Course syllabus - Natural Science, Statics

Objectives

The objective of the course is to familiarize students with the basic laws of classical mechanics and enable them to apply methods for the solution of concrete problems primarily within statics, as well as to help them acquire a basic theoretical and practical understanding of how certain physical laws and connections are exploited in technical contexts.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:

- calculate the resultants and effective components in different force geometries,
- calculate the centre of gravity of simple rigid bodies,
- use spreadsheet application software with the help of a calculation model to solve different problems and present the results in the form of tables, diagrams etc,
- understand and apply an engineering model for friction forces between rigid bodies,
- formulate the conditions for equilibrium in simple rigid bodies,
- calculate forces and moment of forces for the equilibrium of simple rigid bodies,
- define some basic concepts in the mechanics of materials.

Course content

- statics, with a focus on force geometry, centre of gravity, equilibrium, and friction
- the simple machines, such as the lever, the inclined plane, the pulley etc; an introduction to Newton's laws of motion; some basic concepts in the mechanics of materials,
- some simple, practical experiments in statics and the basic mechanics of materials,
- spreadsheet application programs.

Tuition

Lectures and classroom exercises; short introductions in the computer rooms followed by individual computer exercises under supervision.

Requirements

Mathematics D or Mathematics 4.

Examination

Exercise (INL1), 1.5 credits, marks Pass (G)
Exercise (INL2), 1.5 credits, marks Pass (G)
Examination (TEN1), 4.5 credits, marks 3, 4 or 5

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Pass with distinction, Pass with credit, Pass, Fail