Unit Outline

This unit develops students’ conceptual knowledge of fluid mechanics and their ability to solve complex problems in fluid mechanics. The governing equations in integral form are explored and applied to a range of practical problems including boundary layers, pipe flows, pump-machine systems, open channel flows, hydraulic jumps, pumps, and turbines. Learning of theory and problem solving skills is applied in a practical design project. Hands-on learning in laboratory work is used to reinforce key concepts and develop written communication skills.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Explain fluid mechanics theory and concepts that underpin solutions to an engineering problem
2	Solve fluid mechanics problems involving flow over bodies, open channel flows and turbomachinery using established control volume methods.
3	Critically interpret fluid mechanics results through application of theoretical and experimental methods.
4	Design a holistic fluidic system to solve a practical engineering problem

Alterations as a result of student feedback

The assessment in the unit has been reduced by removing the weekly assignments.

A pre-lab activity has been added to help prepare for the laboratory.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Optional In-Class Test	Week 10	0 %	LO1, LO2
Assessment Task 2:	Design of a fluid system	Week 13	20 %	LO4
Assessment Task 3:	Laboratory Reports	Refer to Assessment Description	40 %	LO3
Assessment Task 4:	Final Examination	Exam Period	40 %	LO1, LO2

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Optional In-Class Test

Task Description:

This in-class test in semester week 10 will provide students the opportunity to review learning in theory and problem solving skills during weeks 1-9. The test has zero assessment weight but will be acceptable as an opportunity to meet ILO 1 and 2, which are also assessed on the exam. GenAI use is not permitted.

Semester Week 10

Task Length:

1.5 hours

Due Date:

Week 10 (02/Oct/2025)

Weight:

0 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain fluid mechanics theory and phenomena over a range of practical engineering contexts.	LO1
2	Solve fluid mechanics problems involving flow over bodies, open channel flows and turbomachinery using established control volume methods.	LO2

Assessment Task 2: Design of a fluid system

Task Description:

Design a holistic fluidic system to solve complex practical engineering problem. If ILO 4 is not met in this assignment a resubmission will be permitted with capped marks. GenAI use is permitted (with acknowledgement).

Task Length:

10 pages excluding front matter and appendices

Due Date:

Week 13

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Justify a preferred system design by evaluating alternative solutions against a common metric.	LO4
2	Model the performance of a holistic fluid system design over a range of operating conditions	LO4
3	Document a holistic system design using a technical report format	LO4

Assessment Task 3: Laboratory Reports

Task Description:

Three laboratory experiments are completed during semester: flow around a body, turbomachinery and open channel flow. Students may self-select groups to attend using the student timetable. Students complete a pre-laboratory activity, attend the experiment and provide a short form written report. GenAI use is permitted (with acknowledgement).

Task Length:

Pre Lab activity - 2 pages. Laboratory notes - 5 pages. Short form report - 5 pages excluding front matter and appendices

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Document experimental results from a laboratory experiment in sufficient detail to ensure repeatability.	LO3
2	Interpret results from experimental work by referring to theory and published literature to make logical conclusions	LO3

Assessment Task 4: Final Examination

Task Description:

A final closed-book examination provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of fluid mechanics and their ability to apply control volume methods to solve fluid mechanics problems under timed conditions. GenAI use is not permitted

Task Length:

3 hours

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Solve fluid mechanics problems involving flow over bodies, open channel flows and turbomachinery using established control volume methods.	LO2
2	Explain fluid mechanics theory and phenomena over a range of practical engineering contexts.	LO1

How your final result is determined

o pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

To satisfy ILO 1 and ILO2, a mark of 50% or greater must be achieved on a test or exam question that assesses each module 1, 2 and 3.

To satisfy ILO 3, an average mark of 50% is required for the laboratory component (average across the 3 laboratories)

To satisfy ILO 4, a mark of 50% or greater is required on the team based assignment. If this ILO is not met a resubmission will be permitted with capped marks.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.