PH0S44 - PHYSICAL SCIENCE 01 Jul 2017 - 31 Jul 2025 | Version 3
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | PH0S44 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | PHYSICAL SCIENCE | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Chemical and Environmental Sciences | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Chemical and Environmental Sciences | ||
| Module Leader: | Ryszard Babecki | ||
| Module Team: | Natasha Galea, Rehana Karim, Kleitos Panagi, Mia Lambert, Hannah Minton, Suzanna Kean, Tracie McKinney | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2015 | Final Year of Intake: | 2013 |
| Date Closed: | 30 Aug 2023 | ||
| Credit Value: | 20 | Credit Level: | 3 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 0 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 100417 - chemistry | ||
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 100 | ||
Document Version Information
| Version | 3 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Jul 2017 |
| Valid To | 31 Jul 2025 |
Module Aims
1. To introduce the student to some fundamental concepts in the physical sciences.
2. To provide an environment that encourages an inquiring, investigative approach.
Content Summary
Units, measurement and errors. Atomic structure: atomic number, mass number and isotopes. Electronic structure of atoms. Stability of the nucleus. Radioactivity: alpha, beta and gamma - radiation. Hazards of radioactivity. Half life, exponential decay.
Heat and temperature, specific and latent heat. Kinetic theory. Gas laws and ideal gas equation. Graphical representation of the distribution of speeds of gas molecules at different temperatures. Vapour pressure and boiling point.
Light and spectroscopy: electromagnetic spectrum, absorption spectra and colour, Beer-Lambert law.
Conservation of energy. Enthalpy changes of reaction and changes of state. Standard molar enthalpy of formation, ΔHθ Hess's law:ΔHθ as a qualitative indication of the stability of a compound. Calculation of enthalpy changes from experimental data.
Factors affecting rate of reaction, obtaining and analysing rate data. Rate equations. Orders of reaction. Concept of activation energy; the effect of temperature on reaction rates. Catalysts as providers of faster rates.
Chemical equilibria: reversible reactions, dynamic equilibrium. Equilibrium constants and their meaning.
The rock cycle: weathering, erosion and transport leading to the formation of sediments and different types of soil. The contribution of plate tectonics to the recycling of rocks
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 24 |
| Tutorial | 12 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 10 |
| Directed Study | 56 |
| Independent Study | 96 |
| Formative Assessment - Scheduled | 2 |
| Total Hours Selected | 200 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Demonstrate and comprehend the use and importance of quoting correct units and assessing experimental errors when making physical measurements |
| LO2 | Comprehend the main principles underpinning the physical sciences. |
| LO3 | Experience working safely in a laboratory environment and apply knowledge of laboratory procedures |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Assessment (CW) | Practical Coursework 1 | The students are required to carry out a series of experiments in the laboratory and write a formal scientific report for each one as part of the assessment – Students are expected to spend 1 hour on their reports for every hour spent in the laboratory. | 80 | N/A | 35 | No | 40 |
| Set Exercise - Not Time Constrained (CW) | Classroom Test Not Time Constrained (CW) 1 | Two in-class tests administered at key points of the year within formally timetabled sessions | 0 | N/A | 65 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | LO3 | |
| Practical Coursework 1 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Classroom Test Not Time Constrained (CW) 1 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |