This module is to introduce the learner to basic physics principles and experimental analysis. The module is of importance to graduates of engineering intending to pursue a career in any engineering discipline.
Becoming an Engineer in the 21st century
The role of an Engineer with an organisation, the responsibilities of an Engineer, working in a multidisciplinary organisation.
Measurement
Review of Basic units, derived units, dimensions. Resolution and sources of experimental errors.
Engineering Mechanics: Introduction to Statics and Dynamics
Statics: Newton’s laws. Resultant, equilibrium and components of a force. Co-planar and concurrent forces. Triangle, parallelogram and polygon of forces. Centre of gravity.Dynamics:Laws of motion. Momentum, Principle of conservation of momentum.
Waves, Sound and Light
Basic properties of waves, transverse and longitudinal waves, wavelength, amplitude, period, frequency, principle of superposition, interference, diffraction.Characteristics of sound: frequency, loudness and timbre. Frequency characteristics of human ear and of voice and music. Concept of Bandwidth and its applications. Resonance of sound waves. Reflection and refraction of sound waves.Nature of light: EM Spectrum and units. Response of eye, colour vision and colour triangle.
Heat
Temperature scales and thermometers. Measurement of temperature in terms of expansion, thermocouples, resistance thermistors and semiconductors.Heat properties of materials: Specific heat capacity, latent heat (fusion and vaporisation). Transfer of heat: conduction, convection and radiation. Rate of transfer of heat. Expansion. Comparison of thermal properties of various materials. Heat sinks.
This module is delivered through a series of lectures, laboratory activities as well as student self-directed learning including working on assessments.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 50 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 50 |