Content The course contains the fundamental concepts and relationships in fluid mechanics: conservation of mass, momentum and energy, and in hydrostatics: forces and torques in stationary fluids. Furthermore, the course includes concepts and relationships such as circulation, vorticity, rotating and non-rotating flows for an ideal fluid, Bernoulli's theorem, drag and lift of an ideal fluid. Linear waves and instabilities in an ideal fluid are dealt with during the course, as well as viscous flows, dynamic similarities, dimensional analysis, pipe flows, time relaxation and flow resistance in viscous flows, boundary layers and heat conduction. The course comprises a theory part of 6 credits, an experimental laboratory part of 1 credit, and a computer laboratory part of 0.5 credits.
Expected study results To fulfill the goals of knowledge and understanding, the student should be able to:
define and explain in detail the fundamental relationships, laws and equations in fluid and gas dynamics
provide an in-depth explanation of important hydrodynamic concepts such as laminar and turbulent flow, instabilities, vortex formation, and drag and lifting forces.
In order to fulfill the goals for proficiency and ability, the student should be able to:
apply fluid dynamical equations and conservation laws to solve advanced hydrodynamic problems
solve in-depth problems in hydrostatics and calculate pressure forces
apply dynamic similarities and dimensional analysis in problem solving
analyze viscous flows in channels and pipes, as well as drag forces and time relaxation
use software to solve advanced hydrodynamic problems numerically
demonstrate the ability to plan and perform, using appropriate methods, qualified experiments in hydrodynamics, evaluate experimental results and present these in writing and orally
collaborate in a group during laboratory work.
In order to fulfill the goals for values and critical approach, the student should be able to:
reflect on and evaluate their own and others' efforts in laboratory work
demonstrate the ability to make assessments with regard to scientific and ethical aspects in the presentation and publication of results in laboratory work.
Examination The examination of the theoretical part of the course is in the form of an individual, written exam at the end of the course. The grading scale for the written exam is Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with Merit (4), Pass with Distinction (5). The examination of the course's experimental laboratory parts and of the course's computer laboratory parts is done individually through written and oral reports. The grading scale for the reports is Fail (U) or Pass (G).
For the entire course, one of the grades Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with Merit (4), or Pass with Distinction (5) will be given when all parts have been passed. Provided that all parts are passed, the grade on the entire course will be the same as on the theoretical part. Those who have passed an examination are not allowed to take another examination in order to get a higher grade.
Literature The compendium "Lectures on Fluid Dynamics", which is distributed by the department.
90 credits including Classical Mechanics and Mathematics of Physical Models or equivalent. Proficiency in English and Swedish equivalent to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies. Requirements for Swedish only apply if the course is held in Swedish.
Academic credits
Applicants in some programs at Umeå University have guaranteed admission to this course. The number of places for a single course may therefore be limited.
Application code
UMU-53153
Application
Application deadline was
15 October 2025.
Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
Submit a
late application
at Universityadmissions.se.
As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
