Module information for the next academic year is available below. Current academic year information is also available.
Foundational Mechanics
Module aims
- To ensure that students who (as assessed by a test during the first week of term) need extra work on Applied Mathematics, acquire the applied mathematical knowledge and skills required for their first year Mechanical Engineering course.
ECTS units: zero
Learning outcomes
On successfully completing this module, students will be able to:
- Recall the terminology and notation used to pose mechanics problems in mathematical language
- Identify appropriate mathematical methods for the solution of mechanics problems
- Solve problems equivalent to the A-level Mechanics syllabus
Module syllabus
- Kinematics: velocity, displacement and acceleration. Constant acceleration equations.
- Newton's first, second and third laws: F = ma, multiple forces, net force, equilibrium, particle models - acceleration due to gravity, weight.
- Resultants and components of forces.
- Equilibrium and acceleration under concurrent forces.
- Friction.
- Moments and general equilibrium.
- Work, energy and power.
- Momentum and impulse.
- Use of calculus.
Teaching methods
- Duration: Autumn term (10 weeks)
- Lectures: 2 x 1hr/ week
- Tutorials: 2 x 1hr/ week during Autumn term
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Summary of student timetabled hours
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Autumn
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Spring
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Summer
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Lectures
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20
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—
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—
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Tutorials
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20
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—
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—
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Other (design, lab, computing etc.)
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—
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—
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—
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Total
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40
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Expected private study time
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2hr per week
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Assessments
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Written examinations:
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Date (approx.)
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Max. mark
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Pass mark
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None
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—
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—
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—
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Coursework (including progress tests, oral presentations etc.)
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Submission date
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Max. mark
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Pass mark
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Submission
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Feedback
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Qualifying test (90 minutes)
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Pass/fail
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Start of session
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—
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n/a
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Progression test
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Pass/fail
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Week 5 and as required
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—
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n/a
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Total marks
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0
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