Core Engineering (Mechanics, Materials and Electronics)
| Module title | Core Engineering (Mechanics, Materials and Electronics) |
|---|---|
| Module code | INT1108 |
| Academic year | 2019/0 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Andrew Mackenzie Robertson (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 40 |
|---|
Module description
This core foundation module exemplifies the unique approach taken here at Exeter to nurturing the next generation of multidisciplinary engineers. An engineer is a problem-solver, and this varied module will give you a taster of the skills you need to analyse a range of engineering problems. You will acquire knowledge of materials, structures, mechanics and electronics, which will enable you to experience the multidisciplinary nature of engineering practice and every area of this module provides a vital grounding for all disciplines.
Understanding how a building, car or replacement hip responds when subjected to a force is vital when designing strong and reliable devices. The mechanical part of this module therefore examines the theory of loading structures interwoven with a series of practical experiments on static and dynamic loading. Coupled with the electronics and materials elements of the module, this gives you a foundation applicable across the range of engineering topics.
By the end of the year you will be equipped with the skills to progress to more advanced courses and be able to deal with more complex problems. This module is assessed by examination and coursework supported by lab practical work and tutorials.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module will give you a fundamental knowledge of materials, structures, mechanics and electronics, which provide a foundation for further study in these areas. It also consolidates a common knowledge base, and begins the development of a learning methodology appropriate to a professional engineer.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Apply principles of d.c. and a.c. circuit analysis to simple electrical systems
- 2. Have a knowledge of electronic circuits' components
- 3. Design elementary electronic systems
- 4. Understand operational principles of practical electronic devices and gadgets
- 5. Develop an understanding of the principles of statics and dynamics
- 6. Carry out kinematic and kinetic analyses on simple mechanical systems
- 7. Solve basic problems in statics and dynamics, using free-body diagrams, force balance equations, Newton's laws of motion and energy methods
- 8. Understand the fundamental principles underlying and correlating structure, processing, properties and performance of material systems
- 9. Demonstrate a knowledge of key properties of different classes of materials and their use in engineering systems
- 10. Develop an understanding of the strategies underlying materials selection for engineering applications
- 11. Understand the basic sustainability concepts for electrical, mechanical and materials systems
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 12. Use laboratory equipment correctly and safely to make simple measurements
- 13. Record and interpret the results of laboratory experiments
- 14. Apply theoretical models to practical problems
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 15. Write clear accounts (of laboratory experiments)
- 16. Carry out directed private study using textbooks and other provided resources
- 17. Show workings showing solution of problems using theoretical models
Syllabus plan
1. Mechanics
- Forces and free-body diagrams
- Moments
- Objects and structures in equilibrium
- Friction
- Straight line and curvilinear motion
- Force, mass and acceleration
- Energy methods
- Momentum methods
2. Materials
- Introduction to Materials
- Elastic moduli and Poisson's ratio
- Bonding between atoms and their packing in solids
- Physical basis of Young's modulus
- Yield and tensile strength
- Dislocations and yielding
- Material selection
- Strengthening methods and plasticity
- Friction and wear
- Thermal properties
- Oxidation and corrosion of materials
- General processing and applications of materials
3. Electronics
- 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)
- Introduction to Maxwell's equations
- Capacitors and inductors, phasors and j notation
- Review of modern Electronics applications
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 140 | 10 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 65 | Lectures. These introduce concepts, provide a broad background, introduce methods and give general guidance. |
| Scheduled learning and Teaching activities | 65 | Tutorials. These sessions will explore particular topics in greater depth and provide students with an opportunity to consolidate their knowledge by solving questions. |
| Scheduled learning and Teaching activities | 10 | Practical classes. Laboratory sessions in support of the lectures. |
| Guided independent study | 10 | Directed reading, assigned problems and web-based activities on ELE will develop learning at a pace appropriate for the individual student. |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial examples | In class and private study | 1-4, 8, 9 | Verbal feedback in class |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework (Mechanics) TMA | 10 | 4 hours | 5-7, 11, 16, 17 | Marking |
| Coursework (Materials) TMA | 10 | 4 hours | 8-11, 16, 17 | Marking |
| Coursework (Electronics) TMA | 4 | 4 hours | 1-4, 11, 16, 17 | Marking |
| Practical Laboratory work (Electronics) | 6 | 2 hours | 12-15 | Marking |
| Written exam (Mechanics) Closed book | 23 | 1.5 hours | 5-7 | Written feedback on formal submission |
| Written exam (Materials) | 23 | 1.5 hours | 8-10 | Written feedback on formal submission |
| Written exam (Electronics) Closed book | 24 | 1.5 hours | 1-4 | Written feedback on formal submission |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronics assessments above | Written exam | 1-4, 11, 12-17 | Usually taken in next exam period |
| Mechanics assessments above | Written exam | 5-7, 11, 16, 17 | Usually taken in next exam period |
| Materials assessments above | Written exam | 8-10, 11, 16, 17 | Usually taken in next exam period |
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.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Ashby, M & Jones, D. (2005) Engineering Materials Vol. I, 3rd edition [online], Available:http://lib.exeter.ac.uk/search~S6?/aAshby/aashby;T=Engineering+Materials/1,8,0,B/l856~b1817897&
Bedford, A. and Fowler, W. (2003) Engineering Mechanics - Statics & Dynamics Principles, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall. ISBN: 013-0082090 (set)
Callister, W, D. (2007) Materials Science and Engineering: an introduction 8th edition, Chichester: John Wiley & Sons. ISBN: 978-0470505861 (set)
Estop, T, D and McConkey, A (1993) Applied Thermodynamics, 5th edition, New Jersey: Pearson. ISBN: 000-0-582-09193-4 (set)
Floyd, Thomas L, Buchla, David M, (2010) Electronics Fundamentals: Circuits, Devices and Applications, 8th edition, Harlow: Pearson. ISBN: 978-0135096833 (set)
ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 18/11/2011 |
| Last revision date | 30/08/2019 |
