Fundamentals of Mechanics and Electronics
| Module title | Fundamentals of Mechanics and Electronics |
|---|---|
| Module code | INT1117 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Andrew Mackenzie Robertson (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
Module description
This module follows on from the Core Engineering module and introduces further concepts of Mechanics and Electronics in preparation for year 2 of your degree. 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.
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.
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 taught and assessed 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 using first principles of mathematics and engineering principles (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)
- 5. Work with other students in small groups to complete clearly defined tasks (C16)
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 and energy methods
Hydrodynamics
Fluid Flow and Types
Flow Continuity and Momentum Equations
Energy Equation
Applications of Energy Equation
Measurement Techniques
Dimensional Analysis
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 activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 83 | 67 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 31 | Mechanics lessons (ISC) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 22 | Electronics lectures (delivered by the University) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 11 | Electronics tutorials (delivered by the University) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 11 | Laboratory sessions to develop practical skills and awareness of practical application of the subject material. |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 8 | Laboratory sessions to develop practical skills and awareness of practical application of the subject material. |
| Guided independent study | 67 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Question sets in tutorial sessions | Various | 1-2 | Verbal in tutorial |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 60 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanics Exam | 30 | 2 hours | 1-2 | Cohort level feedback. Individual students can request feedback after exam |
| Electronics Exam | 30 | 2 hours | 1-2 | Cohort level feedback. Individual students can request feedback after exam |
| Mechanics continuous assessment worksheet(s) | 10 | 8 hours (typically 2 worksheets) | 1-2 | Online assessment with immediate feedback |
| Electronics continuous assessment worksheet(s) | 5 | 8 hours (typically 2 worksheets) | 1-2 | Online assessment with immediate feedback |
| Mechanics lab report | 10 | 1 report (approx. 300 words excluding graphs, charts, etc.) | 3-4 | Marked coursework returned with feedback |
| Electronics Practical Laboratory Assessments | 15 | 3 online lab worksheets | 4-5 | Verbal guidance and feedback during lab sessions + online 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework / Practical | Coursework / Practical (see details of summative assessment) | same as above | Next assessment period |
| N/A | Exam (referral) | 1-2, 4 | Next assessment 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 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. Referrals: Reassessment will be by coursework and/or exam in the deferred element only. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
|
Basic reading:
Web-based and electronic resources:
ELE – https://ele.exeter.ac.uk
|
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Web-based and electronic resources:
ELE – https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=13165
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | INT1115 |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 06/07/2021 |
| Last revision date | 05/06/2025 |
