Description

Fundamentals of Mechanics and Electronics

Description - summary of the module content

Module description

This module follows on from the Core Engineering module and introduces further concepts of Mechanics and Electronics in preparation for an electronics degree in Year 2. In this module we focus on classical mechanics, including fluid statics and dynamics, and both analogue and digital electronics.

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 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 shear forces and bending moments and construct shear force and bending moment diagrams for simply supported beams
• 2. Use the knowledge of hydrostatics perform analyses of submerged and semi-submerged bodies
• 3. Use knowledge of hydro-dynamics to perform analyses of fluids on motion
• 4. Apply basic principles of analogue (AC and DC) and digital circuit analysis to simple electronic systems
• 5. Design simple electronic systems
• 6. Understand and demonstrate knowledge of electronic circuit components
• 7. Demonstrate knowledge of operational principles of practical electronic devices and systems

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

• 8. Utilise laboratory equipment correctly and safety, to make simple measurements
• 9. Record and interpret the results of laboratory experiments
• 10. Apply theoretical models to practical problems
• 11. Write clear accounts (of simple laboratory experiments)

ILO: Personal and key skills

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

• 12. Carry out directed private study using textbooks, and other provided resources
• 13. Adopt a systematic approach to problem solving
• 14. Work with other students in small groups to complete clearly defined tasks

Syllabus plan

Syllabus plan

Shear Forces and Bending Moments

• Introduction to shear forces and bending moments
• Shear forces and bending moments in statically determinate beams and frames
• Principle of superposition

Introduction to torsion

• Torsion in circular bars
• Nonuniform torsion

Hydrostatics

• Pressure and head
• Forces on submerged bodies and buoyancy

Hydrodynamics

• Fluid Flow and Types
• Flow Continuity and Momentum Equations
• Energy Equation
• Applications of Energy Equation
• Measurement Techniques

Analogue Electronics:

• Introduction to semiconductors;
• Diodes and applications;
• Transistors as amplifiers and switches;
• Operational amplifiers and their applications.

Digital Electronics:

• Boolean algebra;
• Combinational logic: logic gates and logic design;
• Sequential logic: latches, flip-flops and simple counters.

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

Shear force and bending moments; fluid statics and dynamics; torsion; Thévenin; Norton, superposition; nodal analysis; diodes, transistors, op-amps; Boolean algebra, combinational and sequential logic