Course coordinator
Associate Professor Saiied Aminossadati
Consultation is available Mondays between 2:00pm - 4:00pm.
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2026 (23/02/2026 - 20/06/2026)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Mech & Mine Engineering School
Fluid Mechanics is a course that covers the basic principles and applications of fluid mechanics. In this course, you will learn how to:
- Analyse fluids at rest using fluid statics principles and calculate the hydrostatic pressure in fluids and hydrostatic force on submerged surfaces.
- Analyse fluids with rigid body motion using the concept of pressure variation in fluids with constant linear acceleration and constant rotational speed.
- Apply the integral control volume approach to derive and use the conservation of mass, momentum and energy equations and the Bernoulli equation for fluids in motion.
- Apply the differential fluid flow analysis to derive and use the continuity and Navier Stokes equations for fluid mechanics problems.
- Perform dimensional analysis and generate non[1]dimensional groups to simplify and scale fluid mechanics problems.
- Analyse pipe flow and understand the factors affecting the frictional losses and the minor losses in pipes.
- Understand the concepts of laminar, transitional and turbulent flows and their effects on boundary layers, drag and lift forces.
- Understand the properties and behaviour of complex fluids such as non-Newtonian fluids, compressible fluids and multiphase flows. Conservation laws, continuity, momentum & energy balances.
Fluids statics, Bernoulli equation, pipe flow. Experimental techniques, viscosity, applications. This course will help you develop your fluid mechanics problem solving skills and prepare you for more advanced courses in fluid mechanics and related fields.
This course will introduce you to the basic principles of fluid mechanics and focus on practical applications of these concepts. You will learn how fluid mechanics plays a critical role in aerodynamics, affecting the design and performance of land vehicles, airplanes, and space planes. Additionally, you will see how many engineering industries rely on efficient fluid flow and contact between fluids and solids. The skills and knowledge you gain from this course can be applied across a wide range of disciplines, making it a valuable asset for your future engineering studies.
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
((Year 12 Maths C or MATH1050) and (Year 12 Physics or PHYS1171)) and (ENGG1500 or (ENGG1700 or ENGG1400))
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
Year 12 Physics
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
(CHEE2003 and CIVL3130) or CIVL2131
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Alexander Klimenko
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
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Aims and outcomes
The aim of this course is to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of fluid mechanics and to cultivate an appreciation of the design aspects in fluid systems. This course also seeks to enhance your ability to analyse existing fluid systems and contribute to the development of new designs.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand the role of fluid mechanics in engineering by analysing the nature of fluids, their differences with solids and gases, and their impact on hydrodynamic forces such as drag, lift, and propulsion.
LO2.
Analyse existing fluid systems and design new ones by enhancing analytical skills in hydrostatic properties, applying continuity, momentum, energy, and Bernoulli equations to dynamic fluid systems, and examining internal and external fluid flows and associated hydraulic systems.
LO3.
Apply engineering methods and solve complex problems in fluid mechanics by understanding the differences between various types of flows, using dimensional analysis to analyse complicated fluid simulations, and selecting appropriate fluid mechanics models for specific applications.
LO4.
Apply conduct an experimental simulation in fluid mechanics, demonstrating safety awareness and teamwork, analysing and interpreting results, and identifying sources of error to draw conclusions.
LO5.
Effectively communicate the learning outcomes of fluid mechanics by presenting ideas and solutions clearly in written reports, following a prescribed style and format, and adhering to agreed standards for referencing sources.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Weekly Online Quizzes
|
20% |
Quizzes open every Friday at 2:00 pm and close the following Wednesday at 2:00 pm. |
| Examination |
In-Semester Exam
|
25% |
In-semester Saturday 28/03/2026 - 2/05/2026 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration | Practical Report | 5% |
5/05/2026 4:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026 |
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 Quizzes
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
Quizzes open every Friday at 2:00 pm and close the following Wednesday at 2:00 pm.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
The course includes 12 weekly online quizzes, each designed to reinforce the material covered in lectures, tutorials, and applied classes. Quizzes open every Friday at 2:00 pm and close the following Wednesday at 2:00 pm. While there are 12 quizzes in total, students are required to complete only 10; however, completing all 12 is encouraged, as the best 10 results will count toward the final grade. Each quiz is worth 2 marks, contributing to a total of 20 marks out of 100 for the course. Quizzes contain 4 questions, each valued at 0.5 marks. Students may attempt each question up to three times and may attempt the entire quiz up to three times before the deadline, with the highest score recorded in Blackboard.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Each quiz will be online and can be accessed via the link provided in the Assessment folder on the Blackboard site.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
This assessment consists of 12 weekly online quizzes, with students required to complete any 10 quizzes across the semester. Quizzes open every Friday at 2:00 pm and close the following Wednesday at 2:00 pm.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
The nature of the assessment does not allow for late submission. Ongoing progressive assessment is essential for the students' understanding of the course.
