Program Overview

Introduction to Mechanical Systems (COMP0203)

Key Information

The Introduction to Mechanical Systems module is part of the Faculty of Engineering Sciences, specifically taught by the Computer Science department. It carries a credit value of 15.

Faculty and Teaching Department

• Faculty: Faculty of Engineering Sciences
• Teaching department: Computer Science
• Credit value: 15

Restrictions

• Module delivery for UG (FHEQ Level 4) available on MEng Robotics and Artificial Intelligence.

Alternative Credit Options

There are no alternative credit options available for this module.

Description

Aims

The aims of this module are to:

• Provide students with enabling knowledge in fundamental concepts in mechanical design with the goal of applying this to complex problems in the field of robotics.
• Offer a solid understanding of mechanical systems to frame problems in robotics using appropriate mathematical models, solving them through the application of theoretical knowledge and using computational tools.
• Provide students with tools to carry out relevant critical analysis to assess and reflect on the performance of robotic systems produced.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module, a student will be able to:

1. Select and then apply mathematical techniques in the solution of mechanical problems in the domain of robotics.
2. Describe and apply fundamental concepts in mechanical design as applied to simple robots with embedded processors.
3. Design and model these components, assessing likely performance and adapting the design appropriately, then make and integrate the appropriate subsystems.
4. Design, decompose, plan, and implement the mechanical components of simple robotic systems.
5. Integrate these design components into a coherent whole, testing this to ensure operability.

Indicative Content

Robots are physical entities that move; to do so efficiently and effectively, it is necessary to design the robot's physical structure and integrate this with joints, gears, etc., coupled to actuators. This module covers both the basic mechanical concepts that underpin even complex mechanical systems, the fundamental mathematics that allows us to describe and reason about such systems, material properties, and computer-based analysis and simulation.

The following are indicative of the topics the module will typically cover:

• Fundamental mechanical systems: levers, wheels, springs, and pulleys.
• Kinematics of linear and angular motion.
• Forces.
• Energy.
• Momentum.
• Friction.
• Oscillation.
• Alternative perspectives: a brief introduction to Lagrangian mechanics.

Requisites

To be eligible to select this module as optional or elective, a student must be registered on a programme and year of study for which it is formally available.

Module Deliveries for 2026/27 Academic Year

Intended Teaching Term

• Term 1
• Undergraduate (FHEQ Level 4)

Teaching and Assessment

Mode of Study

• In person

Intended Teaching Location

• UCL East

Methods of Assessment

• 100% In-class activity (4 assessments)

Mark Scheme

• Numeric Marks

Other Information

Number of Students on Module in Previous Year

• 57

Module Leader

• Professor Igor Gaponov