Module: Mechanics

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Mechanics
Module Code	MTH1055 (ITS: MS339)
Faculty	Mathematical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module is a mathematical introduction to classical mechanics. The student will learn about the principles of linear and angular momentum, work and energy. These will be used mathematically model physical problems. The application of the theory of central forces to satellite motion is emphasized.

Learning Outcomes

1. Compute kinematical quantities such as velocity, angular velocity and centre of mass.
2. State fundamental principles of linear momentum, angular momentum, and work/ energy
3. Derive equations of motion from balance of linear momentum for standard systems such as projectiles, linear oscillators, planetary orbits and pendula
4. Solve equations of motion of projectiles, pendula and oscillators
5. Explain mathematical modelling of satellite motion, using deduction of Kepler's three laws from Newton's laws of motion and gravitational, as prototype
6. Derive equations of motion rigid bodies, and solve simple problems

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	44	Lectures and Tutorials
Independent Study	143	Working on Exercises
Total Workload: 187

Section Breakdown
CRN	11220	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC3	Best Mark	Y
Module Co-ordinator	Abraham Harte	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Questions on Central Orbits, Newton's law of gravitation	7%	Week 11
Assignment	Questions on Rigid Body Mechanics	7%	Week 12
In Class Test	Class Test on Kinematics	6%	Week 5
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	80%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Kinematics
Velocity, acceleration, polar coordinates

Mechanics of single particle
forces; principle of linear momentum for free particle; examples involving projectiles, linear oscillators and pendula, simple pendulum; work, power, conservative forces and energy; examples

Central forces
Central forces; Kepler

s laws; application to motion of planets, comets and satellites

Mechanics of finite systems
Balances of linear and angular momentum for finite systems of particles; centre of mass, reactions, two-body problem

Rigid Body Mechanics
Moving frames of reference, angular velocity, inertia tensor, planar applications, tops

Indicative Reading List

Books:

R. D. Gregory: 2006, Classical Mechanics, Cambridge University Press, 9780521534093
M. Lunn: 1991, A First Course in Mechanics, Oxford University Press, 978-0-19-853433-4
D. Acheson: 1997, From Calculus to Chaos, Oxford University Press, 978-0-19-850077-3
J. R. Taylor: 2005, Classical Mechanics, University Science Books, 978-1-891389-22-1

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None