This course aims to establish fundamental concepts in fluid dynamics, and to apply these concepts to a range of geophysical applications. The course begins with an overview of the field of fluid mechanics, and a description of the physics governing fluid flow. These physical principles are applied to a number of examples, including:
- Waves
- Single-layer flows
- Convection and fluid instability.
The course includes:
- The dynamics of buoyancy-driven flows
- The effects of planetary rotation, allowing investigation into the circulation of the oceans and the atmosphere.
- The effects of ocean-atmosphere coupling, which leads to climate dynamics.
Note: Graduate students attend joint lectures/tutorials with undergraduates, but laboratory work and assessment will be conducted separately at a more advanced level.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
1. understand a range of fluid flows in terms of the fundamental physical principles and equations that govern them
2. understand and apply common theoretical, laboratory and numerical techniques to investigate a range of fluid flows
3. recognise common applications of fluid dynamics concepts in geophysical, environmental and engineering contexts
4. apply their problem-solving and physical modelling ability to a range of flows
5. produce a technical scientific report at a professional standard.
Indicative Assessment
Assessment will be based on:
- Four assignments requiring problem-solving and modelling skills (20%; LO 1-4)
- Written technical report on each of four laboratory experiments (40% in total; LO 1-5)
- Final examination (40%; LO 1-4)
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
A total of 24 lectures, 12 interactive tutorials and 12 hours of laboratory work.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2017 | $3660 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2017 | $4878 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
