MA105-4-SP-CO:
Mechanics and Relativity
2024/25
Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (School of)
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 4
Current
Monday 13 January 2025
Friday 21 March 2025
15
26 September 2024
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
MA222, MA225
BSC G100 Mathematics,
BSC G102 Mathematics (Including Year Abroad),
BSC G103 Mathematics (Including Placement Year),
BSC G104 Mathematics (Including Foundation Year),
MMATG198 Mathematics,
BSC G1F3 Mathematics with Physics,
BSC G1F4 Mathematics with Physics (Including Placement Year),
BSC G1F5 Mathematics with Physics (Including Foundation Year),
BSC GCF3 Mathematics with Physics (Including Year Abroad),
MSCIG199 Mathematics and Data Science
This module introduces Newtonian Dynamics and develops the application of simple mathematical ideas to study it.
The aims of this module are:
- To enhance the skills and knowledge of specialist mathematicians in the second year, in the context of fundamental physical ideas, which have been central both to the development of mathematics over the last three hundred years, to the analysis of aspects of modern technology, and to the understanding of the Universe.
By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:
- Develop an understanding of the dynamical insights of Galileo.
- Develop a good working knowledge of Newton’s law of motion.
- Understand the equation of simple harmonic motion and write down its solution.
- Analyse the motion of a simple pendulum for small and large displacements.
- Understand the conservation of energy and momentum.
- Understand central forces.
- Understand special relativity.
Indicative Syllabus
- Newton's Laws of Motion.
- Newton's Law of Gravitation. Hooke's law. Friction.
- Newton's Second Law as a differential equation.
- Constant acceleration problems in one, two and three dimensions. Projectiles.
- Simple harmonic motion. Damped simple harmonic motion.
- Definitions of work and energy and their relation to Newton's Laws of Motion.
- Conservative forces; potential energy.
- Conservation of Energy.
- Circular orbits for a single particle in a central field of force.
- Centrifugal force.
An important part of this module is for students to learn how to use Matlab to assist their investigations, to develop skills in writing laboratory reports and in working with a partner.
Teaching in the School will be delivered using a range of face to face lectures, classes, and lab sessions as appropriate for each module. Modules may also include online only sessions where it is advantageous, for example for pedagogical reasons, to do so.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Coursework 1 |
10/02/2025 |
|
| Coursework |
Coursework 2 |
04/03/2025 |
|
| Exam |
Main exam: In-Person, Open Book (Restricted), 90 minutes during Summer (Main Period)
|
| Exam |
Reassessment Main exam: In-Person, Open Book (Restricted), 90 minutes during September (Reassessment Period)
|
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Tao Gao, email: t.gao@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Tao Gao & Dr T. Al-Karkhi
maths@essex.ac.uk
Yes
No
No
No external examiner information available for this module.
Available via Moodle
Of 33 hours, 33 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
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