KB4024 - Introduction to Mechanics & Structures

What will I learn on this module?

You will learn about the basic fundamentals of mechanics and structures, which are essential for your developing a career in civil/construction engineering.

You will learn about a range of relevant topics including the consideration of forces and solving problems related to forces within systems. You will learn about principles of stress and strain and consider related factors when solving problems of this nature. You will learn about some of the techniques used to consider the impact of loads on various beans and sections. There will also be an opportunity to learn about associated theories linking to energy methods of structural analysis.

How will I learn on this module?

The module will include a range of learning materials such as presentations, notes, seminar questions for you to answer, and other resources such as video links, spreadsheets, and specific software-related files. All these resources will be arranged in a convenient learning journey, giving you a clear expectation of the material to be studied and tasks to be completed on a week-by-week basis. You will be expected to complete the appropriate tasks in your weekly journey before attending timetabled sessions. You will take part in lectures to develop your knowledge and understanding of the module material and in seminars, where you will learn to apply the concepts learned to engineering problems, and you will participate in practical sessions, such as laboratory classes and workshops, to further cement your learning of theoretical principles and to research relevant physical phenomena. There may be occasions within the semester where normal teaching will be suspended to allow your learning to be supplemented by a range of activities such as design workshops, guest presentations, professional body events, site visits and field work.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Support will include feedback from tutors during seminars, lectures, and practical sessions. In addition, tutors will use the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to provide electronic versions of module material. The University’s VLE offers remote access to materials and aids for reinforcing your learning. All of these support mechanisms and learning and teaching approaches will help to you to prepare for the assessments and prepare you for further learning in the programme.

The module and the wider programme teams will provide a supportive approach, enabling you to quickly and easily access and speak to any member of the programme team, as required.The University Library and other student services also offer a variety of academic skills training both online and face to face, which you can access as needed.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will be expected to apply Newton's laws and other concepts relating to statics. Understand the underlying principles of equilibrium.
2. You will be expected to apply mathematical principles to analyse systems of forces and moments and evaluate internal forces.


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. You will be expected to manage the stress analysis process by performing appropriate calculations and evaluating the outcomes.


Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. You will be expected to present these concepts in an applied problem solving framework.

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessments
You will be formatively assessed during the seminars and workshops by the tutor who is leading the session. Discussion with the module tutor and reflection on your performance will allow you to continuously monitor your ability to feed this forward for your improvement.

Summative Assessment
You will be summatively assessed by a coursework task. The coursework assignment will allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the principles of structural mechanics. This will be of 4000 words equivalent length, will cover all MLOs, and will be worth 100% of the module marks.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

Mechanics is a branch of the physical sciences concerned with the state of rest or motion of bodies that are subjected to the action of forces. The study of mechanics involves many more subject areas. However, initial study is usually split into two areas; statics and dynamics.
Statics is concerned with bodies that are either at rest or move with a constant speed in a fixed direction and is of great importance for a Civil Engineer. Dynamics deals with the accelerated motion of bodies. This module provides a basic grounding in mechanics including Newton's Laws, stress analysis and analysis of the equilibrium of bodies. Assessment is through a coursework task. Supportive individual feedback will be provided for each assessment which will identify areas of merit and offer guidance for future improvement.

Course info

UCAS Code H201

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 4 years Full Time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Mechanical and Construction Engineering

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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