Module title
Introduction to Physical Science
Module code
INT0012
Academic year(s)
2015/6
Credits
20
Basic module details
Module staff
Andrew Mackenzie Robertson - Convenor
Duration (weeks) - term 1
12
Duration (weeks) - term 2
0
Duration (weeks) - term 3
0
Number students taking module (anticipated)
20
Description - summary of the module content
Module description
This module is specifically tailored for international students who want to pursue degrees in all engineering disciplines. It is
designed to meet your specific needs, as an international student, both from the view of subject-specific English language and
study skills development and also from the delivery of academic subject teaching. The module includes laboratory work and
you will use the extensive equipment and facilities in the College of Engineering, Maths and Physical sciences for activities
which provide an introduction to undergraduate level practical investigation. Small class sizes allow you to have individual help
with tutorial problems or with any difficulties in understanding a topic.
You should have a good grasp of Physics and Mathematics to at, the very minimum, a good GCSE/IGCSE or equivalent
standard before undertaking this course.
Module aims - intentions of the module
Module aims
To introduce the fundamental concepts of physical science which provide a foundation for further study of materials, structures,
mechanics and electronics at a level necessary to commence an engineering degree programme.
To consolidate a common knowledge base and begin the development of a learning methodology appropriate to an
engineering degree programme.
Intended learning outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
1. demonstrate understanding of the fundamentals of physical science
2. apply basic concepts in the analysis of mechanical, electrical and thermal problems
3. carry out simple experiments in the laboratory and record and interpret results
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
4. demonstrate understanding of theoretical principles through application to problems
5. construct models and solve problems which represent situations in science and engineering
6. provide answers to problems with appropriate accuracy
7. demonstrate understanding of health and safety during practical work
ILO: Personal and key skills
8. collect and interpret appropriate data and information
9. communicate effectively in written or spoken form
Syllabus plan
Syllabus plan
Introduction – physical parameters; dimensions and units; scalar and vector quantities; measurements; energy
Statics – forces, moments and equilibrium
Dynamics – Newton’s laws; rectilinear and circular motion; simple harmonic motion
Structure of matter – bonding; solids, liquids and gases; crystalline and amorphous materials; introduction to the concepts of
the kinetic theory of gases
Mechanical properties of solids – response of solids to loads; stress and strain elastic and plastic deformation; Hooke’s law;
elastic moduli; introduction to mechanical testing
Thermal properties – Temperature and its measurement; changes of state; specific and latent heat; expansion; further
developments of kinetic theory; heat transfer
Electrical properties – conductors and insulators; charge, current as flow of electrons; potential, potential difference and
voltage; Kirchoff’s voltage and current laws; series and parallel connection of components
Electromagnetism – magnetic properties; magnets; electromagnetic fields; forces on conductors in electric fields; induction;
motors; generators
Learning and teaching
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning and Teaching
Activities
Guided independent study
Placement / study abroad
70
130
0
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
Category
Hours of study time
Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching
activities
60
Lectures (including solving tutorial
problems)
Scheduled Learning and Teaching
activities
10
Laboratory based activities supervised
by lecturer and technician
Guided independent study
20
Writing reports on laboratory sessions.
Preparation of course work presentation
and written assignment
Guided independent study
Preparation for lectures. Tutorial
problem solving. Reading and research
110
Assessment
Formative assessment
Size of the assessment (eg
length / duration)
Form of assessment
ILOs assessed
Feedback method
Introductory laboratory activity 2 hours
3,7,8
Verbal feedback on review
Tutorial examples
1,2,4,5,6,10
Written and verbal feedback
on review
In class
Summative assessment (% of credit)
Coursework
Written exams
Practical exams
40
60
0
Details of summative assessment
Form of assessment
% of credit
Size of the
assessment (eg
length / duration)
ILOs assessed
Feedback method
Laboratory reports /
practical exercises
20
2 hours each report /
exercise
1,2,3,5,6,7,10
Written feedback on
formal submission
Technical writing
10
1,000 words maximum
1,2,4,8,9
Written feedback on
formal submission
Presentation
10
In groups (5 minutes
per student)
1,5,8,10
Written feedback on
formal submission
Final exam
60
2 hours
1,2,4,5,6,10
Written feedback on
formal submission
Re-assessment
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
Original form of assessment Form of re-assessment
ILOs re-assessed
Timescale for reassessment
Final exam (referral)
Exam
1,2,4,5,6,10
Usually taken in next exam
period
Final exam (deferral)
Exam
1,2,4,5,6,10
Usually taken in next exam
period
Re-assessment notes
Referral will constitute a second formal examination – coursework will not be included in the re-assessment.
All summative coursework must be completed before entitlement to a referral.
The grade for the referred exam, and therefore the module grade, will be capped at 40%.
Deferred exams will not be capped and will include summative coursework marks in the final module grade.
Resubmission of coursework is impractical since coursework answers and feed back are given to students after marking.
Resources
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Johnson, K., Hewett, S., Holt, S. & Miller, J. (2000). Advanced Physics for You. Cheltenham: Nelson Thorne.
Module has an active ELE page?
Yes
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
Not applicable
Other details
Module ECTS
10
Module pre-requisites
None
Module co-requisites
None
NQF level (module)
N/A
Available as distance learning?
No
Origin date
04/11/2011
Last revision date
06/06/2013
Key words search
Physical Science