BENG403 

Module Name Engineering Physics & Materials 
 Module Code BENG403  
 Level Four 
 Credits 15 
Module Status Core

  

  

Module Description 

This module introduces fundamental principles of physics and materials science that underpin all engineering disciplines. Students will explore core topics including mechanics, Newtonian motion, energy, and momentum, alongside essential material properties such as mechanical, thermal, electrical, and optical characteristics. The module also introduces modern physics concepts, including relativity, quantum mechanics, and nuclear applications in engineering. Emphasis is placed on applying theoretical principles to practical engineering problems and on developing analytical problem-solving skills. Through real-world applications and engineering-focused examples, students will gain the ability to select appropriate materials and apply physical principles to support design, operation, and performance in engineering systems. 

Module Aims 

  • To develop students’ understanding of fundamental physical principles and their relevance to engineering systems and technologies. 
  • To equip students with the skills to apply mechanics, energy, and motion concepts to real-world engineering problems. 
  • To foster an understanding of material properties and selection criteria for engineering applications. 
  • To introduce core concepts in modern physics, including relativity and quantum mechanics, and their practical implications in engineering. 
  • To support the development of analytical and problem-solving skills essential for interpreting and solving complex technical problems. 
  • To prepare students to integrate knowledge of physics and materials into engineering design and evaluation processes.

Learning Outcomes 

On successful completion of this Module, students are expected to be able to: 

  1. Solve and analyse motion, force, energy and momentum related problems. 
    Bloom’s Level 4 
  1. Select appropriate materials for engineering applications based on their properties   Bloom’s Level 4  
  1. Explain the principles of relativity and quantum mechanics and apply them to solve related problems 
    Bloom’s Level 5 
  1. Solve problems related to nuclear physics and radiation in engineering contexts. 
    Bloom’s Level 3 

  

Student Assessment 

Assessment Type When assessed Weighting (% of total module marks) Learning Outcomes Assessed 
Assessment 1 
Test 
Duration: 90 mins 		After Week 7 40% 1, 2 
Assessment 2 
Test 
Duration: 3 hours 		Final Week 60% 3, 4 

Assessment Overview  

Test: Administered online, may or may not be invigilated, conducted outside the end-of-semester assessment period. 

  Student Homework 

Progressive Multi-Choice Quiz in Weeks 2 to 11.  

Prescribed and Recommended Readings 

Recommended Textbook(s)

Rex, R. Wolfson, Essential College Physics, Volume I, 2020, ISBN:9781516548330. 

Rex, R. Wolfson, Essential College Physics, Volume II, 2020, ISBN: 9781516548354. 

Recommended Readings and References

J. Bird, C. Ross, Mechanical Engineering Principles, 4th ed, 2019 – ISBN-13: 978-0367253240 

Raymond A. Serway, 2018, Physics For Scientist And Engineers With Modern Physics (10th Edition), Brooks/Cole, ISBN-13: 9781337553292. 

Randall D. Knight, 2016, Physics For Scientists And Engineers A Strategic Approach With Modern Physics (Forth Edition), ISBN-13: 9781292157429 

William D. Callister and David G. Rethwisch, 2020, Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction, 1st Australia and New Zealand Edition, ISBN: 9780730382836 

http://iopscience.iop.org/ 

Indicative Content 

  • Motion, covering distance, time, mass, fundamental constants, linear and angular motion, scalars and vectors, 2D velocity and acceleration, projectile motion, and motion on flat and inclined planes. 
  • Forces, introducing force, mass, Newton’s three laws, reaction forces, torque, buoyancy, and pressure. 
  • Friction and rigid body dynamics, exploring sliding and wedge friction, rolling resistance, translation and rotation of rigid bodies, plane motion, drag, and centripetal force. 
  • Work and energy, examining work, power, efficiency, conservative forces, conservation laws, linear impulse and momentum, impact, and angular momentum. 
  • Mechanical properties of materials, covering stress, strain, stress–strain relationships, Young’s modulus, ductility, resilience, toughness, hardness, flexibility, and compressibility. 
  • Thermal properties of materials, including thermodynamics fundamentals, heat capacity, thermal expansion, thermal conductivity, insulation, phase change points, gas laws, and vapor pressure. 
  • Optical properties of materials, reviewing light–matter interactions, atomic and electronic effects, optical behaviour of metals and non-metals, semiconductor absorption, optical applications, and fibre optics. 
  • Electrical and magnetic properties of materials, explaining conduction, electron mobility, resistivity, intrinsic/extrinsic semiconductors, magnetic dipoles and moments, and types of magnetism. 
  • Material selection and applications, discussing composites, metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics, factors influencing selection, selection procedures, property charts, and Ashby methodology. 
  • Modern physics – relativity, introducing Galilean and Einstein relativity, special relativity and consequences, Lorentz transformations, relativistic energy, and general relativity. 
  • Modern physics – quantum mechanics, covering quantum principles, Planck’s hypothesis, uncertainty principle, wave functions, tunnelling, and the simple harmonic oscillator. 
  • Modern physics – nuclear physics, exploring nuclei, radioactivity, fission and reactors, fusion, radiation damage, and practical applications. 

  

Software/Hardware Used 

Software 

  • Software: N/A 
  • Version: N/A 
  • Instructions: N/A 
  • Additional resources or files: N/A 

Hardware 

  • N/A