Statics and Strength of Materials (SQA HN Unit DR1T 34)

This Unit has been designed to allow you to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in basic static and strength of materials concepts and theorems that underpin so much of more advanced studies in Mechanical Engineering. If you have studied these subjects before the early parts of this Unit it will provide you with an opportunity to revise the concepts and theorems you have learnt in previous courses.
The Unit will also provide you with an opportunity to study the ways in which a variety of methods such as nodal analysis, vector analysis and method of section can lead to the same results and that material properties are extremely important within design.
It is good to gain sound theoretical knowledge and understanding but it is also important that you are able to set your theoretical knowledge within a practical Mechanical context. Thus, it is likely during the Unit that you will be provided with the opportunity to relate theory to practice by doing practical experiments and computer simulations on mechanical problems.
By the end of the Unit you will be expected to solve static and strength of material problems using the concepts and theorems you have learned. You will also be expected to sketch vector, shear force and bending moment diagrams.

Credit points and level: 1 HN credit at SCQF level 7: (8 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 7).

This is a self study course which means you can study at home, workplace or wherever you choose at times that are convenient for you. You do not have any classes to attend.

The materials for this course are provided as web-pages for you to work through online. As you progress through the course materials you will find written explanations of each feature, followed by practical exercises.

You will be supported throughout the course by a specialist Distance Learning Tutor. Your tutor will contact you (via your College email account) within 7-10 working days of receiving your welcome letter and materials. As you progress they will continue to make regular contact to offer support and guidance, usually by e-mail but sometimes by phone, to ensure you are making good progress and to support your learning throughout. Please note that you must be able to study independently through the course materials.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

The formal assessment for this Unit will consist of a single assessment paper lasting one and half-hours. The assessment will be conducted under closed-book conditions in which you will not be allowed to take notes, textbooks etc. into the assessment. However, you will be allowed to use a scientific calculator. You will sit this assessment paper at the end of the Unit.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

It would be an advantage if candidates had a knowledge and understanding of mathematics and/or physics. This may be evidenced by a Higher in Mathematics and/or Physics or a National Certificate in Engineering.