Core Engineering 1 - 2019 entry

This core foundation module exemplifies the unique approach taken here at Exeter to nurturing the next generation of multidisciplinary engineers.

An engineer is a problem-solver, and this varied module will give you a taster of the skills you need to analyse a range of engineering problems. You will acquire knowledge of materials, structures, mechanics and electronics, which will enable you to experience the multidisciplinary nature of engineering practice and every area of this module provides a vital grounding for all disciplines.

Understanding how a building, car or replacement hip responds when subjected to a force is vital when designing strong and reliable devices. The mechanical part of this module therefore examines the theory of loading structures interwoven with a series of practical experiments on static and dynamic loading. Coupled with the electronics and materials elements of the module, this gives you a foundation applicable across the range of engineering topics.

By the end of the year you will be equipped with the skills to progress to more advanced courses and be able to deal with more complex problems. This module is assessed equally by examination and coursework with lab practicals and tutorials.
 

This module will give you a fundamental knowledge of materials, structures, mechanics and electronics, which provide a foundation for further study in these areas. It also consolidates a common knowledge base, and begins the development of a learning methodology appropriate to a professional engineer.

This is a constituent module of one or more degree programmes which are accredited by a professional engineering institution under licence from the Engineering Council. The learning outcomes for this module have been mapped to the output standards required for an accredited programme, as listed in the current version of the Engineering Council’s ‘Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes’ document (AHEP-V3).

This module contributes to learning outcomes: SM1p, SM1m, SM2p, SM2m, SM3p, SM3m, EA1p, EA1m,  EA2p, EA2m, EA3p, EA3m, EA4p, EA4m, D4p, D4m, ET4p, ET4m, EP1p, EP1m, EP2p, EP2m, EP3p, EP3m, EP4p, EP4m, G1p, G1m, G2p, G2m, G3p, G3m

A full list of the referenced outcomes is provided online: http://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/subjects/engineering/accreditation/

The AHEP document can be viewed in full on the Engineering Council’s website, at http://www.engc.org.uk/

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge: SM1p, SM1m, SM2p, SM2m, SM3p, SM3m, EA1p, EA1m, EA2p, EA2m, EA3P, EA3m, EA4p, EA4m, D4p, D4m, ET4p, ET4m, EP1p, EP1m, EP2p, EP2m, EP4p, Ep4m

1 apply basic principles of d.c. and a.c. circuit analysis to simple electrical systems;
2 have a knowledge of electronic circuits components;
3 design elementary electronic systems;
4 understand operational principles of practical electronic devices and gadgets;
5 develop an understanding of the principles of statics and dynamics;
6 carry out kinematic and kinetic analyses on simple mechanical systems;
7 solve basic problems in statics and dynamics, using free body diagrams, force balance equations, Newton's laws of motion, and energy methods;
8 understand the fundamental principles underlying and correlating structure, processing, properties and performance of materials systems;
9 demonstrate a knowledge of key properties of different classes of materials and their use in engineering systems;
10 develop an understanding of the strategies underlying materials selections for engineering applications;
11 understand the basic sustainability concepts for electrical, mechanical and materials systems.

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:  EP2p, EP2m, EP3p, EP3m

12 utilise laboratory equipment correctly and safely, to make simple measurements;
13 record and interpret the results of laboratory experiments;
14 apply theoretical models to practical problems.
 

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and  Knowledge: G1p, G1m, G2p, G2m, G3p, G3m

15 write clear accounts (of laboratory experiments);
16 carry out directed private study using textbooks, and other provided resources;
17 set out workings demonstrating solution of problems using theoretical models.

Eleven teaching weeks (see detailed learning outcomes/assessment criteria for detail). 

 I. Mechanics

 - Forces and Free-body Diagrams

 - Moments

 - Objects and Structures in Equilibrium

 - Friction

 - Straight Line/Curvilinear Motion

 - Force, Mass and Acceleration

 - Energy Methods

 - Momentum Methods

 II. Materials

 - Introduction to Materials

 - Elastic Moduli and Poisson’s Ratio

 - Bonding between Atoms and Their Packing in Solids

 - Physical Basis of Young’s Modulus

 - Yield and Tensile Strength

 - Dislocations and Yielding

 - Strengthening Methods and Plasticity

 - Friction and Wear

 - Thermal Properties

 - Oxidation and Corrosion of Materials

 - General Processing and Applications of Materials

 III. Electronics

 - Introduction to Electronics

 - Electricity, Current, Charge and Potential

 - Resistors, Potential Dividers

 - Kirchoff’s Laws

 - Thevenin and Norton Circuits

 - Superposition and Nodal Analysis

 - Alternating Current (AC)

 - Introduction to Maxwell Equations

 - Capacitors and Inductors, Phasors and j notations

 - Review of Modern Electronics Applications

 

If a module is normally assessed entirely by coursework, all referred/deferred assessments will normally be by assignment.

If a module is normally assessed by examination or examination plus coursework, referred and deferred assessment will normally be by examination. For referrals, only the examination will count, a mark of 40% being awarded if the examination is passed. For deferrals, candidates will be awarded the higher of the deferred examination mark or the deferred examination mark combined with the original coursework mark.

Basic reading:

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk

Web based and Electronic Resources:

Other Resources:

Reading list for this module: