Master Classes

A Level Mechanics for Engineering & Applied Sciences Workshop Series

Are you studying Engineering, Product Design, Computing, Physics or another STEM subject? Have you completed A Level Mathematics in the past and need a refresher, or perhaps you have never studied A Level Mathematics but would like to develop your understanding of mechanics and its engineering applications?

This four-week workshop series provides an introduction to the key topics found in A Level Mechanics. The sessions focus on real-world applications used in Engineering, Design, Manufacturing and Physics, helping students develop the mathematical modelling and problem-solving skills required in many technical disciplines.

Understanding mechanics can help explain how cars accelerate, how bridges remain stable, how forces act on structures, and how engineers design safe and efficient systems.

Workshop Dates

Session 1: 8 October 2026
Session 2: 15 October 2026
Session 3: 22 October 2026
Session 4: 29 October 2026

Time: 1 hour per session from 10a.m. to 11a.m.

Format: Live via Microsoft Teams

What Will Be Covered?

We will solve questions from exam paper - contents in each workshop could change.

Session 1 – Forces & Free Body Diagrams

• Forces and vectors
• Newton's Laws of Motion
• Weight, normal reactions and tension
• Free body diagrams
• Resolving forces horizontally and vertically
• Engineering applications involving structures and mechanical systems

Session 2 – Kinematics: Motion in a Straight Line

• Displacement, velocity and acceleration
• SUVAT equations
• Distance-time and velocity-time graphs
• Modelling vehicle motion
• Braking and stopping distance calculations
• Applications in transport and mechanical engineering

Session 3 – Connected Particles & Equilibrium

• Tension in strings and cables
• Pulley systems
• Static equilibrium
• Balancing forces
• Engineering structures and support systems
• Applications to cranes, lifts and suspension systems

Session 4 – Moments, Projectiles & Engineering Applications

• Moments and turning effects
• Centre of mass
• Equilibrium of rigid bodies
• Projectile motion
• Mechanical modelling
• Real-world engineering design problems

Why Attend?

• Refresh mathematical and physical concepts that may not have been studied for several years.
• Develop a stronger understanding of forces and motion.
• Learn topics that are frequently used in Engineering and Design degrees.
• Improve problem-solving and mathematical modelling skills.
• Gain confidence with mechanics concepts often encountered in university modules.
• Work through A Level-style questions with step-by-step guidance and explanations.
• See how mathematics is applied to real engineering and design problems.

Who Should Attend?

• Engineering students.
• Product Design and Design Engineering students.
• Computing and Data Science students interested in mathematical modelling.
• Physics and STEM students.
• Students preparing for mechanics-based university modules.
• Students who have previously studied A Level Mathematics and want a refresher.
• Students who have not studied A Level Mathematics but would like an accessible introduction to mechanics.

These workshops are particularly valuable for Engineering and Design students, where understanding forces, motion, equilibrium and mechanical systems forms the foundation of many degree-level topics.

Participants may attend individual sessions or complete the full workshop series.

Reserve Your Place

Places are limited and registration is required.

For enquiries, contact maths@bournemouth.ac.uk

Serkan Karakus
Senior Maths Tutor
Bournemouth University

Registration is required. Limited spaces available.

To claim this activity towards your Employability Skills+ Award, please sign up to the programme using the Employability Skills Award Registration Form.