Description

Introduction to the basic concepts on the general laws of Mechanics and Thermodynamics as well as to their application to the resolution of problems in engineering.

"English Friendly" subject. International students may request from the lecturers: a) materials and bibliographic references in English, b) tutoring sessions in English, c) tests and assessments in English.

Instructors

Fernández Doval, Ángel Manuel

Schiussi, Stefano

Contents

• Topic 1 – Physical quantities and units. The International System.
• Topic 2 – Vectorial tools for Mechanics.
• Topic 3 – Point Kinematics.
• Topic 4 – Point Kinetics.
• Topic 5 – Statics.
• Topic 6 – Oscillations.
• Topic 7 – Wave motion.
• Topic 8 – Zero principle of Thermodynamics. Temperature.
• Topic 9 – First principle of Thermodynamics.
• Topic 10 – Second principle of Thermodynamics.
• Lab 1 – Measurement instruments. Error and uncertainty. Estimation of uncertainties in direct measurements.
• Lab 2 – Measurement of the reaction time to a given stimulus. Measurement of the gravitational acceleration using a pendulum. Estimation of uncertainty in indirect measurements.
• Lab 3 – Verification of Hooke's Law. Linear fit.
• Lab 4 – Longitudinal and transversal standing waves. Measurements through linearization of non-linear relations and linear fitting. Graphical representation of measurement results.
• Lab 5 – Simple harmonic motion. Free oscillation of a spring. Measurements through linearization of non-linear relations and linear fitting. Graphical representation of measurement results.

Learning Outcomes

• B3 (CG3) – Knowledge of basic subjects and technologies that enables students to learn new methods and technologies, providing versatility to face and adapt to new situations.
• B5 (CG5) – Knowledge required to perform measurements, calculations, assessments, appraisals, technical evaluations, studies, reports, task scheduling and similar work in the different areas of telecommunications.
• B6 (CG6) – Ability to manage mandatory specifications, procedures and regulations.
• C3 (CE3/FB3) – Understanding and mastery of basic concepts related to the general laws of mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetic fields and waves, and electromagnetism, and their application to solving engineering problems.
• D3 (CT3) – Awareness of the need for lifelong learning and continuous quality improvement, showing a flexible, open and ethical attitude toward different opinions and situations, particularly regarding non-discrimination based on sex, race or religion, and respect for fundamental rights and accessibility.

Recommended Readings and Tools

Subjects recommended to be taken simultaneously

• Mathematics: Linear Algebra — V05G301V01102
• Mathematics: Calculus 1 — V05G301V01101

Other comments

• To adequately follow this subject, it is highly advisable to master the contents of high-school subjects in Mathematics and Physics.

Planned Activities

• Lecturing
  Prior personal work:

  • Preliminary reading of the proposed bibliography on the subject.

  During the lectures:

  • Presentation of theoretical concepts.
  • Application of theoretical concepts to simple cases and situations.
  • Experimental demonstrations.
  • Audiovisual presentations.

  Ulterior personal work:

  • Revision of theoretical concepts.
  • Solving questions and exercises from the bibliography.
  • Consultation of the bibliography.
  • Identification of weak points requiring tutorial assistance.

  Competencies developed: B3, C3, B5, B6.

• Problem solving
  Solving problems of moderate difficulty involving one or more theoretical concepts.

  During the lectures:

  • Presentation of solving strategies and techniques through example problems.

  Personal work:

  • Solving problems from the bibliography.
  • Identification of weak points requiring tutorial assistance.

  Competencies developed: B3, C3, B5, B6.

• Laboratory practical
  Prior personal work:

  • Preparation of the practical session by studying the corresponding guide and reviewing the theory.

  During the practical session:

  • Description of the experiment highlighting the theoretical concepts involved.
  • Training in the use of materials and instrumentation.
  • Execution of the experiment.
  • Preliminary processing of results.

  Ulterior personal work:

  • Processing and analysis of results.
  • Identification of weak points.
  • Consultation of the bibliography.

  Competencies developed: B3, C3, B5, B6, D3.

Assessment Methods and Criteria

Evaluation Activities

• Essay questions exam – Solving questions related to the theoretical concepts of the topics included in both the classroom and laboratory syllabi.
  Weight: 10%.
  Training and learning results: B3, B5, B6.
• Problem and/or exercise solving (Problem solving) – Solving simple exercises related to the theoretical concepts of the syllabus and solving problems involving one or more theoretical topics.
  Weight: 70%.
  Training and learning results: B3, B5, B6, C3.
• Report of practices, practicum and external practices – Execution of real and simulated measurements and processing of the obtained results.
  Weight: 20%.
  Training and learning results: B3, B5, B6, D3.

Other Comments on the Evaluation

(This is a translation; in case of discrepancy, the original Spanish version prevails.)

The common assessment and grading rules of the Universidade de Vigo are established in the regulation “Regulamento sobre a avaliación, a cualificación e a calidade da docencia e do proceso de aprendizaxe do estudantado” (RAUV).

Students must present an original official identity document (DNI, NIE, passport, university card or Spanish driving licence) when attending an assessment test.

If fraudulent behaviour is detected during an assessment activity (copying, plagiarism, impersonation, use of unauthorized materials, alteration or destruction of exam materials, etc.), the following measures will apply:

• The student will be identified and expelled from the test.
• The student will receive a final grade of 0 (fail) for the subject.
• A report will be submitted to the School management for disciplinary action.

1. Ordinary Assessment Opportunity

1.1 Intermediate Continuous Assessment Tests

The schedule for intermediate assessment tests will be published at the beginning of the semester. These tests cannot be repeated, and any missed test will receive a grade of 0 points.

Corrected exercises may be reviewed during the 14 days following the publication of the marks, upon request through a tutoring session with the lecturer.

Four intermediate tests will be conducted:

Continuous assessment exams (EC1 and EC2)
Written exams including questions, exercises and problems.
Each exam is graded between 0 and 2.5 points and lasts approximately 1 hour.

Evaluated laboratory practices (LC1 and LC2)
Experimental laboratory activities involving real measurements and result processing. Students perform the experiment and individually process the results during the last 30 minutes of the session.
Each activity is graded between 0 and 1 point.

1.2 Final Examination

Written exam with three optional parts:

E12F
Questions, exercises and problems related to the contents of EC1 and EC2.
Grade between 0 and 4 points.
If the student does not take this part, the grade will be the sum of EC1 and EC2.

E3F
Questions, exercises and problems.
Grade between 0 and 4 points.
If not taken, the grade will be 0 points.

LF
Laboratory problem involving real or simulated measurements and result processing.
Grade between 0 and 2 points.
If not taken, the grade will be the sum of LC1 and LC2.

The exam lasts 4 hours and takes place on the official date established in the School’s examination calendar.

1.3 Final Grading of the Ordinary Assessment

Students who do not take any of the three parts of the final examination will be considered “Not Presented”.

A combined mark is calculated:

CCF = E12F + E3F + LF

The final grade is:

FINAL_F = min(CCF, 10)

2. Extraordinary Assessment Opportunity

2.1 Resit Examination

Written exam with three optional parts:

E12R
Questions, exercises and problems related to the contents evaluated in E12F.
Grade between 0 and 4 points.
If not taken, the grade will be the E12F mark.

E3R
Questions, exercises and problems.
Grade between 0 and 4 points.
If not taken, the grade will be the E3F mark.

LR
Laboratory problem with real or simulated measurements and result processing.
Grade between 0 and 2 points.
If not taken, the grade will be the LF mark.

Duration: 4 hours, according to the official exam calendar.

2.2 Final Grading of the Extraordinary Assessment

Students who do not take any part of the resit exam will be considered “Not Presented”.

The combined grade is calculated:

CCR = E12R + E3R + LR

The final grade is:

FINAL_R = min(CCR, 10)

3. End-of-Program Call

3.1 End-of-Program Examination

Written exam including:

• Questions
• Exercises
• Problems
• Laboratory problems involving measurements and data processing

Grade between 0 and 10 points.
Duration: 3 hours, on the date established in the official exam schedule.

3.2 Final Grade

The final grade FINAL_E is the mark obtained in the end-of-program examination.

4. Calculations and Rounding

• All calculations are performed with a precision of at least 0.01 points.
• Final grades are rounded to the nearest 0.1 point. If the value lies exactly between two possible values, the higher value is assigned.
• The minimum passing grade is 5.0 points.