ENGR20004 Engineering Mechanics
University of Melbourne · Level 2 · 12.5 points · Runs in 2026: Semester 1, Semester 2.
- Final exam 50%
- 40% group work
Is ENGR20004 hard?
ENGR20004: Harder. #25 on the hardest list for Bachelor of Science. Makes it harder: Reviewers say it’s hard (10 reviews), You must pass the exam on its own.
What you learn
Forces, stresses and motion: how loaded structures and machines balance, bend and move.
After it you can
- Find loads and stresses in beams and frames
- Analyse rigid-body motion in 2D
- Calculate stress and deformation under axial and bending loads
What you need first
(PHYC10001 or PHYC10003 or PHYC10009) and (MAST10006 or MAST10009 or MAST10021) and (MAST10007 or MAST10008 or MAST10022)
- PHYC10001 Physics 1: Advanced
- PHYC10003 Physics 1
- PHYC10009 Foundations of Physics
- MAST10006 Calculus 2
- MAST10009 Accelerated Mathematics 2
- MAST10021 Calculus 2: Advanced
- MAST10007 Linear Algebra
- MAST10008 Accelerated Mathematics 1
- MAST10022 Linear Algebra: Advanced
- ENGR10004 Engineering Technology and Society
What it leads to
- CVEN30009 Structural Theory and Design
- MCEN30017 Mechanics & Materials
- MCEN30018 Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
- MCEN30020 Systems Modelling and Analysis
- MCEN30021 Mechanical Systems Design
Can’t be taken together with
Careers
Helps toward: Chemical engineer, Environmental engineer, Mechanical engineer, Biomedical Engineer, Civil engineer, Electrical engineer, Digital infrastructure engineer, Mechatronics engineer, Biotechnologist
How it’s assessed
Quizzes 10%, Assignments 40%, Final exam 50%
Student reviews and ratings
Summarised from 10 students on StudentVIP (2015–2025)
- Statics is fairly intuitive, but dynamics is much harder; many found the subject tough overall.
- Experience depends heavily on the lecturer for that semester; several advise checking who teaches it before enrolling.
- Lab-based group reports were described as disorganised, with vague marking and slow feedback.
- Workshop tutors are generally helpful; similar problems recur across workshops, the mid-semester test and the exam, so practise them.
A summary of public reviews, not scored here.
Taken this subject? Rate it anonymously (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Rate ENGR20004
Quick answers
- When is ENGR20004 offered?
- Runs in 2026: Semester 1, Semester 2.
- What do I need before taking ENGR20004?
- Needs (PHYC10001 or PHYC10003 or PHYC10009) and (MAST10006 or MAST10009 or MAST10021) and (MAST10007 or MAST10008 or MAST10022).
- Does ENGR20004 have a final exam?
- Yes, the final exam is 50% of the mark. You must pass the exam on its own. Assessment: Quizzes 10%, Assignments 40%, Final exam 50%.
- Is ENGR20004 hard?
- From 10 student reviews on StudentVIP: Statics is fairly intuitive, but dynamics is much harder; many found the subject tough overall.
- What do students say about ENGR20004?
- Statics is fairly intuitive, but dynamics is much harder; many found the subject tough overall. Experience depends heavily on the lecturer for that semester; several advise checking who teaches it before enrolling. Lab-based group reports were described as disorganised, with vague marking and slow feedback.
- Can I take ENGR20004 as breadth?
- Yes, for: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art), Bachelor of Music.
- What can I take after ENGR20004?
- 5 subjects need it first, for example CVEN30009, MCEN30017, MCEN30018, MCEN30020.
- Can I rate ENGR20004?
- Yes. If you've taken it, rate it anonymously on this page (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Averages show once 3 students have rated it; tips are checked before they appear.
Source: University of Melbourne Handbook 2026
Always confirm in the official Handbook.
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