In-Semester Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
In-semester Saturday
28/03/2026 - 2/05/2026
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
The Mid-Semester Exam contributes 25% to the overall course grade. The exam duration is 90 minutes, with an additional 10 minutes of reading time provided at the start.
This exam assesses material covered in Weeks 1–6 of the semester and consists of four main questions designed to evaluate students’ understanding of key concepts, problem‑solving skills, and ability to apply foundational knowledge.
Students are encouraged to revise weekly content thoroughly and ensure they are confident with core principles introduced in the first half of the course.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 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.
Practical Report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 5%
- Due date
5/05/2026 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Compulsory: Students need to take part in the practical activity and complete the practical. Students will need to submit an individual report using the Practical Report Template provided in the Course Blackboard site.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use 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 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Students submitting an extension must indicate whether the extension request is for attendance at the practical or the practical report.
As the practical is timed-assessment, Student Access Plans (SAPs) and discretionary extensions are not suitable supporting documentation. Students must provide evidence that demonstrates their inability to attend the assessment at the scheduled time.
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.
Practical Attendance: 100% penalty for entire assessment item, as practical is required to complete the report component.
Practical Report: First 7 periods of 24 hours (or part thereof) will be subject to a late penalty of 10% per 24 hours of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item. For Example, a report worth a maximum of 40 marks, submitted 28 hours late will attract a penalty of 8 marks, calculated as 2 periods of 24 hours x 10% x 40 marks. More than 7 periods of 24 hours are subject to a late penalty of 100%.
Final Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
The final exam covers the material delivered in the lectures and tutorials.
Format: Multiple-choice, Short answer, Problem solving.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
Students need to receive at least 40% of their final exam mark.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 - 19.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 20.00 - 44.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Complying with the criteria listed aboveﾠand achieving at leastﾠ the minimum percentage for this grade. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45.00 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Complying with the criteria listed above and achieving at least the minimum percentage for this grade OR less than 40% in the hurdle requirement explained below.ﾠ |
| 4 (Pass) | 50.00 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Satisfies all of the basic learning requirements for the course, such as knowledge of fundamental concepts and performance of basic skills; demonstrates sufficient quality of performance to be considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in the course. In addition, aﾠminimum achievement of 40% in the Final Exam is required 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: Demonstrates ability to use and apply fundamental concepts and skills of the course, going beyond mere replication of content knowledge or skill to show understanding of key ideas, awareness of their relevance, some use of analytical skills, and some originality or insight. In addition, a ﾠminimum achievement of 40% in the Final Exam is required 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: Demonstrates awareness and understanding of deeper and subtler aspects of the course, such as ability to identify and debate critical issues or problems, ability to solve non-routine problems, ability to adapt and apply ideas to new situations, and ability to invent and evaluate new ideas. Satisfiesﾠthe basic learning requirements in allﾠelementsﾠof the course. In addition, a ﾠminimum achievement of 40% in the Final Exam is required 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: Demonstrates imagination, originality or flair, based on proficiency in all the learning objectives for the course; work is interesting or surprising or exciting or challenging or erudite.ﾠDemonstrates the ability to use and apply fundamental concepts in allﾠelements of the course. ﾠIn addition, a ﾠminimum achievement of 40% in the Final Exam is required to receive a passing grade for the course. |
Additional course grading information
A minimum achievement of 40% in the Final Exam is required to receive a passing grade for the course.ﾠ
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
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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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Here, you can find lecture notes, tutorials, practical handouts and other information: MECH2410 Blackboard Site: https://learn.uq.edu.au/
Laboratory access
Students must have completed the Student Laboratory Safety Induction, Annual Fire Safety Training and Health Safety and Wellness (HSW) to a specific laboratory induction, all accessed via Blackboard.
If you require access for experimental work, then register for an induction by searching for that laboratory at the following link: https://student.eait.uq.edu.au/urite/
Additional requirements to be inducted into each laboratory will be listed on that link.
Students can also check their HSW training card here: https://student.eait.uq.edu.au/safe
Access to laboratories will be granted after all of the specific laboratory requirements have been met.
If you have any enquiries regarding HSW please contact the School’s Technical Services Team on labsupport@mechmining.uq.edu.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 |
Lecture |
Hydrostatic Pressure Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 2 |
Lecture |
Hydrostatic Force Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 3 |
Lecture |
Rigid Body Motion Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 4 |
Lecture |
Kinematics of Fluid Motion - Flow and the Conservation of Mass Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 5 |
Lecture |
Work and Energy Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 6 |
Lecture |
Fluid Momentum Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 7 |
Lecture |
Differential Fluid Flow Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 8 |
Lecture |
Dimensional Analysis and Similitude Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 9 |
Lecture |
Viscous Flow within Enclosed Conduits Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 10 |
Lecture |
Analysis and Design of Pipe Flow Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 11 |
Lecture |
Viscous Flow over External Surfaces - Boundary Layers Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 12 |
Lecture |
Viscous Flow over External Surfaces - Drag and Lift Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 13 |
Lecture |
Introduction to Complex Fluids Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
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 for Students Policy and Procedure
- AI for Assessment Guide
- Recording of Teaching Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.