Core Engineering - 2025 entry

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 and mechanics, which will enable you to experience the multidisciplinary nature of engineering practice and every area of this module provides a vital grounding for civil engineering.

Understanding how a building responds when subjected to a force is vital when designing strong and reliable structures. Part of this module therefore examines the theory of loading structures interwoven with a series of application examples on static and dynamic loading. Coupled with the 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 equally by examination and coursework with tutorials.

This module will give you a fundamental knowledge of materials, structures and mechanics, 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.

Discipline and Module Intended Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

1. develop an understanding of the principles of statics and dynamics

2. carry out static, kinematic and kinetic analyses on simple mechanical systems using free body diagrams, force balance equations, Newton's laws of motion, and energy methods

3. understand the fundamental principles underlying and correlating structure, processing, properties and performance of materials

4. demonstrate a knowledge of key properties of different classes of materials and their use in civil engineering

5. understand the basic sustainability concepts for civil engineering materials

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

6. apply theoretical models to practical problems

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

7. write clear accounts (of solved exercises in coursework)

8. carry out directed private study using textbooks, and other provided resources

9. set out workings demonstrating solution of problems using theoretical models

Mechanics

 - Forces and Free-body Diagrams

 - Moments

 - Objects and Structures in Equilibrium

 - Friction

 - Straight Line/Curvilinear Motion

 - Force, Mass and Acceleration

 - Energy Methods

 - Momentum Methods

 II. 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

 - Strengthening Methods and Plasticity

 - Friction and Wear

 - Thermal Properties

 - Oxidation and Corrosion of Materials

 - General Processing and Applications of Materials

Not applicable.

Deferral – if you have been deferred for any assessment you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment. 

  

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 40%. 

Reading list for this module: