UNIVERSITY OF MAURITIUS
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
Module Specification Sheet (MSS)
Module Title: Dynamics
Module code: MECH 2103
Pre-requisite module (PR): Nil
Pre-requirement module (PQ): Nil
Level 2
No of sessions
Weekly Load
Multiplier, M
13
3
2
13
2
2
2
2
2
Total
78
52
8
Classification of
Knowledge areas
Mathematics
(MS)
Contact hours
Multiplier, M
Application of
scientific and
engineering
Knowledge
Engineering
design
D
Exam: 60 %
Coursework: 40 %
Type
Class Test
Practical
Tutorial Test
Total
Research,
investigation,
experiments and
data analysis
Problem solving
ECSA Exit Level
Outcomes . D for
Developmental, E
for Exit level and x
for introduction
D
Coursework details
No
1
2
1
Tutorial Test
1
0.5
4
50
2
Engineering
Sciences
(ES)
50
8
8
Basic Sciences
(BS)
%
Actual ECSA credit
Assessment details:
Assessment
Theme
%
20
10
10
40
Class Test
1
1
5
Exams
1
3
5
5
15
Design & Synthesis
(DS)
Complementary
Studies (CS)
Engineering
Management
Practical
Engineering
professionalism
Tutorial
Total notional hours:
160
Independent
learning ability
Lecture
Module Type: Core
Programme Coordinators:
E440_25: Assoc. Prof. (Dr) Y. Surnam
E441_25: Prof. (Dr) A. Khoodaruth
Individual, team
and
multidisciplinary
working
Academic activities
Tutor for E440:
Dr J Chummun
jchummun@uom.ac.mu
403 7804
Sustainability and
the impact of
engineering
activity
Tutor for E441:
Dr Y. Seechurn
y.seechurn@uom.ac.mu
4037894
Engineering
methods, skills
and
tools, and
Professional
including
technical
information
communication
technology
Name:
Email:
Tel:
Semester
1
ECSA
Credit: 16
UoM
Credit: 4
Resource Person for Lectures: Dr J. Chummun
Year: 2026-2027
Examination details
Section: A & B
No. of questions to be answered:
5 out of 6
Multiple Choice Questions:
none
Compulsory Questions (if any):
N/A
Paper Duration:
3 hours
Prepared by:
Verified by Moderator
Name
Dr J. Chummun / Dr Y. Seechurn
Mrs P Jankee Bissoon
Signature
J.Chummun
Date
July 2024
July 2024
Updated by Mr Y. Seechurn: July 2017. Updated by Dr J. Chummun and verified by Ms Jankee in July 2018.
Updated by Dr J. Chummun and verified by Ms Jankee in August 2019.
Updated by Ms P Jankee and verified by Dr Chummun in October 2020.
Updated by Dr J. Chummun and verified by Ms Jankee in January 2024.
1
Module Details
Dynamics is an important branch of engineering mechanics and is concerned with the motion of bodies
under the action of forces. The main concepts of dynamics are introduced through the study of the
motion of point masses subjected to one or more forces. The analysis is then extended to rigid bodies.
Point masses have mass but no measurable size while rigid bodies have both mass and measurable size
but are not deformable. Study of kinematics enables students to understand the motion of bodies without
reference to the forces which cause motion. Kinetics, on the other hand, relates the effect of the forces
on point masses and rigid bodies to their resulting motions. This module also introduces undamped onedegree-of-freedom vibration of rigid bodies.
1. AIM
The aim of the module is to teach the fundamental concepts and methods of engineering dynamics and
to show the implementation of these methods in the analysis of basic mechanisms. It also includes
solving rigid-body planar kinetic problems that involve force, velocity as well as vibrations in rigid
bodies.
2. OUTLINE SYLLABUS
MECH2103(3) DYNAMICS (16 credits)
Kinetics of systems of particles, Newton’s 2nd law generalised for a system of particles, rate of change
of momentum and angular momentum relations, work-energy relations, conservation laws, steady mass
flow. Plane kinematics of rigid bodies, rotation, translation, general 2D motion, relative motion analysis.
Moments and products of inertia. Plane kinetics of rigid bodies, equations of motion, rotation,
translation, general 2D motion, work-energy relations. Vibration and time response.
3. MODULE LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this module, the students should be able to:








To analyse the accelerated motion of point masses and rigid bodies using the equations of
motion with different coordinate systems.
Determine the relative motion of rigid bodies: their displacement, velocity and acceleration.
Calculate forces and accelerations in simple mechanisms.
To apply the principle of work & energy and energy conservation laws to solve problems that
involve rigid bodies or systems of particles.
To apply the principle of linear impulse & momentum and the conservation of momentum to
solve problems that involve force, velocity and time.
To use the concepts related to the mechanics of impact to solve problems involving collision.
To solve problems involving steady fluid streams.
Determine the natural frequency and periodic time for different simple mechanisms. Derive
formulae that describe free vibrations.
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4. MODULE MAP
Semester 1
Knowledge Areas
Complementa
ry Studies
2T
Kinetics of systems of particles.
Further Application of Newton’s Second law of motion within different inertial coordinate systems: rectangular
coordinates, normal and tangential coordinates, introduction to cylindrical coordinates
Design &
Synthesis
6L
1-2
Engg Science
hours
Basic Science
Lecture Title(s)
Mathematics
Wk(s) Total

3L
3
2T
Further Application of Principle of Work and Energy to a system of particles; Work-Energy Relations applied
to a system of particles.

