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Accessibility statement
Half of this module is about modelling simple fluid flows; the other half is about mathematical methods. You’ll learn how to solve ordinary and partial differential equations such as Laplace’s, the wave and the diffusion equation, some vector field theory, and Fourier analysis. The fluid mechanical aspects of the module will give you a good understanding of modelling in the context of fluids.
In simple terms, we think of a fluid as a flowing substance. Familiar examples are air (a gas) and water (a liquid). All fluids are liquids or gases. The analysis of the forces in and the motion of liquids and gases is called fluid mechanics. This module introduces the fundamentals of fluid mechanics and discusses the solutions of fluid-flow problems modelled by differential equations. The mathematical methods arise from (and are interpreted in) the context of fluid-flow problems. However, they can also be applied in other areas such as electromagnetism and the mechanics of solids.
Because of its many applications, fluid mechanics is important for applied mathematicians, scientists and engineers. Air flow over objects is of fundamental importance to the aerodynamicist in designing aeroplanes and the motor industry in designing cars with drag-reducing profiles. The flow of fluids through pipes and channels is also important to engineers. Fluid mechanics is essential to the meteorologist in studying the complicated flow patterns in the atmosphere.
The module is arranged in 13 units within four blocks.
Block 1
This is the foundation on which the rest of the module is built.
Block 2
The second block starts by investigating the motion of a fluid that is assumed to be incompressible (its volume cannot be reduced) and inviscid (there is no internal friction).
Block 3
This block looks at a class of differential equations typified by the wave equation, diffusion equation and Laplace’s equation, which frequently arise in fluid mechanics and other branches of applied mathematics.
Block 4
In this block, you’ll return to applications of mathematics to fluid flows.
If you are considering progressing to The engineering project (T452), this is one of the OU level 3 modules on which you could base your project topic. Typically, you should have completed one of these OU level 3 modules (or be currently studying one) before registering for the project module.
The full content list is on the Open mathematics and statistics website.
You must have passed one of the following:
You can check you’re ready for MST326 and see the topics it covers here.
You should aim to be confident and fluent with the concepts covered in the Are you ready? quiz and follow the advice in the quiz.
The key topics to revise include:
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
We’re using a new examination verification process for this module. We may ask you to attend a 15-minute post-exam video discussion, where you’ll present a photo ID and discuss your answers to a small number of questions with a tutor or member of the module team. The discussion isn’t graded; it’s only to verify that you completed the exam yourself.
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
Additionally, the website includes:
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying MST326 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326) starts once a year – in October.
It will next start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2032.
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