Course Outline
MEC305 Fluid Mechanics
Course Coordinator:Charith Rathnayaka Mudiyanselage (crathnayaka@usc.edu.au) School:School of Science, Technology and Engineering
2026Trimester 2
UniSC Sunshine CoastUniSC Moreton Bay |
Blended learning | Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online. |
Please go to unisc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.
What is this course about?
Description
Fluid mechanics studies the dynamics and statics of fluids through an engineering perspective. Proficient engineers require a good fundamental understanding of fluid mechanics and its applications. In this course, you will learn and apply fundamental concepts of fluid mechanics for a variety of engineering systems and processes.
How will this course be delivered?
| Activity | Hours | Beginning Week | Frequency |
| Blended learning | |||
| Learning materials – Asynchronous weekly learning material | 1hr | Week 1 | 12 times |
| Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On campus | 2hrs | Week 1 | 12 times |
| Laboratory 1 – On campus | 2hrs | Week 4 | 4 times |
Course Topics
Topics may include:
- Introduction and properties of fluids
- Fluid statics
- Bernoulli and energy equations for fluids
- Momentum analysis of fluid flow systems
- Internal fluid flow
- Navier-Stokes equations and differential analysis of fluid flow
- External fluid flow
- Dimensional analysis and similarity
- Turbomachinery
- Compressible flow
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
What level is this course?
300 Level (Graduate)
What is the unit value of this course?
12 units
How does this course contribute to my learning?
| Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... | Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... | Professional Standard Mapping * Competencies from multiple Professional Bodies (see below) * | |
| 1 | Identify the basic laws of fluid mechanics and their utility in engineering | Knowledgeable |
1, 1, 1.1.a, 1.1.a, 1.1, 1.1 |
| 2 | Demonstrate the principles of engineering analysis as applicable to fluid mechanics | Knowledgeable |
1, 1, 1.2.a, 1.2.a, 1.2, 1.2 |
| 3 | Analyse fluid mechanics problems relevant to industrial applications | Creative and critical thinker |
2, 2, 2.1.a, 2.1.a, 2.1, 2.1 |
| 4 | Apply developed fluid mechanics knowledge to solve realistic problems |
Creative and critical thinker Empowered |
2, 2, 2.1.a, 2.1.a, 2.1.c, 2.1.c, 2.2.b, 2.2.b, 2.1, 2.1, 2.2, 2.2 |
| 5 | Apply knowledge gained in fluid mechanics in controlled laboratory environment | Empowered |
2, 2, 2.2.h, 2.2.h, 2.2, 2.2 |
* Competencies by Professional Body
| CODE | COMPETENCY |
| Engineers Australia Stage 1 Engineering Technologist Competency Standards | |
| 1 | Elements of competency: Knowledge and Skill Base |
| 1.1.a | Knowledge and Skill Base - Systematic, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the technology domain: Engages with the technology domain at a phenomenological level, applying sciences and engineering fundamentals to systematic investigation, interpretation, analysis and innovative solution of broadly-defined problems and engineering technology practice. |
| 1.2.a | Knowledge and Skill Base - Conceptual understanding of the, mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the technology domain: Fluently applies relevant investigation, analysis, interpretation, assessment, characterisation, prediction, evaluation, modelling, decision making, measurement, evaluation, knowledge management and communication tools and techniques pertinent to the technology domain. |
| 1.1 | Knowledge and Skill Base: Systematic, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the technology domain. |
| 1.2 | Knowledge and Skill Base: Conceptual understanding of the, mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the technology domain. |
| 2 | Elements of competency: Engineering Application Ability |
| 2.1.a | Engineering Application Ability - Application of established engineering methods to broadly-defined problem solving within the technology domain: Identifies, discerns and characterises salient issues, determines and analyses causes and effects, justifies and applies appropriate simplifying assumptions, predicts performance and behaviour, synthesises solution strategies and develops substantiated conclusions. |
| 2.1.c | Engineering Application Ability - Application of established engineering methods to broadly-defined problem solving within the technology domain: Within specialist practice area(s), competently addresses broadly-defined engineering technology problems which involve uncertainty, ambiguity, imprecise information and wide-ranging and sometimes conflicting technical and non-technical factors. |
| 2.2.b | Engineering Application Ability - Application of engineering techniques, tools and resources within the technology domain: Understands the principles, limitations and accuracy of mathematical, physical or computational modelling. |
| 2.2.h | Engineering Application Ability - Application of engineering techniques, tools and resources within the technology domain: Safely applies laboratory, test and experimental procedures appropriate to the technology domain. |
| 2.1 | Engineering Application Ability: Application of established engineering methods to broadly-defined problem solving within the technology domain. |
| 2.2 | Engineering Application Ability: Application of engineering techniques, tools and resources within the technology domain. |
| Engineers Australia Stage 1 Professional Engineer Competency Standards | |
| 1 | Elements of competency: Knowledge and Skill Base |
| 1.1.a | Knowledge and Skill Base - Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline: Engages with the engineering discipline at a phenomenological level, applying sciences and engineering fundamentals to systematic investigation, interpretation, analysis and innovative solution of complex problems and broader aspects of engineering practice. |
| 1.2.a | Knowledge and Skill Base - Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline: Develops and fluently applies relevant investigation analysis, interpretation, assessment, characterisation, prediction, evaluation, modelling, decision making, measurement, evaluation, knowledge management and communication tools and techniques pertinent to the engineering discipline. |
| 1.1 | Knowledge and Skill Base: Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline. |
| 1.2 | Knowledge and Skill Base: Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline. |
| 2 | Elements of competency: Engineering Application Ability |
| 2.1.a | Engineering Application Ability - Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving: Identifies, discerns and characterises salient issues, determines and analyses causes and effects, justifies and applies appropriate simplifying assumptions, predicts performance and behaviour, synthesises solution strategies and develops substantiated conclusions. |
| 2.1.c | Engineering Application Ability - Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving: Competently addresses complex engineering problems which involve uncertainty, ambiguity, imprecise information and wide-ranging and sometimes conflicting technical and non-technical factors. |
| 2.2.b | Engineering Application Ability - Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources: Constructs or selects and applies from a qualitative description of a phenomenon, process, system, component or device a mathematical, physical or computational model based on fundamental scientific principles and justifiable simplifying assumptions. |
| 2.2.h | Engineering Application Ability - Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources: Safely applies laboratory, test and experimental procedures appropriate to the engineering discipline. |
| 2.1 | Engineering Application Ability: Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving. |
| 2.2 | Engineering Application Ability: Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources. |
Am I eligible to enrol in this course?
Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.
Pre-requisites
MEC200
Co-requisites
Not applicable
Anti-requisites
Not applicable
Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)
Not applicable
Microcredential Information
Not applicable
How am I going to be assessed?
Grading Scale
Standard Grading (GRD)
| High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL). |
Details of early feedback on progress
Early feedback will be provided through completion of weekly activities in workshops. Furthermore, feedback on each assessment will be provided which will be used to help with the following assessment.
Assessment tasks
| Delivery mode | Task No. | Assessment Product | Individual or Group | Weighting % | What is the duration / length? | When should I submit? | Where should I submit it? |
| All | 1 | Practical / Laboratory Skills, and Written Piece | Individual | 40% | Two lab sessions. Pre-lab quiz questions and individual laboratory reports (1200 word equivalent) |
Week 7 | Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check |
| All | 2 | Oral and Written Piece | Group | 40% | 1500-word written report (group) and 10-minute oral presentation |
Week 12 | Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check |
| All | 3 | Examination - Centrally Scheduled | Individual | 20% | 3 hours |
Exam Period | Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check |
| All - Assessment Task 1:Laboratory Reports | |||||||||||||||||||
| Goal: | The goal of this task is to investigate fundamental principles of fluid mechanics through experimental applications and subsequent analyses. |
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| Product: | Practical / Laboratory Skills, and Written Piece | ||||||||||||||||||
| Authorship Statement: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Format: | Prior to each session, you will complete a series of pre-lab questions online. During the lab session, you will conduct an experiment and start working on a report. The experimental work will be conducted in a group format, however the pre-lab questions and the lab reports are to be submitted individually by all students. |
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| Criteria: |
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| Generic Skills: | Communication, Problem solving, Applying technologies, Information literacy |
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| All - Assessment Task 2:Group Report and Presentation | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goal: | The goal of this task is to investigate and apply principles of fluid mechanics through a given engineering context. You will be required analyse, discuss and present a fluid-mechanics-related topic. |
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| Product: | Oral and Written Piece | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Authorship Statement: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Format: | The written group report will be approximately 1500 words while the corresponding group oral presentation will be approximately 10 minutes followed by a Q&A time. |
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| Criteria: |
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| Generic Skills: | Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy |
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| All - Assessment Task 3:Examination | ||||||||||||||||
| Goal: | The goal of this task is to evaluate your knowledge of concepts of fluid mechanics and to demonstrate the use of standard methods to analyse problems within the subject area. |
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| Product: | Examination - Centrally Scheduled | |||||||||||||||
| Authorship Statement: | ||||||||||||||||
| Format: | Centrally scheduled 3-hour examination. |
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| Criteria: |
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| Generic Skills: | Problem solving, Applying technologies, Information literacy |
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Directed study hours
A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.
What resources do I need to undertake this course?
Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.
Prescribed text(s) or course reader
You need regular access to the resource(s) below. Many texts are available as ebooks through the Library at no additional cost.
| Required? | Author | Year | Title | Edition | Publisher |
| Required | Yunus A. Çengel, John M. Cimbala | 0 | FLUID MECHANICS: FUNDAMENTALS AND APPLICATIONS, SI | 4th Edition in SI units (or a later edition) | McGraw-Hill |
| Recommended | Cengel,John M. Cimbala,Robert H. Turner | 2016 | Fundamentals of Thermal-Fluid Sciences (SI Units) | 5th Edition in SI units (or later) | McGraw-Hill |
Specific requirements
Not applicable
How are risks managed in this course?
What administrative information is relevant to this course?
Assessment: Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation. It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline. This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.
Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person. You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.
In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin. This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.
Assessment: Additional Requirements
Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment
Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:
(a) The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%; and
(b) The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying: - The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4% - The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale - You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct
Assessment: Submission penalties
Late submissions may be penalised up to and including the following maximum percentage of the assessment task’s identified value, with weekdays and weekends included in the calculation of days late:
(a) One day: deduct 5%;
(b) Two days: deduct 10%;
(c) Three days: deduct 20%;
(d) Four days: deduct 40%;
(e) Five days: deduct 60%;
(f) Six days: deduct 80%;
(g) Seven days: A result of zero is awarded for the assessment task.
The following penalties will apply for a late submission for an online examination:
Less than 15 minutes: No penalty
From 15 minutes to 30 minutes: 20% penalty
More than 30 minutes: 100% penalty
Links to relevant University policy and procedures
For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:
- Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
- Review of Assessment and Final Grades
- Supplementary Assessment
- Central Examinations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Conduct
- Students with a Disability
For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching
Student Charter
UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.
General Enquiries
For course-specific questions, contact your teaching staff or Course Coordinator.
For other enquiries or to access support, please contact Student Central: