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School of Engineering and Informatics (for staff and students)

Mechanics & Properties of Matter Lab (H7117)

Mechanics and Properties of Matter Laboratory

Module H7117

Module details for 2024/25.

15 credits

FHEQ Level 3 (sub-degree)

Module Outline

The Mechanics and Properties of Matter Laboratory module offers a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of experimental physical science, focusing on simple mechanics and properties of matter experiments. Throughout the module, students will prepare, conduct, and interpret experiments while developing essential skills related to accurate measurements, record-keeping, and data analysis. Additionally, this module will foster the development of effective communication skills, enabling students to convey laboratory findings and concepts clearly.
Students will be encouraged to become independent learners and self-reliant scholars capable of the deep learning and higher-order thinking expected in Higher Education. The module is designed to foster intra- and inter-module synchronicity, supporting students with various learning styles through Kolb learning cycles and integrating effectively with the other modules of the Foundation Year course.

Topics:
Laboratory investigation topics
• Simple pendulum and SHM
• Constrained compound pendulum
• Spring and Hooke’s law
• Spring and SHM
• Moment of inertia of cylinders

Lecture and workshop topics:
• Error analysis
• Using Excel for calculations and graphs.
• Using MS Word to create lab reports.
• Using LaTeX to create graphs and lab reports.
• Writing and assessing lab reports.

Module learning outcomes

Make accurate measurements, keep records of observations, and analyse and interpret data in the context of mechanics and properties of matter experiments

Apply appropriate materials, equipment, and engineering technologies to solve problems in mechanics and properties of matter

Communicate effectively on laboratory findings and concepts in mechanics and properties es

Demonstrate an understanding of risk management in the context of laboratory experiments

TypeTimingWeighting
Coursework100.00%
Coursework components. Weighted as shown below.
Group PresentationT1 Week 11 (15 hours)5.00%
ReportT1 Week 5 9.00%
ReportT1 Week 6 18.00%
ReportT1 Week 7 18.00%
ReportT1 Week 8 25.00%
ReportA1 Week 1 25.00%
Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

TermMethodDurationWeek pattern
Autumn SemesterLaboratory2 hours01000000000
Autumn SemesterPre Lab1 hour10000000000
Autumn SemesterLecture2 hours11000000000
Autumn SemesterPractical3 hours01111111111
Autumn SemesterLecture1 hour11000000000

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Dr Jon Powell

Assess convenor
/profiles/578263

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The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.

School of Engineering and Informatics (for staff and students)

School Office:
School of Engineering and Informatics, ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ, Chichester 1 Room 002, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QJ
ei@sussex.ac.uk
T 01273 (67) 8195

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