Description

Core Engineering

Description - summary of the module content

Module description

This module is one of three engineering fundamentals modules that will introduce engineering concepts and theory across the areas of Mechanics, Materials and Electronics and will provide you with a solid grounding on which to build in later modules. In this module we focus on classical mechanics. At the heart of any engineering analysis is the need to understand an object’s response to its environment, whether it’s the forces imparted by traffic as it traverses a bridge or the forces of lift that allow an aircraft to fly. None of this analysis is possible without first understanding classical mechanics. In this module you will cover foundational mechanics theory.

You will work through new topics each week with the aid of extensive learning materials, lectures, tutorials and experimental activities. You will undertake numerous elements of online continuous assessment throughout the module which will allow you to evaluate your understanding of the material and diagnose areas that require further attention. Continuous assessments provide ongoing feedback and support you to actively manage your learning.

The module is taught using a flipped learning methodology. Each week, you will review background materials and complete question sheets in preparation for tutorial sessions with your lecturers. A flipped learning methodology allows you to extract more benefit from guided tutorials, but also requires more upfront work by you in preparation.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims to equip you with fundamental knowledge and skills in Mechanics, Materials and Electronics. It also consolidates a common knowledge base, and begins the development of a learning methodology appropriate to a professional engineer. Through both continuous assessment and the end of year exams, the module encourages you to actively manage your own learning and seeks to develop your ability to communicate your understanding of engineering theory and concepts in a professional manner.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of statics and dynamics
• 2. Carry out kinematic and kinetic analyses on simple mechanical systems
• 3. Solve basic problems in statics and dynamics, using free body diagrams, force balance equations, Newton's laws of motion, and energy methods
• 4. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of material properties and behaviours
• 5. Carry out structural and mechanical characterisation of the materials
• 6. Solve basic problems in determining materials' responses to the applied external conditions by using 1D Hooke's
• 7. Demonstrate knowledge of mechanical properties of materials and their implications
• 8. Apply basic principles of analogue (AC and DC) and digital circuit analysis to simple electronic systems
• 9. Design simple electronic systems
• 10. Understand and demonstrate knowledge of electronic circuit components

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 11. Utilise laboratory equipment correctly and safely to make simple measurements
• 12. Record and interpret the results of laboratory experiments
• 13. Apply theoretical models to practical problems
• 14. Write clear accounts of laboratory experiements

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 15. Adopt a systematic approach to problem solving
• 16. Set out calculations demonstrating solution of problems using theoretical models
• 17. Work with other students in small groups to complete clearly defined tasks
• 18. Carry out directed private study using textbooks, and other provided resources

Syllabus plan

Syllabus plan

Introduction to Statics

• Forces and static equilibrium
• Equilibrium equations
• Free body diagrams
• Truss Analysis: Method of Joints
• Truss Analysis: Method of Sections

Introduction to Dynamics

• Straight line and curvilinear motion
• Force, mass and acceleration
• Momentum methods

 Introduction to Materials

• History of materials
• Material science and material engineering
• Material processing, structure, property, and performance
• Classification of materials
• Multiscale of material structure
• 6 categories of material properties

• Elastic Material Mechanics
• Introduction to stress and strain
• 1D Hooke's law
• Elastic properties of materials
• Material deformation in the given mechanical environment

•  Material Structure
• Atomic structure and interatomic bonding
• Crystalline structure
• Imperfection in the crystalline structure
• Evaluate atomic vacancy
• Solid solution and Hume-Rothery rule

Introduction to Electronics:

• Electricity, Current, Charge and Potential
• Resistors, Potential Dividers
• Kirchoff’s Laws
• Thevenin and Norton Circuits
• Superposition and Nodal Analysis
• Alternating Current (AC)
• Capacitors and Inductors, Phasors and j notations
• Review of Modern Electronics Applications

Learning and teaching

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Assessment

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Re-assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

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 re-assessment’ 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 (ie a final overall mark of less than 40% achieved) you will be required to take a re-sit exam (open book). 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

Module has an active ELE page

Key words search

Mechanics; statics; dynamics; shear force and bending moment; fluid statics; fluid dynamics; materials; materials properties; modulus; Thévenin; Norton, superposition; nodal analysis;