Module Catalogue 2024/25

MAS1902 : Dynamics

MAS1902 : Dynamics

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Gerasimos Rigopoulos
  • Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To introduce the mathematical methods required for the modelling and description of physical dynamic systems.

Module outline
In mathematics and physics, dynamics is the study of movement and change over time, in ways that can be described by mathematical equations or systems of equations. The aim is to explain and predict past and future patterns using basic principles of mathematics. Objects of interest might be tiny particles or huge stars, there might be a single object or very many.
Working from a mathematical point of view, we will formulate problems in terms of functions which can be differentiated or integrated, so essentially working with ordinary differential equations (ODEs). In modern mathematical usage, ‘dynamics’ describes the analysis of such ODEs. This will involve methods you’ve met (or are meeting) in other modules. We’ll focus on problems of idealised 'point particles' (simple bodies) and describe their motion when they are thrown or shot (ballistic), oscillating or orbiting something (circular and elliptical orbits).

Outline Of Syllabus

Particle dynamics: differentiation and integration of a vector-valued function; position, velocity and acceleration vectors in Cartesian and polar coordinates.
Newton's laws of motion and energetics: forces and linear momentum; angular momentum; kinetic and potential energies; motion under gravity; variable mass problems.
Spring oscillator and pendulum motion: small amplitude, simple harmonic motion; damped and forced oscillations; large amplitude motion and nonlinear oscillations.
Orbital motion: Newton's law of gravity; equations of orbital motion; Kepler's laws.
Multiple particles: two body system including reduced mass; introduction to N-body case; centre of mass.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Students will know how to describe systems of moving objects through mathematical equations. They will be able to solve these equations to find expressions for characteristics such as future positions and velocity. They will be familiar with laws of motion and the effect on measured characteristics of the relative velocity between object and observer.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Students will be able to integrate and differentiate vector valued functions. They will have enhanced algebraic and mathematical manipulation skills. They will be able to solve problems requiring the mathematical interpretation of physical behaviour.

Students will develop skills across the cognitive domain (Bloom’s taxonomy, 2001 revised edition): remember, understand, analyse, evaluate and create.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion531:0053:00Preparation time for lectures, background reading, coursework review.
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion151:0015:00Completion of in course assessments
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture101:0010:00Problem Classes
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture12:002:00Revision Double Lecture
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture102:0020:00Formal Double Lectures
Total100:00
Jointly Taught With
Code Title
PHY1020Dynamics
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The teaching methods are appropriate to allow students to develop a wide range of skills, from understanding basic concepts and facts to higher-order thinking. Lectures are used for the delivery of theory and explanation of methods, illustrated with examples, and for giving general feedback on marked work. Problem classes are used to help develop the students’ abilities at applying the theory to solving problems.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination1202A80N/A
Exam Pairings
Module Code Module Title Semester Comment
Dynamics2N/A
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Prob solv exercises2M5Problem-solving exercises assessment
Prob solv exercises2M5Problem-solving exercises assessment
Prob solv exercises2M5Problem-solving exercises assessment
Prob solv exercises2M5Problem-solving exercises assessment
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

A substantial formal unseen examination is appropriate for the assessment of the material in this module. The format of the examination will enable students to reliably demonstrate their own knowledge, understanding and application of learning outcomes. The assurance of academic integrity forms a necessary part of the programme accreditation.

Examination problems may require a synthesis of concepts and strategies from different sections, while they may have more than one ways for solution. The examination time allows the students to test different strategies, work out examples and gather evidence for deciding on an effective strategy, while carefully articulating their ideas and explicitly citing the theory they are using.

The coursework assignments allow the students to develop their problem solving techniques, to practise the methods learnt in the module, to assess their progress and to receive feedback; these assessments have a secondary formative purpose as well as their primary summative purpose.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

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Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.