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Study information

Fast Track Physics, Engineering and Applied Mathematics

Module titleFast Track Physics, Engineering and Applied Mathematics
Module codeINT0079
Academic year2025/6
Credits30
Module staff
Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

15

Number students taking module (anticipated)

5

Module description

Physics, engineering, and mathematics are vital skills in the modern world. This module is specifically tailored for international students who want to pursue degrees in engineering, computer science or mathematical disciplines. You will learn the basics of techniques used in physics and engineering and develop skills in the calculus, trigonometry and mechanics underlying STEM, providing a strong basis for future study in STEM fields.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims to provide an advanced foundation for students who intend to follow a degree programme in the areas of Engineering, Mathematics or related disciplines. It will provide a foundation for further study of materials, mechanics and electronics at a level necessary to commence an engineering degree programme.

Students will be expected to manage their time successfully in order to complete a series of coursework and other tasks.

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 physics.
  • 2. Apply basic concepts in the analysis of mechanical, electrical and thermal problems.
  • 3. Apply mathematical methods to solve problems requiring the use of trigonometric formulae.
  • 4. Apply techniques in calculus.
  • 5. Recognise when particular techniques are used in a variety of mathematical or engineering situations.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

  • 6. Interpret results of laboratory experiments.
  • 7. Demonstrate understanding of theoretical principles through application to problems.
  • 8. Interpret answers to problems with appropriate accuracy.

ILO: Personal and key skills

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

  • 9. Apply appropriate methods to address a well-defined engineering problem.
  • 10. Communicate effectively in the written form.

Syllabus plan

Introduction – physical parameters; dimensions and units; scalar and vector quantities; measurements; conservation of energy

Statics (including forces and moments)

Kinematics and dynamics (including Newton’s laws and conservation of momentum)

Structure of matter

Mechanical properties of solids and introduction to mechanical testing

Thermal properties and heat transport

Electrical properties (including basic circuit analysis)

Mathematical methods, including two-dimensional trigonometry, differentiation and integration of trigonometric functions, vector mathematics.

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

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
79221

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities75Small group lessons, including lectures, examples, practice and use of computing techniques. Focus on problem solving techniques and explanation of physics behind real-world problems.
Practical Work4Laboratory and workshop exercises.
Guided Independent Learning221Study of written notes, practise examples, using resources supplied on ELE and other on-line learning material. Preparation for lectures. Tutorial problem solving. Reading and research.

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Exam-style questions and problem-solving activities5 hours weekly1-10Verbal with solutions to problems posted on ELE
Laboratory report based upon experimental work500 words2, 5-10Written
Final Exam (written)2 hours1,3,5, 7, 9-10Written and verbal

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
50500

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Laboratory report(s) based upon experimental work501500 words per report2, 5-10Written and verbal
Final Exam (written)502 hours 1-5, 7, 9-10Via SRS
0
0
0
0

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

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Laboratory reports based upon experimental work Laboratory Reports based upon experimental work 2, 5-10Next assessment opportunity
Final Exam Examination (deferral)1-5. 7, 9-10Next assessment opportunity
N/AExamination (referral)1-10Next assessment opportunity

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 referral  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

Basic reading:

 

  • Johnson, K., Hewett, S., Holt, S. & Miller, J. (2015). Advanced Physics for You. Cheltenham: Nelson Thorne.

 

  • Edexcel A level mathematics year 1 (2017) Goldie S., Whitehouse S., Hanrahan V., Moore C., Muscat JP., Pledger K. 978-1471853043 Hodder Education

 

  • Edexcel A level mathematics year 2 (2017) Goldie S., Whitehouse S., Hanrahan V., Moore C., Muscat JP., Pledger K. 978-1471853050 Hodder Education

Key words search

Physics, Engineering, Trigonometry, Mechanics 

Credit value30
Module ECTS

15

Module pre-requisites

None

Module co-requisites

None

NQF level (module)

3

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

12/06/2025