Module Details

Module Code: ENGR C1607
Module Title: Engineering Science
Title: Engineering Science
Module Level:: 6
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Cathal Nolan
Module Author:: Kevin Hannigan
Domains:  
Module Description: To give the students an understanding of the scientific principles underlying engineering systems and components.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Distinguish basic electrical units such as charge, current, voltage, resistance, power and energy.
LO2 Discuss the basic concepts of force, motion, heat, sound, light, magnetism and electricity.
LO3 Perform algebraic manipulations and substitutions of physical formulae to solve problems using appropriate units.
LO4 Solve work, energy, power and friction problems involving simple physical laws.
LO5 Measure and record experimental data and make appropriate analyses using graphs and/or calculations.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Units
State the seven base S.I. Units. Calculate S.I. derived units and unit conversions.
Atomic Structure
Describe the simple model of the structure of the atom. Explain the different states of matter. Distinguish between electrical conductors, insulators and semiconductors.
Electrical and Electronic Concepts
Explain the nature and cause of static electricity. Relate charge and current. Define potential difference. Use Coulomb’s Law to calculate the force between two charges. Describe electric field patterns. Define electric field strength. Describe the concept of capacitance. Distinguish between pure and doped semiconductors. Describe the operation of the p-n junction. Compare energy storage devices such as batteries and supercapacitors.
Force and Motion
Define a force. Distinguish between linear and angular forces. Describe Newton’s laws of motion. Differentiate between mass, weight and pressure. Define momentum. Describe the principle of conservation of momentum. Resolve a force into orthogonal components. Define harmonic motion. Describe the link between torque and circular motion. Discuss the mechanical concepts used in robots. Describe friction and inertia.
Heat
Describe conduction, convection and radiation. Relate heat and temperature. Explain the operation of a thermocouple and resistance thermometer. Describe thermoelectric effects in materials.
Sound
Describe the different types of waves and their uses. Explain amplitude, wavelength, frequency, velocity, periodic time and phase. Describe the nature of sound waves. State the frequency range of audible sound. Describe the main properties of sound including absorption and reflection. Describe applications of ultrasonic waves.
Magnetic Concepts
Describe a magnetic field. Distinguish between a permanent magnet and electromagnet. Use Faraday’s Law to relate change of flux to induced voltage. Describe Lenz’s Law. Compare electric motor types and applications.
Light
Describe light reflection, refraction and absorption. Describe applications of opto-electronics such as phototransistors, LCD, fibre optic cables.
Energy & Power
Describe different forms of energy and energy transformation. Calculate kinetic and potential energy. Describe the principle of conservation of energy. Define power. Calculate the power consumption of various electronic devices.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment20.00%
Project20.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 20
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
A number of continuous assessments, for which a maximum mark of 20% will be awarded, will be evenly spaced throughout the semester to allow timely feedback to be provided.
Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 20
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Practical sessions will be held incorporating demonstrations and individual exercises for each student. The student will be expected to write a report for each demonstration / exercise. Some of these reports may be research–based only.
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Each student will sit a formal written examination at the end of the module for which a maximum of 60% will be awarded.
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Practicals Contact Interactive demonstrations and project work. Every Week 1.00 1
Independent Learning Non Contact Project work. Every Week 2.00 2
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • William Bolton. (2020), Engineering Science, Routledge, p.584, [ISBN: 9780367554453].
  • Keith Johnson. (2015), Advanced Physics for you, OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, [ISBN: 9781408527375].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
  • https://learnengineering.org/.
  • https://science.howstuffworks.com/.
Discussion Note: