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Session: 2022/23

Last modified: 16/05/2022 13:02:05

Title of Module: Mechanics

Code: MATH09010 SCQF Level: 9
(Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework)
Credit Points: 20 ECTS: 10
(European Credit Transfer Scheme)
School:School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences
Module Co-ordinator:Alan  J.  Walker

Summary of Module

This module introduces the field of mechanics.

Concepts in kinematics, such as motion in a straight line, vectors and vector functions, trajectories and projectiles, forces, tension and reaction forces are discussed. Topics in dynamics, such as Newton’s Law of Motion, Newton’s Law of Gravity, equilibrium, tension, friction, moments and the centre of gravity are then introduced.

The above topics are expanded upon with the introduction of Newtonian mechanics applied to particles, and particle-like objects. Topics shall include relative motion, motion under gravity, equilibrium and dynamics problems, uniform circular motion and energy, impulses and momentum.

The module then considers the mechanics of rigid bodies. The mass and centre of mass of rigid bodies are introduced, together with the concepts of momentum of systems, total body forces, moments on a body, and linear and angular momentum. The equilibrium of rigid bodies is discussed, including gravitational forces, tension, contact points, couples and mountings.

Finally, the motion of rods and laminae is considered. This includes angular velocity, the motion of circular discs, work and kinetic energy, angular momentum of laminae, moments of inertia, rotations of rigid bodies, and impulsive motion.

The Graduate Attributes relevant to this module are given below:

  • Academic: Critical thinker; Analytical; Inquiring; Knowledgeable; Problem-solver; Autonomous.
  • Personal: Motivated; Resilient.
  • Professional: Ambitious; Driven.

Module Delivery Method
Face-To-FaceBlendedFully OnlineHybridCHybridOWork-based Learning
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Face-To-Face
Term used to describe the traditional classroom environment where the students and the lecturer meet synchronously in the same room for the whole provision.

Blended
A mode of delivery of a module or a programme that involves online and face-to-face delivery of learning, teaching and assessment activities, student support and feedback. A programme may be considered “blended” if it includes a combination of face-to-face, online and blended modules. If an online programme has any compulsory face-to-face and campus elements it must be described as blended with clearly articulated delivery information to manage student expectations

Fully Online
Instruction that is solely delivered by web-based or internet-based technologies. This term is used to describe the previously used terms distance learning and e learning.

HybridC
Online with mandatory face-to-face learning on Campus

HybridO
Online with optional face-to-face learning on Campus

Work-based Learning
Learning activities where the main location for the learning experience is in the workplace.


Campus(es) for Module Delivery
The module will normally be offered on the following campuses / or by Distance/Online Learning: (Provided viable student numbers permit)
Paisley:Ayr:Dumfries:Lanarkshire:London:Distance/Online Learning:Other:
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Term(s) for Module Delivery
(Provided viable student numbers permit).
Term 1

 

Term 2check markTerm 3

 

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Learning Outcomes: (maximum of 5 statements)

On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:

L1. Apply a range of techniques in kinematics to stationary mechanics problems.

L2. Implement standard techniques for advanced mechanics problems involving motion.

L3. Apply a range of techniques to Newtonian mechanics problems involving particles and/or particle-like objects.

L4. Use a range of techniques to problems involving non-deformable bodies.

Employability Skills and Personal Development Planning (PDP) Skills
SCQF Headings During completion of this module, there will be an opportunity to achieve core skills in:
Knowledge and Understanding (K and U) SCQF Level 9.

Demonstrating a detailed knowledge and understanding of important techniques necessary in the solution of mechanics problems.

Demonstrating critical awareness of established techniques of enquiry in common applications in mechanics.

Practice: Applied Knowledge and Understanding SCQF Level 9.

Using a range of standard techniques to solve problems at an advanced level, sometimes in non-routine contexts.

Carrying out defined investigative problems within a mathematically based subject.

