This course introduces the fundamental principles in mechanics. Structural design applications of a variety of problems are developed throughout the course using examples that elucidate the theory of mechanics. The primary aim of this course is to provide a solid foundation for students in the field of mechanical engineering. Specific topics include:

• Statics of particles; forces in a plane and in space
• Equivalent systems of forces; Cartesian vector and vector operations
• Equilibrium of rigid bodies; including free body diagrams
• Simple trusses
• Distributed forces; centroids, centres of gravity and moments of inertia
• Static indeterminacy and friction
• Internal forces; including shear and moment diagrams

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Identify and manipulate forces and their resultants in one- two- and three dimensions.
2. Recognise and classify moments and couples created by forces.
3. Employ mechanical equilibrium and free body diagrams to solve mechanical statics problems, including bending moment diagrams.
4. Acquire skills for testing the bending of a beam and the construction of a bridge model subject to testing.
5. Analyse and demonstrate the stability conditions of mechanical equilibrium.
6. Define and evaluate the fundamentals of mechanical testing of materials (tension, compression, shear).

Additional Course Costs

No additional costs required. However, students may wish to purchase additional supplies beyond those supplied for the balsa bridge project (balsa wood and glue) to allow additional prototyping and testing.

Examination Material or equipment

You may need to purchase a calculator suitable for engineering, with capability to do basic operations and functions for trigonometry, exponentials, and logarithms, solve systems of linear equations, solve integrations, sketch waveforms and do complex number calculations. We recommend a graphics calculator such as TI-Nspire CX II (or similar). In exams, you may be asked to put the calculator in "exam mode" or clear the memory.

Required Resources

Materials and safety equipment for bridge building activity

Recommended Resources

The course text is: Engineering Mechanics STATICS, SI Units, 15th edition, by R.C. Hibbeler. 

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

The use of generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot, Meta AI, Apple Intelligence) is allowed in limited cases in this course. In general, they are not allowed for in person assessments, to completely solve mathematical problems (beyond what a graphing calculator or integration tool would provide), or to generate lab data. They are allowed to assist with wording, formatting assistance for specific referencing styles, appropriate language and tine in report writing, or concept clarification. In written work, any use of AI must be included in references. Additional AI restrictions may be provided with individual assessment items.

In a foundational engineering course, like ENGN1217, the content is foundational domain knowledge that should be studied and mastered to build the critical thinking skills necessary for future learning. Relying on AI for the solution of mathematical problems is discouraged. AI tools often "hallucinate" values or signs or units. Do not upload a diagram and ask AI to solve the circuit for you as this leads you down the path of cognitive surrender which is bad for engineers (you adopt AI outputs with minimal scrutiny and AI overrides your human intuition and deliberation).

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	lectures
2	lectures	Mastering Engineering online assignments start (preliminary assignment)
3	lectures, tutorial	Mastering Engineering online assignment 1
4	lectures, tutorial	Mastering Engineering online assignment 2
5	lectures, tutorial, prac/lab 1	prac/lab 1 attendance, Mastering Engineering online assignment 3
6	lectures, tutorial	Prac/lab assignment 1 due, Mid-semester test, Mastering Engineering online assignment 4
7	lectures, tutorial
8	lectures, tutorial,	Mastering Engineering online assignment 5
9	lectures, tutorial, prac/lab 2	prac/lab 2 attendance, Mastering Engineering online assignment 6
10	lectures, tutorial	prac/lab assignment 2 due, Mastering Engineering online assignment 7
11	lectures, tutorial	Mastering Engineering online assignment 8Group Assignment testing
12	lectures, tutorial	Group Assignment report due
13	Examination Period	Final exam

Tutorial Registration

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.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Mastering Engineering online assignments (x8)	16 %	1-4
Practical ("Prac")/Laboratory ("Lab") Assignments (x2)	10 %	1-3
Mid-Semester Test	20 %	1-4
Group Assignment – Balsa wood bridge	10 %	5
Tutorial quizzes (x10)	4 %	1-4
Final Exam	40 %	1-4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Participation in labs and tutorials is required to get the marks (although attendance alone does not guarantee the marks)

Examination(s)

Final exam in the examination period

Assessment Task 1

Mastering Engineering online assignments (x8)

