| Unit name | Principles of Physical Modelling |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EMAT20013 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Thomson |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
EMAT10100 Engineering Mathematics 1 CADE10003 Engineering Science A CADE10004 Engineering Science B |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
Why is this unit important?
The aim of this course is to provide a general and robust toolbox for modelling and analysing the behaviour of physical systems. Starting with an overview of the landscape of physical modelling, we will explore how to construct mathematical models relevant to a diverse range of problems based on fundamental concepts from mechanics, conservation laws and transport equations. We will build and work with hands-on, table-top experiments to examine efficacy of the theoretical models introduced in predicting the behaviour of real-world systems. By the end of the course, students will acquire a solid background in physical modelling that will prepare them to deal with challenging engineering problems in their future careers.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
This unit builds on the foundations of Engineering Science, going deeper into the mathematics of constructing models for physical systems. Alongside the theoretical aspects of the course, we will introduce experiments to explore the iterative approach to real-world problem solving, specifically between data acquisition and model building, analysis and refinement. The skills learned in this unit will be further developed in physical modelling units in the third year.
An overview of content
Topics covered in this unit will include:
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Throughout this unit, we will develop skills in the modelling and analysis of physical systems. As a result, students will be better equipped to solve unseen, physically motivated problems in Mathematical and Data Modelling 2 & 3 as well as Final Year Projects. Moreover, the practical elements of the course emphasize the iterative nature of real-life physical modelling between experiment, data acquisition and theoretical modelling.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course, a successful student will be able to:
Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, including pre-recorded video lectures, in-person lectures, and formative self-directed exercises. The unit will be supported by a workshop that will give students the opportunity to ask bespoke questions on problem-solving exercises and practical activities. Students will be expected to actively participate in the lectures, workshops and to engage with videos, reading, self-directed exercises and problem-solving activities.
Summary
70% written exam in TB-1 assessment period, 3 hours duration, assessing ILOs 1, 2, 4, and 5.
10% Video presentation and 20% Individual Written Report assessing ILO 3.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Weekly worksheets and take-home experimental kits.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Exam (70%) in the TB1 assessment period assessing Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 4, and 5.
Group written report and accompanying 10-minute group video presentation (30%) assessing Learning Outcome 3.
When assessment does not go to plan:
In the case of required reassessment for the group-project component, the resitting student will be required to further develop their groups original submission by expanding or critiquing areas for potential development and improvement. The resubmission component would be an individual report.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EMAT20013).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
