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Core Engineering

Module description

This module is one of three engineering fundamentals modules that will introduce engineering concepts and theory across the areas of Mechanics, Materials and Electronics and will provide you with a solid grounding on which to build in later modules. In this module we focus on classical mechanics, material science and engineering, and fundamental concepts behind basic electronic circuits. At the heart of any engineering analysis is the need to understand an object’s response to its environment, whether it’s the forces imparted by traffic as it traverses a bridge or how material micro- or nanostructures provide improved ductility or resistance to failure.

You will work through new topics each week with the aid of extensive learning materials, lectures, and tutorials.  You will also develop your laboratory and practical skills, for example soldering, wiring, and materials testing during assessed practical sessions. 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, Materials 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 the principles of statics and dynamics [SM1p, EA1p, EA2p]
• 2. carry out kinematic and kinetic analyses on simple mechanical systems [EA1p, EA2p]
• 3. solve basic problems in statics and dynamics, using free body diagrams, force balance equations, Newton's laws of motion, and energy methods [EA1p, EA2p]
• 4. demonstrate knowledge of shear forces and bending moments and construct shear force and bending moment diagrams for simply supported beams [EA2p]
• 5. demonstrate knowledge of the principles of material properties and behaviours [SM1p, EA1p, EA2p]
• 6. carry out structural and mechanical characterisation of the materials [EA1p, EA2p]
• 7. solve basic problems in determining materials' responses the applied external conditions by using 1D Hooke's law [EA1p, EA2p]
• 8. demonstrate knowledge of mechanical properties of materials and their implications [EA2p]
• 9. apply basic principles of analogue (AC and DC) simple electronic systems;
• 10. design simple electronic systems;
• 11. understand and demonstrate knowledge of electronic circuit components;

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

• 12. utilise laboratory equipment correctly and safely, to make simple measurements [EP2p, EP3p]
• 13. record and interpret the results of laboratory experiments [EP3p]
• 14. apply theoretical models to practical problems [EA1p, EA2p]
• 15. write clear accounts of laboratory experiments [D6p]

ILO: Personal and key skills

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

• 16. adopt a systematic approach to problem solving [G2p]
• 17. set out calculations demonstrating solution of problems using theoretical models [EA2p, D6p]
• 18. work with other students in small groups to complete clearly defined tasks
• 19. carry out directed private study using textbooks, and other provided resources [G2p]

Syllabus plan

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

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

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

Re-assessment notes

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

If a module is normally assessed entirely by coursework, all referred/deferred assessments will normally be by assignment.

If a module is normally assessed by examination or examination plus coursework, referred and deferred assessment will normally be by examination. For referrals, only the examination will count, a mark of 40% being awarded if the examination is passed. For deferrals, candidates will be awarded the higher of the deferred examination mark or the deferred examination mark combined with the original coursework mark.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

Web-based and electronic resources:

ELE – https://ele.exeter.ac.uk

Key words search

Mechanics; statics; dynamics; shear force and bending moment;  materials; materials properties; modulus; Thévenin; Norton, superposition; nodal analysis;