UWA Handbooks 2010 - Units
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UWA Handbooks 2010 - Units

Unit details


MECH1401 Engineering Dynamics [UG]

Credit 6 points
Availability Semester 2 (see Timetable)
Old unit code 630.106, AMEC1401
Outcomes This unit develops the student's ability to solve a range of problems in engineering dynamics. As part of this process students learn how to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals; reason logically and communicate the written solution to a problem in a way that engineering professionals understand; undertake problem identification, formulation and solution; understand fundamental professional and ethical responsibilities, such as the need to work logically and avoid errors; plan work, anticipate and meet deadlines; and have an expectation of the need to undertake lifelong learning and a capacity to do so.
Content This unit builds on GENG1001 Engineering: Introduction to Engineering Mechanics and introduces the subject of engineering dynamics in more depth. The unit focuses on systems undergoing planar motion. Topics include co-ordinate systems, relative motion, rotating axes, systems of particles, rigid bodies and mechanisms. Newton's laws, energy and linear momentum principles are also covered.

Students attend lectures and, in parallel, solve a sequence of carefully designed tutorial problems. In this way, students can learn the meaning of the concepts presented in the lecture series by applying them to realistic dynamic systems. Some examples are drawn from the fields of robotics and automation.
Assessment This comprises an examination, weekly assignments and one or more class tests. Practice questions completed in the tutorials develop problem-solving skills in dynamics. Students are encouraged to work with each other in this activity provided each member of a working party achieves competence. Students are required to keep a complete record of their individual working for each problem in a logbook. The logbook serves as a journal of the development of a student's understanding of the taught material and is also used by staff to guide students into professional habits in written work. The assignments are designed to develop independent learning skills, encouraging students to seek answers outside the classroom. The tests and examination usually consist of questions that are similar to the tutorial problems but are also somewhat novel. They assess the ability of students to solve new problems and communicate their solution in written form. Marks in the tests and final examination are largely given for correct (and clearly expressed) reasoning about physical systems.

Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit except in the case of a bachelor's pass degree student who has obtained a mark of 45 to 49 and is currently enrolled in this unit, and it is the only remaining unit that the student must pass in order to complete the course.
Unit Co-ordinator(s) Associate Professor Dianne Hesterman
Location UWA (Crawley)
Mode on-campus
Unit Rules
Prerequisites: GENG1001 Engineering: Introduction to Engineering Mechanics or equivalent
Contact hours—lectures: 39 hrs; tutorials: 26 hrs
Unit web page http://www.mech.uwa.edu.au/unit/MECH1401
[Some unit web pages are still under construction and will be available in 2010.]
Recommended
reading

Meriam, J. L. and Kraige, L. G. Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics, vol. 2, SI (metric) version: John Wiley & Sons 2008

This text is available from the Guild Co-operative Bookshop and Secondhand Bookshop.



  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change.
  • Assistance with study skills, including English language skills, is available free of charge from Student Services for all enrolled students (see http://www.studentservices.uwa.edu.au/ss/learning). Student Services location: Second Floor, South Wing, Guild Village; telephone: 6488 2423.
  • Books and other materials wherever listed may be subject to change. Book lists relating to 'Preliminary Reading', 'Recommended Reading' and 'Textbooks' are, in most cases, available at the University Co-operative Bookshop (from early January) and appropriate administrative offices for students to consult. For first-year units the Bookshop will endeavour to make available photocopies of book lists for individual units. Books marked with an asterisk (*) are available in paperback.
The University of Western Australia
University information CRICOS Code: 00126G
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