MEC2401 Dynamics 1
Faculty of Engineering
MEC2401 Dynamics 1 is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Engineering. It isn't offered in 2026. It needs ENG1011 or ENG1001 and unlocks 6 units, leading on to 10 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Not offered
- Assessment
- No exam
- 4 tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
The 2027 handbook has no page for MEC2401. This is its 2026 entry, the latest one.
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Requisites
Before MEC2401
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
After MEC2401
6 units list MEC2401 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Equivalent units
The same content under another code. Only one of them counts.
Overview
This unit introduces second-year mechanical engineering students to the concepts of time, space, coordinate systems, particles, rigid bodies, forces, work, energy and Newton's Laws of Motion. You will be taught the fundamentals of kinematics and kinetics of rigid bodies and systems of particles and to carry out dynamic analysis to balance systems with rotating and reciprocating masses. You will also be introduced to 3-dimensional dynamics of rigid bodies. The fundamentals of mechanical vibration, analysis and synthesis of planar mechanisms and experimental modelling will complete the unit.
Offerings in 2026
The 2026 handbook lists no offerings for MEC2401.
Assessment
- TestQuiz / TestThreshold hurdle10%
- Lab reportWrittenThreshold hurdle10%
- Class work and quizzesWrittenThreshold hurdle20%
- Final assessmentWrittenThreshold hurdle60%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Determine the solution to engineering problems involving displacement, velocity and acceleration, simple vibrating systems of masses, springs and dampers, and analysis of simple engineering mechanisms.
- 2
Analyse dynamics forces involved in practical engineering applications.
- 3
Describe engineering solutions in a realistic and logical format using the appropriate units, dimensions and accuracy.
- 4
Address the fundamentals of kinematics and kinetics of particles and rigid bodies.
- 5
Quantify dynamically balanced systems with rotating and reciprocating masses.
Workload and teaching
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- Teaching approachOnline learning
- Teaching approachActive learning
The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.
There are scheduled problem-solving classes on Zoom as per the unit schedule for each week. You must attend these sessions. Once a particular session is full, no more students will be accepted unless evidence is shown that timetabling means that is the only session possible.
Expert-led sessions provide an introduction to the concepts, theory and solution of the dynamic problems. This includes the discussions about the validity of different assumptions and simplifications during formulating a real-world engineering problem and the impact of such assumptions on the validity of the results. During interactive problem-solving classes, questions and problems on solutions of balancing and vibration problems will be dealt with. In order to answer the questions or to solve the problems, you need to review the materials and try to implement your understandings of the concepts and theories taught during the interactive sessions.
Learning resources
Required resources
In general, you must be able to complete the requirements of your course without the imposition of fees that are additional to the student contribution amount or tuition fees. However, you may be charged certain incidental fees or be expected to make certain purchases to support your study.
Prescribed textbooks:
- Abrahams, Ralph., “Dynamics”, Monash University. Author: Associate Professor Ralph Abrahams
- Meriam, J.L. and Kraige, L.G., “Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics” (Ninth Edition), Wiley, 2019.
You must regularly check Moodle for announcements.
Recommended resources
Recommended textbooks:
Hibbeler, R.C., “Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics”, 12th Edition, Prentice-Hall, 2010
Monash Library Unit Reading List (if applicable to the unit):
Common questions
What can I take after MEC2401?
MEC2401 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 6 units, including MAE3002, MAE4416, MEC3453, MEC3457, MEC4101 and TRC3200. Those lead on to 10 units in all.
When is MEC2401 offered?
MEC2401 has no offerings listed in the 2026 handbook.
How much work is MEC2401?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does MEC2401 have an exam?
No. MEC2401 has 4 assessment tasks and no exam.