A series of interactive online assignments covering core material from the Hibbeler textbook will commence from Week 3. There will be one required but not included in final marks preliminary assignment in week 2 to learn how to use the online assignment system, and then 8 assignments covering calculations and core concepts from the course. While each assignment will be worth 2%, the 4 lowest passing marks will be redeemable by the 4 highest passing marks (e.g.: if you get raw marks on the 8 assignments of 90%, 80%, 70% 60%, 50%, 50%, 50%, 50%, then your final marks will be calculated as 90%, 80%, 70% 60%, 90%, 80%, 70% 60%, but any mark under 50% cannot be redeemed). This system is to reduce some of the stress associated with the assignments while maintaining engagement. To ask for help, you may consult tutors in the tutorials, or send an email to the course email address: engn1217.css@anu.edu.au .

Value: 16%

Due: Ongoing from Week 3 (with a requirement preliminary assignment in week 2). Tentatively due Wed 10am each week, although this date may change to accommodate scheduling conflicts.

Return date: The assignments are graded automatically within the mastering system, with marks available after each assignment closes

Late penalties and extensions: Late submissions are not allowed within the mastering system. Students may apply for extensions using the regular extension application app. 

Assessment Task 2

Practical ("Prac")/Laboratory ("Lab") Assignments (x2)

For students to connect theory and practice in other topics under a controlled environment, two practical (or "prac")/laboratory (“lab”) assignments are scheduled, using equipment specially designed for teaching purposes that demonstrates concepts covered in the lectures. Students need to attend one session for each prac/lab and will work in groups to test theoretical concepts on the equipment and record data. The corresponding assignment is due one week after the actual date of the prac/lab for each prac/lab session. The assignment will be a list of questions, including written and calculation-based questions related to the concepts explored and data gathered in the prac/lab. The assignments will not be in an official report format (e.g.: no need for introductions, conclusions, etc.). Although data is collected in the prac/lab in groups, each student must complete the assignment individually. One assignment must be submitted online by every student individually, not one by each group. Attendance is mandatory for report submission. The assignments are worth 5% each, total 10% of the final assessment. The assignments must be submitted online. All submissions must be uploaded as a single PDF file.

Value: 10% (5% each)

Due: Attendance in Week 5 & Week 9, Assignments due weeks 6 and 10

Return: date: Marks and feedback to be returned 10 business days after the due date.

Late penalties and extensions:

Attendance: No late submissions accepted. Students may apply for an "extension" to attend a later session or view a session recording using the regular extension application app.

Assignment: Late submissions of assignment are accepted up to 10 business days after the deadline, with a 5% penalty per business day late. Students may apply for extensions using the regular extension application app.

Assessment Task 3

Mid-Semester Test

The mid-semester test will be held in Week 6, and will cover the content from the first half of the course. It is worth 20% of the final assessment. It is redeemable by the final exam (e.g.: if your mark on the final exam is greater than your mark on the mid-semester test, then the mid-semester test mark will be replaced by the final exam mark).In addition to basic writing supplies, permitted materials include: a single A4 page with hand written annotations on both sides (note that photocopies and print outs of hand writing on an electronic tablet do NOT count as handwritten), an unannotated paper dictionary, and a calculator (programmable calculators are allowed, though you may be required to put the calculator in exam mode and/or to clear the memory). Attempting the test without a calculator is not advised. For this test, consider a calculator with the ability to do basic trigonometry functions as essential. Other functions (such as solving systems of linear equations) may be useful, however, you may encounter questions designed to require an understanding of these methods without relying solely on a calculator. In general, for engineering courses, you may benefit from a calculator with the capability to do basic operations and functions for trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, solve systems of linear equations, solve integrations, sketch waveforms, and do complex number calculations. We recommend a graphics calculator such as TI-Nspire CX II (or similar). 

Value: 20%

Due: In person test in week 6, scheduled by timetabling

Return: date: Marks and feedback to be returned 15 business days after the due date.

Late penalties and extensions: Students seeking a deferred test sitting will instead have the final exam count over the missed mid-semester test. 