6L
4-5
Application of the Principle of Conservation of Momentum to a system of particles; Angular Impulse &
Momentum. Impact: Central Impact, Oblique Impact, Coefficient of Restitution, Elastic & Plastic Impact;
1Te Steady Fluid Streams.

4T
6L
6-7
4T
Kinematics of a Rigid Body: Translation, Rotation, General Plane Motion; Absolute Motion Analysis; Relative
Motion Analysis of Velocity and Acceleration: Using a Translating Frame of Reference, Method Instantaneous
Centre of Zero Velocity
8
1
TEST WEEK

3
Complementary
Studies
Design &
Synthesis
Engg Science
Basic Science
hours
Mathematics
Lecture Title(s)
Wk(s) Total
6L
9-10
4T
3P
6L
11-12
4T
Mass Moments of Inertia for different cross-sections; Derivation of formula for a uniform rod.
Development and Application of Planar Kinetic Equations of motion to rigid bodies undergoing translation,
rotation about a fixed axis and general plane motion.

Planar Kinetics of a Rigid Body: Kinetic Energy from Translation, Rotation about a Fixed Axis, General Plane
Motion; Work of a Force; Work of a Couple Moment; Principle of Work and Energy; Conservation of Energy.

1Te 1 Tutorial Test in Week 12
6L
13-14
4T
Vibrations: Undamped Free Vibration. Energy Methods. Application to different simple systems. Introduction
to Undamped Forced Vibrations and Viscous Damped Free Vibrations.


3P
15
REVISION
Abbreviations: L: Lectures, P: Practicals, T: Tutorials, Te: Test
Note:
1. Class attendance is highly recommended. Information regarding University regulations (including attendance) is available from the University
website in Section 2.3 of Chapter 2; http://www.uom.ac.mu/Images/Files/Regulations/2016_2017/Chap2.pdf.
2. Modifications may be made in the order of lecture-presentation.
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5. PRACTICAL CLASSES
1. Two practical sessions will be held:
I.
Dynamics
II.
Vibrations
2. Practical classes will be held in the Structural Mechanics Lab (First Floor, Textile Building).
Each group will consist of a maximum of FOUR students. Further information will be provided
during lab classes.
3. Each student is required to keep detailed record of each practical work and to submit a report.
6. ASSESSMENT
1.
Students are expected to attend class tests as per the date and time specified. Requests for
rescheduling class tests will not be entertained except in the case of extenuating circumstances.
2. Class Test 1 which will be held in week 8, will comprise of questions based on topics covered
from week 1 to week 7 and will be assessed over a maximum duration of 60 minutes.
3. For the tutorial sessions, 1 test will be scheduled and will be held over a maximum duration of
30 minutes (as per table on front sheet).
Continuous Assessment (Weightage: 40%)
Component
Practical
Tests
Lab Reports (2)
Tutorial Test
Class Test
Total CA Marks
Weighting (%)
10
10
20
40
Written
Examination
(Weightage 60%)
5 questions, out of 6, to be
answered over 3 hours.
7. RECOMMENDED BOOKS



Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics 12th Edition (or later) by R. C. Hibbeler (Prentice Hall)
Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics 3rd Edition (or later) by A Pytel & J. Kiusalaas (Cengage Learning)
Engineering mechanics: Dynamics by Meriam JL, Kraige LG. John Wiley & Sons; 2012
5
8. * SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOMES
GA Targeted
GA 1: Problem
Solving
GA 2: Application
of Science & Engg
knowledge.
Developmental Outcome
Students should develop the ability to
clearly define the system to which a
principle is applied in describing the
relations between forces and the
motions they produce by constructing
its free-body diagram.
Students should develop the ability to
correlate the actual physical situation
with the theory studied, establish a
coordinate system, apply the relevant
principles, and solve problems using
calculus.
How is outcome
assessed?
What is satisfactory
performance?
The assessment is based
on one tutorial test, one
main test, lab (or alt-tolab) reports and one
examination.
Students have to score a
minimum of 40% in the
exam and a final mark of at
least 50%.
9. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Dress Code, Classroom & Laboratory Conduct
1.
2.
3.
Lectures will be serviced online.
Alternative-to-lab sessions may be conducted (in lieu of labs) if deemed necessary.
Students are expected to be punctual in class/online lectures. Latecomers may be denied access to
class/lab/online class.
4. Students should wear lab coats and proper shoes in all practical sessions. Students will not be authorized
to work in the lab without the appropriate safety gear.
5. Students will have to attend the specified lab work as per the schedule and within the group allocated to
them unless arrangements have been made with lecturer/s concerned.
6. Students will not be allowed further access to the lab in case they are caught misbehaving and/or
tampering with other equipment in the lab.
7. Students are requested to tidy up the workbench/ machine and return all tools and equipment to the tools
room before leaving the lab.
8. Making or receiving cell phone calls during class or lab sessions are strictly not allowed. In case student
is expecting an urgent call, she/he should inform the resource person of the situation.
9. Students shall remain present and follow the whole duration of online/face to face sessions. In the
unlikely case that a student has to leave an online session, she/he has to log off from the class. Student
can log in again if needed. Attendance will be recorded.
10. All online sessions will be recorded.
Health & Safety Issues
1.
2.
3.
4.
Students have to strictly abide by the general health & safety rules and sanitary protocol prevailing on
the university campus.
Students are expected to be conversant with the specific health and safety measures for each laboratory.
Students have to maintain their health and safety gear in good condition at all times.
For further information on health and safety regulations in force at the University of Mauritius, please
refer to the University of Mauritius Safety and Health Website on the following link:
http://mysites.uom.ac.mu/safetyandhealth/
6