This module is designed to provide the background knowledge necessary to understand the operation of aircraft equipment and systems. The student will gain an overview of the SI system of units, the structure of matter and the properties of solids, liquids and gases. The basic principles of statics, kinetics and dynamics are explained, and calculations performed using appropriate formulae. Other subjects include the effects of simple vibration theory and basic gyroscopic principles. Basic thermodynamic principles are explained and simple related calculations performed. The basic principles of the sound and electromagnetic wave propagation are reviewed, and the propagation of light is investigated with a view to its use in fibre optic communications.