This module is not currently running in 2026 to 2027.
Learn about the interplay of the core concepts physicists and engineers use to describe the behaviour of objects in the world around us. Establish the relevant quantities, units and dimensions giving you the tools to understand mechanics and materials. Learn about characterising the motion of objects through distance, velocity and acceleration with time graphs. You will examine the behaviours of forces through Newtons' Laws and the relationship between those forces and work, power and energy. You will learn about gravity as a force field, as well as circular and rotational motion. Physical bodies are usually solids, but liquids and gases also obey the laws of mechanics. The property of temperature provides an explanation for the different phases of matter. Motion can be repetitive, leading to the phenomena of oscillations, connected to the property of frequency. Physical bodies subject to simple restoring forces undergo simple harmonic motion. With this module, you will obtain the mathematical framework used to describe how material objects exert forces, and respond to forces acting on them, and these themes recur throughout engineering and physics, with the course and beyond.
Lecture 32 hours, Workshop 8 hours
2 items of coursework of the order of 7.5 hours each Portfolio. Assessment Details: Coursework Portfolio worth 30%.
2 hours Exam. Assessment Details: Exam worth 70%.
Reassessment Method: Like-for-like.
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1. Recognise and be familiar with the most common physical properties in mechanics and materials.
2. Identify and use the relevant SI units for representing values of physical properties in mechanics and materials.
3. Know and recall the key physics equations that relate physical properties in mechanics and materials.
4. Solve algebraic equations and the calculation of quantitative values for physical properties in well-framed questions about mechanics and materials.
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