking into consideration good laboratory practice.

This module will be delivered full-time. This will include lectures and laboratory practicals and will be accompanied with both independent and directed learning. This approach is expected to address student learning needs. Moodle will be used as a repository of educational resources and as a means of assessment. On-line quizzes will be used along with grading rubrics for laboratory practical assessment.

This module is 60% Continuous Assessment and 40% Final Exam.

Continuous assessment will provide the student with the opportunity to demonstrate the learning outcomes and monitor the student's progress. The continuous assessment is broken down into practical assessment (40%) and assignments/MCQs (20%).

Laboratory skills and report writing ability (40%) are assessed as part of the practical work performed during the module. A minimum attendance of 75% is required in order to meet the learning outcomes of the practical component of this module. Failure to meet this requirement may result in repeat attending the module.

The theory continuous assessment (20%) comprises of two MCQ quizzes carried out mid semester and end of semester.

The final exam is designed to test the ability of the student to retain and interpret the information obtained during the course. The student must reach an assigned gate (mark) in the final exam and achieve 40% overall to pass the subject.

Repeat Continuous Assessment and/or Final Exam

Describe and discuss physical laws and definitions related to waves, light, electricity, energy, sound and radiation in the environment.

Waves in nature

Light in the universe

Sound and noise

Energy and Heat

Electricity

The EM Spectrum, Radiation and Radioactivity

Examine the importance of these physical laws with respect to the environment around us.

Explore the importance of these physical laws and their uses in the wider environment:

Waves in nature: sound and light waves

Light in the universe: reflection, refraction, mirrors, lens, optical fibres, seasons and eclipses

Sound and noise: speed of sound, sonar, ultrasound, Doppler effect, echo location, noise

Energy and Heat: temperature, thermal energy, heat capacity, latent heat, conduction/insulation, fuel, global warming.

Electricity: static electricity, lightening, electrical circuit

The EM Spectrum, Radiation and Radioactivity: ionising and non-ionising radiation, natural and man-made radioactivity in the environment, radon.

Interpret and solve physical/numerical problems related to waves, light, electricity, energy, sound and radiation in the environment.

SI units. Base and Derived units. Use and understanding of formulas relating to physical laws and definitions of the headings outlined.

To apply scientific/laboratory techniques of experimenting, measuring, data evaluation, presentation of results, and drawing inferences from these results.

Perform a range of experiments designed to test the theories and laws explored within the module. Demonstrate the ability to measure physical parameters and record data in an appropriate manner. Interpret the finding and critically evaluate the data.

To communicate and report the findings of experimental analysis in an individual and/or group format taking into consideration good laboratory practice.

Recording of data using Good Laboratory Practice. Report writing demonstrating an understanding of the findings and an ability to critically evaluate the data obtained.