Assessment Task 4

Group Assignment – Balsa wood bridge

Groups will design, analyse, build and mechanically test a scale balsa bridge. The goals for the physical bridge are to withstand the maximum load prior to collapse, and to accurately predict bridge performance (the load at which it will collapse). The assessment includes the physical bridge testing (in week 11 or 12, depending on scheduling availability) and a written report (due in week 12, after physical testing). The report will must be submitted online as a single PDF file, with one submission per group, not submitted individually. Overall, the assignment is worth 10% of the course mark. Marks will come from the physical performance results (both load achieved and prediction accuracy), the written report, and moderation factors based on intra-group peer assessment (e.g.: lower contributing group members will receive lower marks). Peer assessment details will be discussed in detail in the lectures, and will be relative to opportunity (e.g.: a student who goes against the group to do everything on their own cannot receive a higher portion of the mark since other group members had no opportunity to contribute more). In cases of significant disagreement between group members regarding contributions, or significantly underperforming group members, students may be required to provide evidence both of contribution to the project and engagement with the group. Supplies will be provided to build the bridge, although additional supplies may be purchased by the group to allow additional prototyping and testing.

Value: 10%

Due: In person physical bridge testing in week 11 or early week 12, report due in week 12. Tentativetly bridge testing Friday week 11 (individual groups to book stimes between 11am and 6pm) and report due 5pm Friday week 12, although these dates may change to accommodate scheduling conflicts.

Return: date: Marks and feedback to be returned 10 business days after the due date.

Late penalties and extensions:

For the physical testing: no late submissions or extensions will be accepted unless there are significant extenuating circumstances affecting the entire group (talk to the convenor in these cases, likely an ECA will be required).

For the report: late submissions are accepted up to 10 business days after the deadline, with a 5% penalty per business day late. Students may apply for extensions using the regular extension application app, including applying for a group extension based on a single student's EAP, but there is an additional requirement that the entire group agrees to the extension request -- and written confirmation of agreement from all group members must be attached in the request. 

Assessment Task 5

Tutorial quizzes (x10)

Each of the 10 tutorials run during the semester will have simple questions related to the tutorial content to be answered in the tutorial. The quizzes can only be answered by students who attend the tutorial. Each weekly quiz is worth 0.4% of the total mark for the semester. In total across the 10 tutorials the quizzes are worth 4% of the total marks for the course. Tutorial attendance is mandatory to attempt each quiz.

Value: 4%

Due: In person in tutorial session is weeks 3-12

Return: date: Marking will be done automatically. Marks to be returned by the start of the next tutorial (to allow some time for illness-related absences to complete the quiz late).

Late penalties and extensions: Late submissions are not allowed. Students may apply for extensions using the regular extension application app. Approved extensions may mean doing the quiz online before the next week's tutorials start, or removing that quiz for that student (effectively having 9 quizzes each worth 0.44%, or 8 quizzes each worth 0.5%, etc.) depending on the specific circumstances and timeframes.

Assessment Task 6

Final Exam

The 3-hour final exam will cover all content from the course, with greater emphasis on the the latter half of the course, and is worth 40% of the final assessment. If the final exam mark is greater than the mid-semester test mark, it may also replace the mid-semester test mark (20%). In addition to basic writing supplies, permitted materials include: a single A4 page with hand written annotations on both sides (note that photocopies and print outs of hand writing on an electronic tablet do NOT count as handwritten), an unannotated paper dictionary, and a calculator (programmable calculators are allowed, though you may be required to put the calculator in exam mode and/or to clear the memory). Attempting the test without a calculator is not advised. For this test, consider a calculator with the ability to do basic trigonometry functions as essential. Other functions (such as solving systems of linear equations) may be useful, however, you may encounter questions designed to require an understanding of these methods without relying solely on a calculator. In general, for engineering courses, you may benefit from a calculator with the capability to do basic operations and functions for trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, solve systems of linear equations, solve integrations, sketch waveforms, and do complex number calculations. We recommend a graphics calculator such as TI-Nspire CX II (or similar). 

Value: 40%

Due: to be scheduled during final examination period

Return: date: Final assessment marks are withheld until full course marks are finalised

Late penalties and extensions: Students unable to attend the final exam must follow the ANU processes to apply for a deferred exam (note that this is not handled through the regular extension application app)

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

No hard copy submissions.

Late Submission

Individual late submission policies included in each assessment description. If not otherwise stated, the standard ANU late policy (5% penalty deducted for every business day beyond the due date) applies for non-test and non-in-person assessments. Late submission are not accepted for tests and in person assessments.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students