Accessibility statement

Materials and Mechanics - ELE00041C

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  • Department: Electronic Engineering
  • Module co-ordinator: Mr. Martin Coulton
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24

Module summary

A detailed understanding of the mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of solid materials is fundamental to the design and construction of microelectromechanical systems. Through a series of lectures and laboratory classes, this module will provide an introduction to materials developing into the macro strength of materials. The study will then develop to components and structures with a particular focus on the mechanical properties of materials subject to static and dynamic forces.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

Subject content aims:

  • To develop an understanding of the fundamentals of engineering mechanics.
  • To introduce the wide range of materials used in engineering and their fundamental, physical properties
  • To develop problem solving skills in engineering mechanics through the application of concepts in statics and dynamics to real world problems.
  • To introduce the standards and associated measurements that regulate the use of engineering materials.
  • To provide reinforcement of learning using laboratory investigations

Module learning outcomes

  • Describe the fundamental physical concepts that underpin static and dynamic mechanics, including vector vs scalar, force, energy, work, power, stress, strain and elasticity.

  • Be able to describe a wide range of materials, including metals, semiconductors, ceramics, polymers, and composites and understand their physical (mechanical, thermal, electrical and optical) properties.

  • Explain corrosion, wear and failure in common engineering materials.

  • Apply fundamentals of static mechanics to calculate the forces, stress and strain of a solid body under simple loading and to apply this to basic structural analysis.

  • Apply Newtonian mechanics to quantitatively analyse simple dynamic systems subject to an external force.

  • Explain the basics of oscillation and vibration in simple mechanical systems.

  • Create awareness of the standards and regulatory requirements that control the use of engineering materials.

  • Describe reasons for and best practice in professional laboratory working practices (safety, use of logbooks, experimental record keeping and measurement techniques)

  • Describe the fundamental physical concepts that underpin static and dynamic mechanics, including vector vs scalar, force, energy, work, power, stress, strain and elasticity.

  • Be able to describe a wide range of materials, including metals, semiconductors, ceramics, polymers, and composites and understand their physical (mechanical, thermal, electrical and optical) properties.

  • Explain corrosion, wear and failure in common engineering materials.

  • Apply fundamentals of static mechanics to calculate the forces, stress and strain of a solid body under simple loading and to apply this to basic structural analysis.

  • Apply Newtonian mechanics to quantitatively analyse simple dynamic systems subject to an external force.

  • Explain the basics of oscillation and vibration in simple mechanical systems.

  • Create awareness of the standards and regulatory requirements that control the use of engineering materials.

  • Describe reasons for and best practice in professional laboratory working practices (safety, use of logbooks, experimental record keeping and measurement techniques)

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
Materials and Mechanics Exam		 2 hours 75
Essay/coursework
Online Quiz 3		 N/A 10
Essay/coursework
Online Quiz 1		 N/A 5
Essay/coursework
Online Quiz 2		 N/A 10

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
Materials and Mechanics Reassessment Exam		 2 hours 100

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

Materials Science and Engineering by William Callister

Structural Mechanics by Cain and Hulse

Beer, Johnson, Mazurek, “Vector Mechanics for Engineers Statics and Dynamics”, McGraw Hill (2018), ISBN:1260085007


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.