Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Mech & Mine Engineering School
Mechanics of simple structures; Transformation of stress and strain; Linear elasticity; Phase diagrams; Steel microstructures; Strengthening mechanisms of metals; Material failure mechanisms; Corrosion.
The mechanical integrity of an engineering component or structure depends on the stresses and strains induced in it by the loads to which it is subjected. The integrity also depends on the properties of the material(s) from which it is made and the environment to which those materials are exposed.
This course builds on the mechanics and materials knowledge that students have obtained through their first-year courses. It systematically develops the methods for determining stresses and strains in components and structures for different loading situations. The question that must be addressed simultaneously is whether the materials from which the component or structure is made will be suitable for it to meet its design objectives. If design objectives are not met, methods are presented so students can investigate whether the materials can be modified so that they are.
The concepts in the course are brought together near the end of the course in an integrated assignment that combines stress analysis and materials selection tasks.
Course requirements
Assumed background
MECH2300 assumes that you are proficient in the structural mechanics and materials science principles covered in the first year BE (Hons) program.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
[ENGG1400 and (ENGG1200 or ENGG1211)] or ENGG1700
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
MINE2123
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
The University expects ﾠthe average student to ﾠspendﾠ a minimum of 10 hours ﾠper week during the semester to pass a two-unit course. See the University's advice on time management here.
Aims and outcomes
The aim of the course is to introduce basic concepts of structural mechanics and materials science and show the relevance of both areas in product design and engineering analysis.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Analyse the mechanical behaviour of statically determinate or indeterminate 1D structural members under various loadings, and interpret experimental data for bending of beams.
LO2.
Evaluate two-dimensional stress and strain states in solids, and apply this knowledge to solve design problems involving stress analysis and materials selection.
LO3.
Interpret mechanical properties in terms of yield, modulus, fracture toughness, creep and how they are related to failure modes and design
LO4.
Interpret the impact of fundamental material characteristics and microstructure on the mechanical properties of engineering materials.
LO5.
Identify the major forms of metal corrosion and methods to limit their effects.
LO6.
Utilize phase diagrams and Time-Temperature-Transformation (TTT) diagrams to predict the microstructure of fundamental metal systems.
LO7.
Collaborate in small groups to develop your teamwork skills and prepare group reports on engineering investigations.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Weekly Online Quiz
|
20% See task description |
Week 1 - Week 13
Quizzes will run on Weeks 1-7 and 9-13 (there will be no quiz in Week 8 due to the Good Friday public holiday). Hence there will be 12 quizzes in total. Each quiz will be is released on Friday at 12pm, and will test that week's syllabus. The due date will be 10am on following Thursday. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration, Quiz |
Practical Sequence - Bending of Beams Prac (5%) and Heat Treatment Prac (5%)
|
10% See task description |
Bending of the Beams Pre-work due (all students in all groups) 20/03/2025 1:00 pm Heat Treatment Pre-work due (all students in all groups) 1/05/2025 1:00 pm
Group reports: For each of the two practicals, each group is required to submit a group report within 2 working days of the group's scheduled session (by 5pm on that day). |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Integrated Assignment Report | 20% See task description |
29/05/2025 1:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Weekly Online Quiz
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 20% See task description
- Due date
Week 1 - Week 13
Quizzes will run on Weeks 1-7 and 9-13 (there will be no quiz in Week 8 due to the Good Friday public holiday). Hence there will be 12 quizzes in total. Each quiz will be is released on Friday at 12pm, and will test that week's syllabus. The due date will be 10am on following Thursday.
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
Task description
Weekly online quiz using the Pearson “Mastering Engineering” platform. This platform integrates into Blackboard and enables the course to run assessed quizzes which draw from a large range of example structures and materials problems. The problems are randomizable to ensure all students work with a unique set of numbers to ensure individual work in support of academic integrity.
Each week's quiz is designed to test concepts covered in that week's lecture and tutorial. If you attend that week's tutorial and understand the problems which it covers, then you should be well prepared to complete that week's quiz. You are strongly encouraged to attend the tutorials and clarify any questions about the tutorial problems during that session. Each week's quiz is timed to become available to students at the conclusion of the last tutorial for that week, and is then due 2 hours before the following week's tutorial. This ensures all students have the same amount of time to attempt the quiz, regardless of which tutorial they attend, and also ensures that tutorial time can focus on that week's tutorial problems. If you have questions about the quizzes you should raise these on Ed Discussion Board, which will ensure all students have access to the teaching staff's advice on this assessment item.