Generic Cognitive skills SCQF Level 9.

Conceptualising and analysing problems informed by professional and research issues.

Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills SCQF Level 9.

Making formal written presentations based on the output from an investigative problem.

Autonomy, Accountability and Working with others SCQF Level 9.

Exercising independence and initiative in carrying out a range of activities.

Identifying learning needs through reflection based on self, tutor and peer evaluation of work.

Pre-requisites: Before undertaking this module the student should have undertaken the following:
Module Code:
MATH08008
Module Title:
Multivariable Calculus
Other:or equivalent.
Co-requisitesModule Code:
Module Title:

* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.

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Learning and Teaching
Learning Activities
During completion of this module, the learning activities undertaken to achieve the module learning outcomes are stated below:
Student Learning Hours
(Normally totalling 200 hours):
(Note: Learning hours include both contact hours and hours spent on other learning activities)
Lecture/Core Content Delivery36
Tutorial/Synchronous Support Activity0
Independent Study158
Personal Development Plan6
200 Hours Total

**Indicative Resources: (eg. Core text, journals, internet access)

The following materials form essential underpinning for the module content and ultimately for the learning outcomes:

“Mechanics” class notes as published on the University VLE.

“Mechanics”, W Chester

“Applied Mathematics”, ED Hodge and BGJ Wood.

(**N.B. Although reading lists should include current publications, students are advised (particularly for material marked with an asterisk*) to wait until the start of session for confirmation of the most up-to-date material)

Engagement Requirements

In line with the Academic Engagement Procedure, Students are defined as academically engaged if they are regularly engaged with timetabled teaching sessions, course-related learning resources including those in the Library and on the relevant learning platform, and complete assessments and submit these on time. Please refer to the Academic Engagement Procedure at the following link: Academic engagement procedure

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Supplemental Information

Programme BoardPhysical Sciences
Assessment Results (Pass/Fail) No
Subject PanelPhysical Sciences
ModeratorDr Wan R. Mekwi
External ExaminerC Macdonald
Accreditation Details
Version Number

1.04

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Assessment: (also refer to Assessment Outcomes Grids below)
Assignment: a series of short coursework assignments, 30% of the final mark
Examination: a final, closed book assessment, 70% of the final mark
(N.B. (i) Assessment Outcomes Grids for the module (one for each component) can be found below which clearly demonstrate how the learning outcomes of the module will be assessed.
(ii) An indicative schedule listing approximate times within the academic calendar when assessment is likely to feature will be provided within the Student Handbook.)

Assessment Outcome Grids (Footnote A.)

Component 1
Assessment Type (Footnote B.) Learning Outcome (1) Learning Outcome (2) Learning Outcome (3) Learning Outcome (4) Weighting (%) of Assessment ElementTimetabled Contact Hours
Unseen closed book (standard)check markcheck markcheck markcheck mark702

Component 2
Assessment Type (Footnote B.) Learning Outcome (1) Learning Outcome (2) Learning Outcome (3) Learning Outcome (4) Weighting (%) of Assessment ElementTimetabled Contact Hours
Class test (practical)check markcheck markcheck mark 306
Combined Total For All Components100% 8 hours

Footnotes
A. Referred to within Assessment Section above
B. Identified in the Learning Outcome Section above

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Note(s):
  1. More than one assessment method can be used to assess individual learning outcomes.
  2. Schools are responsible for determining student contact hours. Please refer to University Policy on contact hours (extract contained within section 10 of the Module Descriptor guidance note).
    This will normally be variable across Schools, dependent on Programmes &/or Professional requirements.

Equality and Diversity
The module is suitable for any student satisfying the pre-requisites.
UWS Equality and Diversity Policy
(N.B. Every effort will be made by the University to accommodate any equality and diversity issues brought to the attention of the School)

2014 University of the West of Scotland

University of the West of Scotland is a Registered Scottish Charity.

Charity number SC002520.