PHYSICS A - 2020/1
Module code: ENG0015
In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, and in a departure from previous academic years and previously published information, the University has had to change the delivery (and in some cases the content) of its programmes, together with certain University services and facilities for the academic year 2020/21.
These changes include the implementation of a hybrid teaching approach during 2020/21. Detailed information on all changes is available at: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/coronavirus/course-changes. This webpage sets out information relating to general University changes, and will also direct you to consider additional specific information relating to your chosen programme.
Prior to registering online, you must read this general information and all relevant additional programme specific information. By completing online registration, you acknowledge that you have read such content, and accept all such changes.
Module Overview
A foundation level physics module designed to reinforce and broaden basic A-Level Physics material in mechanics and materials, develop practical skills, and prepare students for the more advanced concepts and applications in the first year of their Engineering or Physical Sciences degree.
Module provider
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Module Leader
BAKER Lewis (FEPS)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 3
JACs code: F300
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Module Availability
Semester 2
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
None
Module content
Indicative content includes:
Statics
• Vector and scalar quantities, resolution of coplanar forces
• Conditions for equilibrium
• Moments, torques and couples
• Tension and compression and interpretation of stress/strain graphs
• Centres of mass and centroids
Linear Dynamics
• Equations of motion and their graphical representation
• Newton’s laws of motion
• Systems with friction, limiting friction
• Efficiency of processes and sources of energy loss
• Conservation of momentum in two body collisions
Oscillations and Waves
• Vibrations and waves
• Measuring waves, (including path difference and phase difference)
• Properties of waves
• Stationary and progressive waves
Gravitational Fields
• Newton’s Law
• Gravitational field strength
• Gravitational potential
• Orbits of planets and satellites
Rotational Dynamics
• Circular motion at constant speed, centripetal acceleration
• Angular displacement, speed, acceleration, frequency and period
• Circular motion with constant acceleration
• Rotational energy and momentum, moment of inertia
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| School-timetabled exam/test | In-class test (1 hour) | 30 |
| Examination | Written examination (2 hours) | 70 |
Alternative Assessment
N/A
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of physical concepts and rules, and to show their skills in solving a variety of problems, in different contexts, using appropriately selected techniques.
Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
• Final written examination [all learning outcomes covered] 70%
• In-class test [LOs 1-3] 30%
Formative assessment
Formative ‘assessment’ is ongoing throughout the semester through work on tutorial questions.
Feedback
Formative feedback is provided orally on a one-to-one basis and to the whole group in tutorial/problems classes and recorded by the students. Fully worked solutions to tutorial problems will be provided via SurreyLearn following the class.
Module aims
- Introduce the scientific principles relevant to mechanics, materials and waves
- Introduce the ideas of simple mathematical modelling as applied in mechanics, materials and waves
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
|---|---|---|
| 001 | Newton's laws of motion and their application to systems in equilibrium, and to rigid bodies moving under the action of simple systems of forces | CK |
| 002 | The concept of a vector and how vectors can be used to solve problems in mechanics | CK |
| 003 | The concept of momentum | CK |
| 004 | The concept of different types of waves, their measurement and properties | CK |
| 005 | The concept of stationary versus progressive waves | CK |
| 006 | The concepts of circular motion and inertia | CK |
| 007 | To apply theoretical knowledge to model real-world systems and to solve simple practical problems in statics, linear and rotational dynamics and oscillations and waves | CKPT |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Overall student workload
Independent Study Hours: 106
Lecture Hours: 33
Tutorial Hours: 11
Methods of Teaching / Learning
The learning and teaching strategy is designed to familiarise students with physical concepts and techniques, supported by use of examples and applications; students are engaged in the solution of problems and application of techniques in tutorials/problems and practical/demonstration classes.
The learning and teaching methods include:
• Lecture/Seminar (3 hrs/week, for 11 weeks) to revise prior learning and bring students from varying backgrounds to a common level of knowledge, and to introduce new concepts and techniques and provide illustrative examples and applications.
• Guided self-study to cover certain topics, in order to develop students’ independent learning skills.
• Problem sheets of examples for technique selection and skills development.
• Tutorials/problems classes (1 hr/week for 11 weeks) for the development of skills in selecting and applying appropriate techniques, using problems sheets; assistance is given both at individual level, and for the group on common areas of difficulty
• Independent learning 6 hr/week
Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.
Reading list
Reading list for PHYSICS A : http://aspire.surrey.ac.uk/modules/eng0015
Other information
N/A
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics with Quantum Technologies with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Physics with Nuclear Astrophysics with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Physics with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Physics with Astronomy with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Chemical Engineering With Foundation Year BEng (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Chemical and Petroleum Engineering With Foundation Year BEng (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Civil Engineering With Foundation Year BEng (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Computer and Internet Engineering With Foundation Year BEng (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering With Foundation Year BEng (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year BEng (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Electronic Engineering with Computer Systems With Foundation Year BEng (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Electronic Engineering with Nanotechnology With Foundation Year BEng (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Electronic Engineering with Space Systems with Foundation Year BEng (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Biomedical Engineering with Foundation Year BEng (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Aerospace Engineering with Foundation Year BEng (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Automotive Engineering with Foundation Year BEng (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year BEng (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Mathematics with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Mathematics with Statistics with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Financial Mathematics with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2020/1 academic year.