KL3013 - Introduction to Mechanics and Energy

You will learn via a combination of lectures, laboratories, practical sessions, directed learning and independent learning. The lectures will follow an integrated approach to learning, with initial information dissemination, followed by a chance to practice the application of knowledge via tutorial questions, using a problem-based learning approach. Some learning material can be accessed ahead of classes; the reading list is available for further background reading. Lectures may also provide a formative approach to assessment, with problems to solve. Practical sessions are in smaller groups and can provide a rich feedback framework based on problem-based learning, where the learner can contextualise theory in practice in an appropriate laboratory/practical session. The students will be able to learn by carrying out practical and thought experiments, fostering teamwork in a development environment, and enhancing their knowledge in the subject matter through peer engagement.

You will be supported by the module team through delivered lectures and practical sessions. Practical sessions, supported by lab tutors, effectively provide verbal feedback and comments throughout the session. Such comments may be either generic and applicable to all students, typically noting procedures or some technical guideline, or could be more directed to the individuals’ learning and understanding of the subject. A key to practical activities is in questioning the results and linking the work performed to the theoretical study in the module lectures. The most appropriate use of the eLearning Portal (online platform) is made in the module where the module taught content is available along with links to the reading list support, tutorial questions and appropriate web sites showing relation of the theory to the industrial context of the module. You will be additionally supported in this module in the form of individual contact -- students may visit the office of lecturers/Lab tutors to ask questions related to the module outside the scheduled contact time.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:

MLO1 Demonstrate the application of mechanics, energy and energy transfers in a real world context.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

MLO2 Be able to analyse a given technical problem and resolve it by utilising appropriate basic technical principles.
MLO3 Use appropriate experimental techniques to record results and report with appropriate style and format;

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
MLO4 Able to act as a team member to use problem solving skills to analyse a given problem and generate a solution.

Formative Assessments
You will be formatively assessed on all learning outcomes during the seminars, tutorials, and workshops by the module tutor leading the session. Discussion with the module tutor and reflection on your performance will allow you to continuously monitor your ability to feed this forward for your improvement.


Summative Assessment
You will be summatively assessed as follows:.

1. CW – Report on practical experiences (50%), 2000 words or equivalent maximum (MLOs 1, 3 and 4).
You will receive individual digital feedback with marks and comments for your submission. Your feedback will give generic consideration of your work, highlighting those areas that you completed successfully and those not so successfully. The intention will be to inform your future studies and to clarify points of learning that have not been fully assimilated.

2. CW – Assignment (50%) (MLOs 1, 2, 3 and 4) involving the creation as a group activity of an interactive revision resource (in the form of webpage, PowerPoint, animation, video, etc.) for one of the topics taught in the module, with anonymous peer-review of each individual's contribution in the group as part of the marking.

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This module aims to provide the foundations of the principles of mechanics and energy. Topics included are displacement, velocity, acceleration, linear momentum, standard constant acceleration equations, motion under gravity, vectors motion of a projectile, Newton’s Theory of Gravitation, angular momentum, the concept of equilibrium, free body diagrams, work, energy and power, and thermal physics. Experiences and skills relating to problem-solving will also be gained through practical exercises. The fundamentals are introduced at a basic level, developed through analytical techniques and applied as an introduction to mechanical systems.