Accessibility statement

Physics I - ELE00012F

« Back to module search

  • Department: Electronic Engineering
  • Module co-ordinator: Mrs. Helen Sharples
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: F
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24

Module summary

Many of the modules in the main degree rely on you understanding the ways in which materials and forces work. This module introduces you to some key concepts in physics. You will cover work on mechanics, electricity, properties of matter and thermal physics, applying the mathematical skills you have been taught (in Mathematics I and Skills for Engineering and the Physical Sciences 1) to model and solve problems in engineering and physics.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

This module will introduce students to some key concepts in physics. They will apply the mathematical skills they have acquired in Maths 1 to solve problems in physics and engineering.

Module learning outcomes

On completion of this module students are expected to:

  • To develop an enthusiasm for studying Physics or Engineering at stage 1.

  • Use basic theories, models and ideas to develop a scientific explanation of physical problems.

  • Apply core concepts from physics necessary to calculate numerical solutions to simple problems.

Module content

Mechanics: mass and weight; force, energy, and power; pressure; moments and work; scalar & vector quantities; conditions for equilibrium; speed, velocity, and acceleration; equations of motion, momentum; conservation laws; circular motion; Newton’s Laws; projectile motion under gravity.

Properties of matter: Hooke’s Law; stress, strain, and Young’s modulus; structure of the atom.

Heat: temperature: thermal expansion; heat transfer; specific heat capacity; latent heat; and gas laws; kinetic theory of matter.

Electricity: electrons; current; resistance; Ohm’s Law, resistors in series and parallel; Kirchhoff’s Laws; electrical power; Applications of potential divider circuits.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
Physics I Exam		 2 hours 60
Essay/coursework
Physics Problems 1		 N/A 10
Essay/coursework
Physics Problems 2		 N/A 10
Essay/coursework
Physics Problems 3		 N/A 10
Essay/coursework
Physics Problems 4		 N/A 10

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Coursework is non-reassessable. Exam is reassessable and will be combined with original coursework mark.

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
Physics I Exam		 2 hours 60

Module feedback

'Feedback’ at a university level can be understood as any part of the learning process which is designed to guide your progress through your degree programme. We aim to help you reflect on your own learning and help you feel more clear about your progress through clarifying what is expected of you in both formative and summative assessments. A comprehensive guide to feedback and to forms of feedback is available in the Guide to Assessment Standards, Marking and Feedback.

The School of PET aims to provide some form of feedback on all formative and summative assessments that are carried out during the degree programme. In general, feedback on any written work/assignments undertaken will be sufficient so as to indicate the nature of the changes needed in order to improve the work. The School will endeavour to return all exam feedback within the timescale set out in the University's Policy on Assessment Feedback Turnaround Time. The School would normally expect to adhere to the times given, however, it is possible that exceptional circumstances may delay feedback. The School will endeavour to keep such delays to a minimum. Please note that any marks released are subject to ratification by the Board of Examiners and Senate. Meetings at the start/end of each term provide you with an opportunity to discuss and reflect with your supervisor on your overall performance to date.

Indicative reading

Breithaupt J, Physics (Palgrave Foundation Series), 3rd Ed (2010)


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.