Mechanics of Materials

Unit code:NEC2001Study level:Undergraduate

Credit points

12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)

Location

Footscray Park

Prerequisites

(NEM1001 or NEF1105 or NEF1002) and (NEF1205 or NEF1004)
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)

Overview

In this unit, you will explore how materials behave under real-world loads by studying fundamental concepts such as stress, strain, and deformation, core principles that underpin the safe and effective design of engineering structures. Interactive workshops, hands-on applications, and computational simulations will deepen your understanding of axial loading, bending, torsion, and combined stresses, bridging theory with practice.

Through case studies and engineering applications, you will examine the role of material selection and mechanical properties in civil and mechanical engineering. By the end of this unit, you will have the analytical skills to assess material performance and failure modes, preparing you for advanced studies in civil engineering and professional practice.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

Analyse the behaviour of materials under various loading conditions to inform safe and efficient design;
Apply principles of stress, strain, and deformation to predict and evaluate structural performance in practical engineering contexts;
Use analytical and computational tools to predict structural failure and propose design improvements to enhance reliability;
Collaborate effectively within teams to achieve shared objectives, demonstrating clear communication, mutual respect, and the ability to contribute constructively to group problem-solving and decision-making; and
Evaluate material properties and their influence on the structural integrity and functional performance of engineering systems.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Exercise | Grade: 20%

In-class problem-solving task on stress & strain analysis. (Individual) (1000 words)

Assessment type: Project | Grade: 30%

Design Challenge: Structural components analysis and optimisation (Group) (1800 words)

Assessment type: Test | Grade: 50%

Problem solving scenario test involving the mechanical properties of materials (Individual) (90 mins)

Exercise: This secure, supervised, individual in-class assessment evaluates students’ ability to apply the principles of stress, strain, and deformation to a practical engineering situation.

Project: This secure assessment ensures accountability through structured reflection, documented collaboration, and detailed explanation of techniques, with in-class progressive milestone checks linked to individual students also being used to enhance security. These milestones are recorded and incorporated into the overall marking process. Explicit evaluation of individual contributions further support the secure assessment and assurance of each student’s achievement of learning outcomes.

Test: This secure invigilated in class assessment has an unpredictable problem-solving scenario format that tests deep understanding, requires explanation of reasoning and process, and involves applying knowledge to new contexts.