The mark for this assessment is calculated as follows:
- The maximum mark for each week's quiz is 2% of the overall course grade, and there are 12 quizzes in total.
- To get the full 2% for each week's quiz, you will need to get at least 75% for the quiz (i.e. correctly answer 75% of the quiz problems).
- Each quiz mark will be computed as follows: weekly quiz grade = minimum(<your quiz mark in %>, 75%)/(75%)×2%
- The total mark for this assessment item is capped at 20% for the semester, with overall grade = min(20%, ∑<your quiz grades across the 12 quizzes>)
You are required to register with Pearson Mastering in Week 1 of Semester so that you are able to complete the assessed online quizzes. If you encounter technical problems doing so, as a first step you should refer to the provided support documents on Blackboard; as a second step, seek advice through the Ed Discussion Board; if you continue to have problems you should contact the Course Coordinator by email. If you leave the registration process until Week 2 and encounter technical problems which prevent submission of your quiz by the due date, these technical problems will not be accepted as grounds for an extension to the assessment.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Please refer to Blackboard for a detailed marking criteria.
Submission guidelines
Access to the Pearson Mastering Engineering online quiz is via Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
To facilitate timely feedback to students.
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Electronic Course Profile (ECP), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Practical Sequence - Bending of Beams Prac (5%) and Heat Treatment Prac (5%)
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration, Quiz
- Weight
- 10% See task description
- Due date
Bending of the Beams Pre-work due (all students in all groups) 20/03/2025 1:00 pm
Heat Treatment Pre-work due (all students in all groups) 1/05/2025 1:00 pm
Group reports: For each of the two practicals, each group is required to submit a group report within 2 working days of the group's scheduled session (by 5pm on that day).
Task description
This assessment series involves two separate practicals. This assessment series involves two separate practicals. Each practical assessment task has two parts, as follows:
- An individual pre-work online Blackboard quiz. This must be completed by students, individually, by the specified due date, which is in advance of the practicals; and
- A group report. This must be completed by the group and submitted within 2 working days of the group's scheduled session (by 5pm on that day). Further details are provided below.
Individual Pre-work:
Students are required to individually complete an online Blackboard quiz comprising a set of pre-work questions, in advance of the practical session, by the specified due date, via Blackboard. This part of the assessment constitutes 20% of the available mark for this assessment item. If students fail to individually submit the pre-work part of this assessment, they will individually receive a zero for this part of the assessment.
Practical and group report:
Students are divided into groups at the start of the practical session. Each group is required to submit a group report for the practical within 2 business days of the group's scheduled session (by 5pm on that day). This part of the assessment constitutes 80% of the available mark. Details of the assessment task will be provided on Blackboard.
Notes:
- All students in the group must have attended the same session and worked as a group.
- The group size is normally four students. The group size may be extended by 1 student by the casual demonstrator.
- If your group is not functioning during the session, inform your casual demonstrator as early in the session as possible so that issues can be resolved.
- The names and student numbers of all group members have to be listed on the first page of the group report.
Criteria & Marking:
A detailed marking rubric will be made available on the Blackboard site of the course. Note that 20% of the mark for this assignment will be based on individual student's pre-work quiz result; the remaining 80% will be based on the group report.
Submission:
Pre-work to be completed via Blackboard online quiz; group report to be submitted via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Please refer to Blackboard for a detailed marking criteria.
Submission guidelines
Pre-work to be submitted via Blackboard; group report to be submitted via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Electronic Course Profile (ECP), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
The penalty detailed above refers to the late submission of the Group Reports ONLY.
Pre Work Late Penalty: 100% Late Penalty. No Grace period.
Integrated Assignment Report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20% See task description
- Due date
29/05/2025 1:00 pm
Task description
Analyse a mechanical system and solve materials selection problems.
A professional technical report for the structural analysis and the materials selection is to be submitted.
The technical report for the structural analysis and the materials selection part can be submitted individually or in pairs. The title page must include the names and student numbers of both students, if it is a group report.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Please refer to Blackboard for a detailed marking criteria.
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn on Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
To facilitate timely feedback to students.
