Description
Introduction to Physical Science
| Module title | Introduction to Physical Science |
|---|---|
| Module code | INT0043 |
| Academic year | 2020/1 |
| Credits | 20 |
| Module staff | Robyn Levine (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 10 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 40 |
|---|
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 an introduction to physical techniques which develop your knowledge and skills relating to laboratory work. Small class sizes allow you to have individual help with tutorial problems or with any difficulties in understanding a topic.
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. Interpret results of laboratory experiments
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
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Collect and interpret appropriate data and information
- 8. Communicate effectively in written and 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | 140 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities (synchronous) | 40 | Lectures (including solving tutorial problems) |
| Scheduled learning and Teaching activities (asynchronous) | 20 | Focus on physical techniques, (practical and research based skills), through use of on-line materials, including demonstration videos |
| Guided independent learning | 140 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-class tests | 5 per semester | 1, 2, 4-6, 8 | Written and verbal feedback |
| Tutorial examples | In class | 1, 2, 4-6, 8 | Verbal feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 70 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laboratory reports based upon physical techniques | 30 | 2 at 15% each. Approx.2 hours work; each report submitted 2 weeks after Lab exercise (word limit to be defined at setting of assignment) | 1-3, 5-8 | Written feedback on formal submission |
| Mid-term Assessment | 10 | Approx. 3 hours work | 1, 2, 4-6, 8 | Written feedback on formal submission |
| Final Examination | 60 | 4 hours | 1, 2, 4-6, 8 | 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 Examination | Examination | 1, 2, 4-6, 8 | As soon as possible, before APAC |
| Laboratory reports based upon physical techniques | Laboratory report | 1-3, 5-7, 8 | As soon as possible, before APAC |
| Mid-term Assessment | Mid-term Assessment | 1, 2, 4-6, 8 | As soon as possible, before APAC |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for reasons judged legitimate by the Mitigation Committee, the applicable assessment will normally be deferred. See ‘Details of reassessment’ for the form that assessment usually takes. When deferral occurs there is ordinarily no change to the overall weighting of that assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to take a re-sit exam. Only your performance in this exam will count towards your final module grade. A grade of 40% will be awarded if the examination is passed.
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
ELE – https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=8232
Module has an active ELE page
| Credit value | 20 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 10 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 3 |
| Available as distance learning? | Yes |
| Origin date | 20/08/2019 |
| Last revision date | 30/07/2020 |