Unit Outline

Mechanical Engineering Foundations introduces students to the principles of dynamics, thermal engineering, and fluid mechanics, which are essential for understanding mechanical systems. Students will explore particle and rigid body kinematics and kinetics, applying Newtonian mechanics to solve dynamic problems. In thermal engineering, students will analyse the thermal properties of substances and apply the zeroth and first laws of thermodynamics to solve energy balance problems. Fluid mechanics concepts are introduced, addressing both static fluids and fluids in motion. Students will engage in practical experimentation, comparing theoretical models with experimental data, and will participate in a design project that reinforces problem-solving and hands-on skills. This unit serves as the foundation for Dynamics and Vibrations, where students will expand their knowledge of rigid body dynamics, vibrations, and energy systems, and for Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics, where students will deepen their understanding of thermo-fluid systems. Additionally, students will explore the responsibilities of mechanical engineers across various industries while embedding climate-safe engineering practices. This unit encourages students to consider energy efficiency, sustainability, and system resilience to climate change impacts.

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	Solve mechanical engineering dynamics problems related to particles and rigid bodies.
2	Solve thermal engineering problems by applying and understanding of the principles of thermodynamics.
3	Solve fluid mechanics problems by applying an understanding of the physical properties of fluids
4	Conduct a hands-on activity by using engineering tools and techniques.
5	Analyse mechanical engineering systems for energy efficiency and climate resilience.

Alterations as a result of student feedback

This unit is a new delivery in 2026.

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:	Laboratory Experiment (Practical Component and Report)	Refer to Assessment Description	10 %	LO2, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	Project (Practical Component and Report)	Refer to Assessment Description	50 %	LO1, LO3, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 3:	Examination	Exam Period	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Laboratory Experiment (Practical Component and Report)

Task Description:

Students will conduct a laboratory experiment and document their findings in a written report. This task prompts students to demonstrate various aspects of experimental work and writing techniques. Additionally, they will develop their understanding of thermal engineering concepts.

Week Distribution: 2, 3 Week Due: 4, 5

GenAI is permitted but must be acknowledged

Task Length:

Maximum 10 pages (excluding front and end matter)

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

10 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Calculate heat transfer values.	LO2
2	Explain the thermal properties of substances.	LO2
3	Collect, analyse and interpret experimental or research data.	LO4
4	Calculate and report following engineering norms and conventions.	LO4

Assessment Task 2: Project (Practical Component and Report)

Task Description:

In this project students design and construct a rat-trap powered boat. Students will present their proposed boat design in an oral presentation. They will design and construct the boat to meet strict conditions, and then race the boat in a competition. Students will document their work and analyse relevant theory in various written reports. Additionally, they will report on several ways in which mechanical engineers contribute to and abide by the industrial landscape and give examples of mechanical engineers’ responsibilities with respect to climate resiliency. This assessment task prompts students to demonstrate their oral and writing techniques, whilst developing their understanding of dynamics and fluid mechanics concepts in an integrated project.

This is a group project and all assessment tasks will be given a group mark, with individual student contribution being elicited via student peer evaluation.

Week 1: Groups formed
Week 6: Oral presentations
Weeks 6, 9, 10, 12: Reports due
Week 11: Scrutineering and Racing of boats

GenAI is permitted but must be acknowledged.

Task Length:

15-minute oral presentation; assessment and racing score of boat; maximum 20-page written report (excluding front and end matter), spread across several submissions.

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

50 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Solve 2D motion problems specific to particles or rigid bodies using kinematic principles without reference to forces.	LO1
2	Solve 2D motion problems specific to particles, rigid bodies, forces, work, energy, impulse, or momentum.	LO1
3	Calculate hydrostatic and/or hydrodynamic values.	LO3
4	Explain the physical properties of fluids.	LO3
5	Collect, analyse and interpret experimental or research data.	LO4
6	Calculate and report following engineering norms and conventions.	LO4
7	Propose strategies for reducing carbon emissions and enhancing system sustainability	LO5
8	Discuss the contributions of engineers to the industrial landscape.	LO5

Assessment Task 3: Examination

Task Description:

This closed book examination ensures that on completion of the unit students will have developed an understanding of various mechanical engineering concepts. Students will demonstrate their ability to solve dynamics, fluid mechanics and thermal engineering problems. Students will apply skills learned during the class workshops and tutorials to succeed in this assessment. The capabilities assessed in this exam are used in subsequent mechanical engineering units. GenAI use is not permitted.

Task Length:

3 hours

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Solve 2D motion problems specific to particles or rigid bodies using kinematic principles without reference to forces.	LO1
2	Solve 2D motion problems specific to particles, rigid bodies, forces, work, energy, impulse, or momentum.	LO1
3	Calculate thermal engineering values.	LO2
4	Explain the thermal properties of substances	LO2
5	Calculate hydrostatic and/or hydrodynamic values.	LO3
6	Explain the physical properties of fluids.	LO3

How your final result is determined

To 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 pass ILO1 you must receive a mark of greater than or equal to 50% of the available marks for the components assessing ILO1 on the Exam.

To pass ILO2 you must receive a mark of greater than or equal to 50% of the available marks for the components assessing ILO2 on the Exam.

To pass ILO3 you must receive a mark of greater than or equal to 50% of the available marks for the components assessing ILO3 on the Exam.

To pass ILO4 your aggregate mark on the components on the Laboratory Report and Project (Design Summary Report) assessing ILO4 weighted according to their contribution to the final mark, must be greater than or equal to 50%.

To pass ILO5 your aggregate mark on the components of the Project (Presentation) and Project (Design Summary Report) assessing ILO5 weighted according to their contribution to the final mark, must be greater than or equal to 50%.

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.