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Electronic Course Profile (ECP), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Final Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
End of Semester Exam consisting of 50% Structures questions and 50% Materials questions
Format: Multiple-choice, Short answer, Problem solving
No electronic aids are permitted e.g. laptops, phones.
Useful formulas are provided at the end of the examination paper.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
A minimum achievement of 40% in the final exam is required in order to receive a passing grade for the course.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0.00 - 29.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Student had some engagement with the assessment tasks; however no demonstrated evidence of understanding of the concepts in the field of study. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30.00 - 44.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates limited knowledge of the relevant information and/or understanding of the underlying concepts. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45.00 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The student demonstrates some knowledge of the relevant information and some understanding of the underlying concepts but falls short of satisfying the requirements for a Pass. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50.00 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates a adequate knowledge of the relevant information and a working understanding of the underlying concepts. Has some correct and some incorrect information. A minimum achievement of 40% in the final exam is required in order to receive a passing grade for the course. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65.00 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates a good knowledge of the relevant information and a good understanding of key concepts. There are some minor factual inaccuracies. A minimum achievement of 40% in the final exam is required in order to receive a passing grade for the course. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75.00 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Key concepts are understood, and can be used to solve previously unseen problems. There are only minor factual inaccuracies and/or irrelevant information. A minimum achievement of 40% in the final exam is required in order to receive a passing grade for the course. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85.00 - 100.00 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 85% and above: Key concepts are understood and can be used to solve previously unseen problems. There is evidence of critical analysis and an ability to synthesis information from different aspects of the course. There are very few, if any, factual inaccuracies or irrelevant information. A minimum achievement of 40% in the final exam is required in order to receive a passing grade for the course. |
Additional course grading information
A minimum achievement of 40% in the final exam is required in order to receive a passing grade for the course.
ﾠ
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Assessment items submitted using the Turnitin link on the course Blackboard site will check your work for evidence of plagiarism, collusion, and other forms of academic misconduct.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Access to Practicals:
- Before attending the practicals you need to have done a safety induction. This is done on Blackboard (UQ Workplace Inductions and OHS Training > Undergraduate Lab Students). It only needs to be done once as an undergraduate.
- A swipe card reader for your student card will be used to check compliance. You can also show a copy of the completion confirmation email.
- You will not be allowed to attend the practical and studio sessions without wearing closed in footwear.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Tutorial |
Weekly Tutorials The weekly 2 hour tutorial sessions are used to apply and extend concepts presented in the course, discuss and solve sample problems and study worked solutions. Use 'Sign-on' to select a tutorial session. Note, due to the Good Friday public holiday, no tutorials will run in Week 8. |
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Introduction and Revision Weekly lectures will cover the relevant theory for each week's topic and demonstrate application of the theory to practical example problems. |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Axial Loading Weekly lectures will cover the relevant theory for each week's topic and demonstrate application of the theory to practical example problems. |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Beam Deflection Weekly lectures will cover the relevant theory for each week's topic and demonstrate application of the theory to practical example problems. |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Bending and Shear Stresses in Beams Weekly lectures will cover the relevant theory for each week's topic and demonstrate application of the theory to practical example problems. |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
Special Topics in Stress Analysis Weekly lectures will cover the relevant theory for each week's topic and demonstrate application of the theory to practical example problems. |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Transformation of Stress Weekly lectures will cover the relevant theory for each week's topic and demonstrate application of the theory to practical example problems. |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Transformation of Strain Weekly lectures will cover the relevant theory for each week's topic and demonstrate application of the theory to practical example problems. |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
Designing against Plastic Failure of Materials Weekly lectures will cover the relevant theory for each week's topic and demonstrate application of the theory to practical example problems. |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Correlating Microstructure to Mechanical Strength: Part 1 Weekly lectures will cover the relevant theory for each week's topic and demonstrate application of the theory to practical example problems. |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Lecture |
Correlating Microstructure to Mechanical Strength: Part 2 Weekly lectures will cover the relevant theory for each week's topic and demonstrate application of the theory to practical example problems. |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Fracture and Fracture Toughness Weekly lectures will cover the relevant theory for each week's topic and demonstrate application of the theory to practical example problems. |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Fatigue and Creep Weekly lectures will cover the relevant theory for each week's topic and demonstrate application of the theory to practical example problems. |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
Corrosion Weekly lectures will cover the relevant theory for each week's topic and demonstrate application of the theory to practical example problems. |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.