KL3013 - Introduction to Mechanics and Energy

What will I learn on this module?

You will learn about the principles of mechanics such as the concepts of rigid body, degrees of freedom, displacement, velocity, acceleration, linear momentum, standard constant acceleration equations, motion under gravity, vectors motion of a projectile, moments, couples, addition of forces, Newton’s Theory of Gravitation, angular momentum, equilibrium, free body diagrams and friction. You will explore the principles of energy transfer, including work and power (including electrical energy), conservation of energy; and thermal physics including ideal gases, specific heat capacity and latent heat capacity, conduction, convection and radiation. The module will provide an opportunity for enhancing your study skills: you will learn how to achieve effective learning, working in groups and managing time. You will also be engaging with the theoretical knowledge through experimental work by learning to record observations concisely, produce diagrammatic information and graphical data representation as part of this module.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn via a combination of lectures, laboratories, practical sessions, directed learning and independent learning. The lectures will follow an integrated approach to learning, with initial information dissemination, followed by a chance to practice the application of knowledge via tutorial questions, using a problem-based learning approach. Some learning material can be accessed ahead of classes; the reading list is available for further background reading. Lectures may also provide a formative approach to assessment, with problems to solve. Practical sessions are in smaller groups and can provide a rich feedback framework based on problem-based learning, where the learner can contextualise theory in practice in an appropriate laboratory/practical session. The students will be able to learn by carrying out practical and thought experiments, fostering teamwork in a development environment, and enhancing their knowledge in the subject matter through peer engagement.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported by the module team through delivered lectures and practical sessions. Practical sessions, supported by lab tutors, effectively provide verbal feedback and comments throughout the session. Such comments may be either generic and applicable to all students, typically noting procedures or some technical guideline, or could be more directed to the individuals’ learning and understanding of the subject. A key to practical activities is in questioning the results and linking the work performed to the theoretical study in the module lectures. The most appropriate use of the eLearning Portal (online platform) is made in the module where the module taught content is available along with links to the reading list support, tutorial questions and appropriate web sites showing relation of the theory to the industrial context of the module. You will be additionally supported in this module in the form of individual contact -- students may visit the office of lecturers/Lab tutors to ask questions related to the module outside the scheduled contact time.

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:

MLO1 Demonstrate the application of mechanics, energy and energy transfers in a real world context.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

MLO2 Be able to analyse a given technical problem and resolve it by utilising appropriate basic technical principles.
MLO3 Use appropriate experimental techniques to record results and report with appropriate style and format;

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
MLO4 Able to act as a team member to use problem solving skills to analyse a given problem and generate a solution.

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessments
You will be formatively assessed on all learning outcomes during the seminars, tutorials, and workshops by the module tutor 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 as follows:.

1. CW – Report on practical experiences (50%), 2000 words or equivalent maximum (MLOs 1, 3 and 4).
You will receive individual digital feedback with marks and comments for your submission. Your feedback will give generic consideration of your work, highlighting those areas that you completed successfully and those not so successfully. The intention will be to inform your future studies and to clarify points of learning that have not been fully assimilated.

2. CW – Assignment (50%) (MLOs 1, 2, 3 and 4) involving the creation as a group activity of an interactive revision resource (in the form of webpage, PowerPoint, animation, video, etc.) for one of the topics taught in the module, with anonymous peer-review of each individual's contribution in the group as part of the marking.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module aims to provide the foundations of the principles of mechanics and energy. Topics included are displacement, velocity, acceleration, linear momentum, standard constant acceleration equations, motion under gravity, vectors motion of a projectile, Newton’s Theory of Gravitation, angular momentum, the concept of equilibrium, free body diagrams, work, energy and power, and thermal physics. Experiences and skills relating to problem-solving will also be gained through practical exercises. The fundamentals are introduced at a basic level, developed through analytical techniques and applied as an introduction to mechanical systems.

Course info

UCAS Code F233

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Full Time followed by a further 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Mathematics, Physics and Electrical 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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