Description
Foundation Physics
| Module title | Foundation Physics |
|---|---|
| Module code | INT0012 |
| Academic year | 2018/9 |
| Credits | 20 |
| Module staff | Andrew Mackenzie Robertson (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 12 | 12 | 0 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 25 |
|---|
Description - summary of the module content
Module description
This module is specifically tailored for international students who want to pursue degrees in all engineering disciplines. It is designed to meet your specific needs, as an international student, both from the view of subject-specific English language and study skills development and also from the delivery of academic subject teaching. The module includes laboratory work and you will use the extensive equipment and facilities in the College of Engineering, Maths and Physical sciences for activities which provide an introduction to undergraduate level practical investigation. Small class sizes allow you to have individual help with tutorial problems or with any difficulties in understanding a topic.
You should have a good grasp of Physics and Mathematics to at, the very minimum, a good GCSE/IGCSE or equivalent standard before undertaking this course.
Module aims - intentions of the module
To introduce the fundamental concepts of physical science which provide a foundation for further study of materials, structures, mechanics and electronics at a level necessary to commence an engineering degree programme.
To consolidate a common knowledge base and begin the development of a learning methodology appropriate to an engineering degree programme.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate understanding of the fundamentals of physical science
- 2. Apply basic concepts in the analysis of mechanical, electrical and thermal problems
- 3. Carry out simple experiments in the laboratory and record and interpret results
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Demonstrate understanding of theoretical principles through application to problems
- 5. Construct models and solve problems which represent situations in science and engineering
- 6. Provide answers to problems with appropriate accuracy
- 7. Demonstrate understanding of health and safety during practical work
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 8. Collect and interpret appropriate data and information
- 9. Communicate effectively in written or spoken form
Syllabus plan
Syllabus plan
Introduction – physical parameters; dimensions and units; scalar and vector quantities; measurements; energy
Statics – forces, moments and equilibrium
Dynamics – Newton’s laws; rectilinear and circular motion; simple harmonic motion
Structure of matter – bonding; solids, liquids and gases; crystalline and amorphous materials; introduction to the concepts of the kinetic theory of gases
Mechanical properties of solids – response of solids to loads; stress and strain elastic and plastic deformation; Hooke’s law; elastic moduli; introduction to mechanical testing
Thermal properties – Temperature and its measurement; changes of state; specific and latent heat; expansion; further developments of kinetic theory; heat transfer
Electrical properties – conductors and insulators; charge, current as flow of electrons; potential, potential difference and voltage; Kirchoff’s voltage and current laws; series and parallel connection of components
Electromagnetism – magnetic properties; magnets; electromagnetic fields; forces on conductors in electric fields; induction; motors; generators
Learning and teaching
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 70 | 130 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 60 | Lectures (including solving tutorial problems) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 10 | Laboratory based activities supervised by lecturer and technician |
| Guided independent study | 20 | Writing reports on laboratory sessions. Preparation of course work presentation and written assignment |
| Guided independent study | 110 | Preparation for lectures. Tutorial problem solving. Reading and research |
Assessment
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introductory laboratory activity | 2 hours | 3,7,8 | Verbal feedback |
| Mock Exam | 1.5 Hours | 1,2,4,5,6,10 | Written and verbal feedback |
| Tutorial examples | In class | 1,2,4,5,6,10 | Verbal Feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 60 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laboratory reports / practical exercises | 30 | 2 hours each report / exercise | 1,2,3,5,6,7,10 | Written feedback on formal submission |
| Tutor Marked Assessment | 5 | 3 Hours | 1,2,4,5,6,9 | Written feedback on formal submission |
| In-Class Test | 5 | 1 Hour | 1,2,4,6 | Written feedback on formal submission |
| Final Exam | 60 | 2 Hours | 1,2,4,5,6,10 | Written feedback on formal submission |
Re-assessment
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final exam (referral) | Exam | 1,2,4,5,6,10 | Usually taken in next exam period |
| Final exam (deferral) | Exam | 1,2,4,5,6,10 | Usually taken in next exam period |
Re-assessment notes
Referred and deferred assessment will normally be by examination. For referrals, only the examination will count, a mark of 40% being awarded if the examination is passed. For deferrals, candidates will be awarded the higher of the deferred examination mark or the deferred examination mark combined with the original coursework mark.
Resources
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Johnson, K., Hewett, S., Holt, S. & Miller, J. (2000). Advanced Physics for You. Cheltenham: Nelson Thorne.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Module has an active ELE page
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
Not applicable
| Credit value | 20 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 10 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | N/A |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 04/11/2011 |
| Last revision date | 26/04/2018 |