ENEM20004 - Finite Element Methods for Engineering Design

Showing: 2026 HE Term 1
General Information

Unit Synopsis

This project-based learning unit will use cutting-edge computational design techniques to solve complex multidisciplinary problems in mechanical, structural and electromechanical engineering. You will formulate innovative design ideas for authentic applications and use latest finite element simulation software to obtain accurate insights into how they will perform in practice. You will be introduced to the variational principles in statics and dynamics of structures and machines, Finite Element Methods and analysis procedures, principles of multivariate analysis, and parametric design optimisation techniques. You will apply these procedures to model and simulate a variety of problems at the interface of mechanical, structural, electrical and mechatronics disciplines. You will achieve hands-on experience in using an industry standard finite element analysis software package.

Details

Level Postgraduate
Unit Level 8
Credit Points 12
Student Contribution Band SCA Band 2
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load 0.25
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites There are no pre-requisites for the unit.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Class Timetable View Unit Timetable
Residential School No Residential School

Unit Availabilities from Term 1 - 2026

Term 3 - 2026 Profile

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 12-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 25 hours of study per week, making a total of 300 hours for the unit.

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task Weighting
1. In-class Test(s) 20%
2. Portfolio 30%
3. Project (applied) 50%

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%).

Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades

Past Exams

Previous Feedback

Term 2 - 2021 : The overall satisfaction for students in the last offering of this course was 100.00% (`Agree` and `Strongly Agree` responses), based on a 50% response rate.

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Source: Have Your Say
Feedback:
 Unit provides a good balance of theory and practice

Recommendation:
 This practice will be continued and will be progressively enhanced in subsequent offerings

Action Taken:
 This practice will be continued and will be progressively enhanced in subsequent offerings.
Source: Have Your Say
Feedback:
 More guidance required in assessments

Recommendation:
 This issue is being addressed in the current installment. Students will be encouraged to seek clarifications as required.

Action Taken:
 This practice will be continued and will be progressively enhanced in subsequent offerings.
Source: Have Your Say
Feedback:
 The unit doesn't suit online study

Recommendation:
 Students who face challenges pursuing this unit online will be offered additional zoom sessions as and when required.

Action Taken:
 This is a continuing problem but the UC has scheduled several one-on-one ad hoc tutorial sessions to help students facing such difficulties. This practice will be continued in future offerings as well.
Source: Have Your Say
Feedback:
 Conflicting submission dates for some assessments.

Recommendation:
 Ensure that the submission dates are consistent and uniform in the unit profile and unit Moodle in future offerings.

Action Taken:
 In Progress
Source: Have Your Say
Feedback:
 Online learning limits students to using the student version of the software.

Recommendation:
 Frequent closures of campuses due to COVID-19 forced students to switch to the student edition of ANSYS. This invariably limits problem sizes. Encourage students to understand/recognise the significance of solution methodologies using simple models than large scale models.

Action Taken:
 In Progress
Source: Have Your Say
Feedback:
 The unit content is quite vast for a 12 cp unit.

Recommendation:
 Review the unit content and exclude some content related to design exploration and statistical design methods in FEA.

Action Taken:
 In Progress
Unit Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Apply finite element methods to model advanced multidisciplinary engineering problems
  2. Formulate finite element models to solve complex linear and nonlinear engineering problems
  3. Critically assess the applicability of advanced non-linear computational design tools and utilise them in several engineering contexts
  4. Analyse and solve multidisciplinary problems in structural, thermal, thermomechanical and electromechanical systems using advanced modelling and simulations methods
  5. Solve multivariate and parametric design optimisation problems
  6. Write and present high quality technical and professional reports that demonstrate information retrieval and processing.
The Learning Outcomes for this unit are linked with the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standards for Professional Engineers in the areas of 1. Knowledge and Skill Base, 2. Engineering Application Ability and 3. Professional and Personal Attributes at the following levels:
Intermediate
1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline. (LO: 1I 2I 4I )
1.6 Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the specific discipline. (LO: 3I )
3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability. (LO: 6I )
3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour. (LO: 3I 4I )
Advanced
1.1 Comprehensive, theory-based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline. (LO: 3A )
1.2 Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline. (LO: 1A 2I )
1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline. (LO: 1I 2A 3A 4A )
1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline. (LO: 1A 2I 3A 4A )
2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving. (LO: 1I 2A 3I 4A 5A )
2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources. (LO: 3A 4A 5A )
2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes. (LO: 1A 2A 3I 4A 5A )
3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains. (LO: 6A )
3.4 Professional use and management of information. (LO: 6A )
3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct. (LO: 6A )

Note: LO refers to the Learning Outcome number(s) which link to the competency and the levels: N – Introductory, I – Intermediate and A - Advanced.
Refer to the Engineering Postgraduate Units Moodle site for further information on the Engineers Australia's Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineers and course level mapping information
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 - In-class Test(s) •
2 - Portfolio • • • •
3 - Project (applied) • • • • • •
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
• Professional Level
• Advanced Level
Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 - Knowledge • •
2 - Communication •
3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills • • •
4 - Research • •
6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility •
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
• Professional Level
• Advanced Level
Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 8
1 - In-class Test(s) • •
3 - Project (applied) • • • • • •
2 - Portfolio • • • •