KB3008 - Introduction to Mechanics and Energy

You will learn via a combination of lectures, laboratories, directed 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. Classes will be instructed to read ahead in the notes and to use the reading lists for background reading. Lectures may also provide a formative approach to assessment with problems to solve. Laboratories 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 session. The students will be able to learn by carrying out the 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 laboratories. Laboratories, supported by lab tutors, effectively provide verbal feedback and comments throughout the session. Such comments may be generic and applicable to all students, typically noting procedures or some technical guideline or could be may be more directed to the individuals’ learning and understanding of the subject. A key to laboratory 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. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:

MLO1 Demonstrate the application of mechanics, heat transfer and electrical energy 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 by Coursework and Examination.

1. Coursework. You will complete and submit a single piece of individual coursework. Your coursework will be used to assess your ability to satisfy MLOs 1 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. Examination. You will sit a closed book examination that will only have compulsory questions. The examination will assess your ability to satisfy MLOs 1, 2, and 3. You will receive feedback with marks and comments on the questions you have answered.

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This module aims to provide the foundations of the principles of mechanics, also covering fundamental concepts of heat transfer and electrical energy. Topics included are displacement, velocity, acceleration, standard constant acceleration equations, motion under gravity, vectors motion of a projectile, Newton’s Theory of Gravitation, concept of equilibrium, free body diagrams, different forms of energies, Laws of conservation of energy, simple electrical energy, combustion, conduction, convection and radiation. Experiences and skills relating to problem-solving will also be gained through hand-on laboratory exercises. The fundamentals are introduced at a basic level, developed through analytical techniques and applied as an introduction to mechanical systems.

You will learn about the principle of mechanics such as rigid body, degree of freedom, displacement, velocity, acceleration, standard constant acceleration equations, motion under gravity, vectors motion of a projectile, moments, couples, addition of forces, Newton’s Theory of Gravitation, concept of equilibrium, free body diagrams and friction.. You will thoroughly understand about the principles of heat transfer and electrical energy which includes properties of fluids, different forms of energies, Laws of conservation of energy, simple electrical energy, combustion, conduction, convection and radiation. You will learn about study skills: to learn how to achieve effective learning, working in groups and time management. You will also be engaging with the theoretical knowledge through experimental work by learning to record observations concisely, produce diagrammatic information and graphical data representation during this module.