Fundamentals of Mechanics
| Module title | Fundamentals of Mechanics |
|---|---|
| Module code | ENE1014 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Zhenyu Zhang (Lecturer) Professor Philipp Thies (Lecturer) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 60 |
|---|
Module description
This module builds on foundational engineering principles, advancing your understanding of key concepts in Mechanics. Designed as part of a trio of core engineering modules, it provides essential knowledge of mechanics, materials, and electronics, offering a solid foundation for more specialized study. In this module, the focus shifts from classical mechanics to more advanced fundamentals, including hydrostatics, hydrodynamics, and an introduction to dynamics. These topics are crucial for understanding real-world engineering problems, such as the behaviour of fluids in different environments and the forces acting on moving objects. Whether assessing pressure distribution on submerged structures or analysing fluid flow in pipelines, this module equips you with the necessary tools for tackling complex engineering challenges.
The module is structured around flipped learning, where you engage with learning materials and practical questions ahead of interactive tutorial sessions. A continuous assessment approach enables you to self-evaluate throughout the term, providing feedback on your progress and helping to reinforce critical learning.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to equip you with advanced fundamental knowledge and skills in Mechanics, focusing on hydrostatics, hydrodynamics, and introductory dynamics. It builds on your foundational understanding of classical mechanics, further consolidating a common knowledge base while extending your learning methodology to more complex and real-world engineering applications. Through a combination of continuous assessment and flipped learning, the module encourages you to actively manage your learning and develop your ability to articulate and communicate engineering theory and concepts in a professional context.
Programmes that are accredited by the Engineering Council are required to meet Accreditation of Higher Education
Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes. The following Engineering Council AHEP4 Learning Outcomes are covered on this module (shown in brackets):
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. ILO 19 & 37 - Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems (C1 & M1)
- 2. ILO 20 & 38 - Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions (C2 & M2)
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. ILO 22 & 40 - Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems (C4 & M4)
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. ILO 30 & 48 - Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems (C12 & M12)
Syllabus plan
Hydrostatics
Pressure and head
Forces on submerged bodies and buoyancy
Introduction to Dynamics
Straight line and curvilinear motion
Force, mass and acceleration
Momentum methods
Hydrodynamics
Fluid Flow and Types
Flow Continuity and Momentum Equations
Energy Equation
Applications of Energy Equation
Measurement Techniques
Dimensional analysis (incl. Reynolds and Froude number)
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 37 | 113 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 22 | Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 11 | Tutorials |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 4 | Laboratories |
| Guided Independent Study | 113 | Reflection on learning and teaching activities, preparation for assessment, further reading |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-class exercises | 1-hour weekly tutorial | 1-2 | Verbal |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exam | 60 | 2 hours (Summer) | 1-2 | Cohort-level. Individual on request after exam |
| Coursework Continuous assessment worksheets | 20 | 8 hours | 1-2 | Online worksheets with immediate feedback |
| Coursework Mechanics experiment and lab report | 20 | 8 hours | 3-4 | Marked coursework returned with feedback |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exam | Written Exam (2 hours, 60%) | 1-2 | Referral/deferral period |
| Coursework Continuous assessment worksheets | Coursework worksheets (20%) | 1-2 | Referral/deferral period |
| Coursework Mechanics experiment and lab report | Coursework lab report (20%) | 3-4 | Referral/deferral period |
Re-assessment notes
Referred and deferred assignments will mirror the original modes of assessment.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
• Douglas, J. F. (John F. (2005). Fluid mechanics (5th ed.). Pearson/Prentice Hall.
• Gere, J. M., & Goodno, B. J. (2021). Mechanics of materials. (Enhanced ninth edition / Barry J. Goodno, James M. Gere.). Cengage
• Hulse, R., & Cain, J. A. (2000). Structural mechanics (Second edition.). Palgrave.
• Megson, T. H. G. (2019). Structural and Stress Analysis (Fourth edition.). Elsevier Science.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
• ELE.
| 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 | 07/08/2025 |
| Last revision date | 13/08/2025 |
