The module introduces you to the fundamentals of structural analysis (statics and dynamics) and the mechanical behaviour of a broad range of engineering materials. The mechanics part provides an understanding of the behaviour of particles and rigid bodies whilst stationary and in motion. Bodies such as trusses in equilibrium are studied and the external and internal parameters such as force, moment, stress, strain, etc. are defined and calculated. The analysis of structural components will be developed with theoretical and numerical skills that are necessary in the design of real world structures. This section also introduces the dynamics of particles and rigid bodies with their engineering applications. Material test methods will be used to determine the deformations and failures of the various engineering materials. A selection of materials for engineering applications, such as metals, ceramics, polymers and composites, will be studied including their carbon footprint and their impact on the environment. The module is primarily delivered through lectures supported by tutorial sessions and laboratories.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
The learning outcomes will be achieved through a combination of: interactive lectures, tutorials, laboratory exercises and independent study. 300 hours of learning time is allocated to this module of which 100 hours are formal contact time. In the interactive lectures, active learning techniques such as flipped classroom and peer interaction are embedded within the lectures. Tutorials will be problem based with significant interaction between students and with the tutor. Students will do practical work in the materials and structures laboratories. Teaching notes, guided reading, problem solving case studies and other supplementary materials will be made available on the university's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). These will be used to support the student's independent learning.
Core concepts of structures and engineering materials are discussed in research-led lectures by the module team who will direct students to further reading and additional educational on-line resources available on university's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to support their learning and effective independent learning skills. The lectures will be supported by in-class discussions, case studies and current issues to develop valuable employability skills such as communication skills, teamwork, confidence building and the application of knowledge that will enhance their employability.
Tutorial sessions are run in groups with a more interactive and informal style of delivery. These sessions allow students to tackle problems and ask questions, and receive individual help from academic staff.
Laboratory sessions on structures and engineering materials enable students to develop practical and "hands on" skills when dealing with various engineering materials and structures. These laboratory sessions will also be used to support the theoretical concepts covered in lectures and to develop interpersonal skills by working in groups. Students will develop skills in experimentation, handling instruments, reading instructions, taking measurements, interpreting and recording experimental data, presenting results in written form and problem solving. They also provide an opportunity for students to appreciate health and safety guidelines when working in a laboratory environment. Embedded in these laboratory sessions will be the opportunity for students to gain experience of data handling, analysis and communication skills. Follow-up sessions will allow discussion of the results obtained. Knowledge and appreciation of key experimental techniques not covered in practical sessions will be provided by directing students to online British Standards.
In addition to the academic content of the module, emphasis will be placed on students developing generic skills that will enhance their employability, including communication skills in formal settings, time management, development of effective working strategies to meet deadlines and effective teamwork.
A substantial portion of the learning hours assigned to this module are guided independent study. A rough breakdown of how this will be spent is given in the table below.
Student will be issued with a structured set of problems with answers that will be reviewed in the tutorials. This will build student confidence with the analytical techniques presented in the module. They will also receive guidance on when each problem set should be completed to help them judge their progress. The personal tutor will discuss their progress in the individual tutorial sessions. This will help students develop their critical self-awareness and also allow tutors to rapidly identify if students require additional support.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Interactive lectures Tutorials Laboratories | 60 28 12 |
| Guided independent study | Review of lecture material Preparation for tutorials Lab preparation Lab report write up Prep for MCQ tests Prep for quizzes Prep for final exam Additional supported learning | 88 15 10 20 12 5 15 35 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
The module assessment is based on both summative and formative assessments for identifying students' strengths and weaknesses and providing an opportunity for them to develop their skills. The detailed assessment strategy is listed below.
The summative assessments includes a portfolio of in-class assessments (30%) comprised of 3 MCQ tests each worth 10%; a portfolio of 2 group lab reports submitted following practical experiments (10% each= 20%); and a CLOSED BOOK 2.5-hrs duration end-of-module examination (50%). The end of module written examination is made up of questions involving problem-solving and interpretation. Students will be provided with a standard formulae sheet to support them in the examination.
In order to help students on this module achieve their full potential, formative assessments will be provided as appropriate throughout the module in order to provide students with on-going feedback on their learning and understanding, supporting their learning journey and enhancing their performance. Formative assessment and feedback/feedforward will be carried out in a variety of ways including using Clickers for providing real time feedback, tutorials, in-class group exercises and laboratory sessions.
Feedback on laboratory reports represents an additional opportunity for formative learning and will be given in writing and also verbally during the experiments. Verbal feedback will also be provided during scheduled teaching for both formative and summative assessments.
The use of both formative and summative assessments and feedback/feedforward throughout the module will allow students to develop a broad range of key academic and professional skills for determination of forces in components, stress and strain analysis of structures, understanding and analysis of the mechanics of materials, velocity and acceleration for applications in design. In this way the learning outcomes of the module are met, and key transferable skills developed and enhanced.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) Analyse structures under static loading including stability analysis | Formatively by tutorial and practical laboratory exercise. Summatively by laboratory reports, in-class MCQ test & examination |
| 2) Analyse structures under dynamic loading conditions | Formatively by tutorial exercises. Summatively by laboratory reports, in-class MCQ test & examination |
| 3) Explain the basic mechanics of materials | Formatively by tutorial exercises. Summatively by laboratory reports, examination. |
| 4) Analyse the stress and strain in simple structures | Formatively by tutorial exercises and one lab report. Summatively by laboratory reports, examination. |
| 5) Present an engineering analysis in a structured and coherent way | Formatively by tutorial exercises Summatively by final examination. |
| 6) Conduct an experimental investigation and report on the results | Summatively by lab reports (The first lab report will also be formative) |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Final exam | Written exam | 50% |
| Portfolio of 3 in-class MCQ assessments worth 10% each | Written exam | 30% |
| Portfolio of 2 lab reports worth 10% each | Coursework | 20% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Ferdinand P. Beer, E. Russell Johnston Jr., and David Mazurek, (2012) Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics, 10th edition, McGraw Hill, ISBN-10: 0077402286
William D. Callister (2015) Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction. 9th Edition, Wiley, ISBN-10: 1119218896.
Russell C. Hibbeler (2016) Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics SI Units, 14th edition, Pearson, ISBN-10: 1292088729
Hulse, R. & Cain, J. A. (2009) Structural Mechanics. 2nd Edition, Palgrave Macmillan, ISBN-10: 0333804570
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Bedford, A. (2007) Engineering Mechanics: Statics, 5th ed. in SI units, Pearson
Bedford, A. (2007) Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics, 5th ed. in SI units, Prentice Hall
Russell C. Hibbeler (2016) Engineering Mechanics: Statics SI Units, 14th edition, Pearson, ISBN-10: 1292089237
Meriam JL and Kraige LG (2011) Statics - Engineering Mechanics, 7th edition, Wiley
Meriam JL and Kraige LG (2012) Dynamics -Engineering Mechanics, 7th edition, Wiley
Yeomans, D. (2009) How Structures Work: Design and Behaviour from Bridges to Buildings. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell