Outline

Overview

This unit introduces students to fluid statics and fluid dynamics. At the end of the unit students will have a fundamental understanding of fluid mechanics principles, an ability to apply fluid mechanics principles to engineering problems, and an ability to use basic sensors to acquire data from fluid flow experiments. The unit will cover the fundamentals governing the statics and dynamics of fluids in the context of internal flow systems such as pipes and pumps and external flow systems such as wings and airfoils. The unit will begin with the properties of fluids, pressure and pressure measurement, forces in fluid statics, and buoyancy. Students will then progress to fluid dynamics which will include integral and differential conservation of mass and momentum in a continuum, non-dimensional numbers, measuring and analysing signals from fluid flows, the Bernoulli and Euler Equations, potential flow, and an introduction to turbomachinery.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	{(MATH1X61 or MATH1971) or [(MATH1X21 or MATH1931) and MATH1X02]} and [(MATH1X62 or MATH1972) or (MATH1X23 or MATH1933)]
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	AMME2200
Assumed knowledge ?	Students are expected to be familiar with basic, first year, integral calculus, differential calculus and linear algebra
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Agisilaos Kourmatzis, agisilaos.kourmatzis@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final Exam Final Exam Assessing All Modules from the Unit of Study	55%	Formal exam period	2.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Continuous Lectorial Assessment (with MCQ option) In-class engagement with MCQ option	6%	Multiple weeks	1 page	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Continuous Tutorial Assessment Tutorial question submission covering weekly content	6%	Multiple weeks	1-3pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early feedback task Early feedback task aligned to Week 1 and Week 2 Materials	3%	Week 03	10 questions, untimed, open for 24hrs	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Quiz 1 In-class quiz	7%	Week 05	40mins	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Quiz 2 In-class quiz	8%	Week 09	40mins	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Lab report Lab Report for Wind Tunnel Lab	15%	Week 13 Due date: 31 May 2026 at 23:59	15 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Early Feedback Task: The early feedback task will help provide students with an early assessment of how they are going in AMME2261/9261.
In-Class Assessments: The lecture and tutorial assignments will help students absorb the concepts and stay up to date with the pace of lectures. Assignments will elucidate the relevance of the basic concepts with respect to engineering applications.
Quizzes: There will be canvas quizzes at the conclusion of main topics. These, as well as regular assignments will keep students up-to-date with the lecture material.
Lab report: The laboratory sessions and reports will assess student’s appreciation of the practical relevance and application of the subject matter. The lab report will be submitted through Canvas-turnitin.
Final exam: The final examination will help evaluate the overall understanding of the concepts covered in this UoS and the student’s ability to analyze and solve related problems.
Minimum Performance Criteria: Students must achieve an exam mark of at least 45% in order to pass this unit of study, regardless of the sum of the individual component marks. If a student receives less than the minimum exam mark, then the overall grade for the unit will be a maximum of 45%.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	Fluid Properties	Self-directed learning (6 hr)
	Fluid Statics	Self-directed learning (18 hr)
	Fundamentals of fluid dynamics	Self-directed learning (14 hr)
	Applied fluid dynamics 1-dimensional analysis	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
	Applied fluid dynamics 2-inviscid flows	Self-directed learning (18 hr)
	Applied fluid dynamics 3-viscous flows	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
	Revision Topics	Self-directed learning (15 hr)
	Lab Work	Practical (3 hr)
Week 01	Introduction and fluid properties	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Fluid statics	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Fluid Statics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Fluid statics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Fluid statics	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Fluid statics	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Fluid Statics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Fluid Statics	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Fluid Statics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Fundamentals of fluid dynamics	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Fundamentals of Fluid Dynamics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Fundamentals of fluid dynamics	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Fundamentals of fluid dynamics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Applied fluid dynamics 1-dimensional analysis	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Fundamentals of fluid dynamics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Applied fluid dynamics 2-inviscid flows	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Lecture on Experimental Methods	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Applied fluid dynamics 2-inviscid flows	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Lecture on Experimental Methods and Labs	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Applied fluid dynamics 2-inviscid flows	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Applied fluid dynamics 2-inviscid flows	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Applied fluid dynamics 3-viscous flows	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Revision 1	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Revision	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Revision 2	Lecture (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Lectures/Lectorials: Weekly in person lectures/lectorials will usually be interactive and go through, worked examples, mini demonstrations, and other revision activities. These are supplemented by the online pre-recorded lecture material which is all accessed through canvas.

Tutorials: Will be in person and will involve weekly submissions which are aligned to the core material.

Lab Reports: Students will submit group lab reports based on data collected in labs. One 2hr lab will be done per group and attendance is mandatory.

Quizzes: There are two quizzes throughout the semester, one in Week 5 and one in Week 9. These are in-person with attendance being mandatory.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

Fox and McDonald`s Introduction to Fluid Mechanics. Wiley.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. complete laboratory experiments and analyse and interpret the results in a formal lab report, in groups
LO2. evaluate the relevant flow parameters for fluid flow in internal engineering systems such as pipes and pumps (velocities, losses, etc), and external systems such as flow over wings and airfoils (lift and drag)
LO3. analyse and determine the forces governing static fluids
LO4. analyse and determine the properties of a fluid in motion
LO5. demonstrate an ability to implement theoretical principles towards solving typical fluid mechanics problems
LO6. evaluate and use some of the basic equations governing the statics and dynamics of fluids.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Following from positive feedback on lectorials, the live demonstrations and in-class submissions will continue into 2026. Additionally, an optional 1hr summary lecture has been included this year as a growing number of students have indicated they would like an option for an in-person lecture. Attendance of this 1hr lecture is an alternative to watching a 2hr online recording. The quizzes have been reduced from 3 to 2, but are now once again (as in pre 2021), in-person and secure.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

AMME2261: Fluid Mechanics 1

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links