Turbomachinery fluid mechanics theory has become so advanced in response to the demands of modern high technology machinery that practicing engineers and academics are presented with conflicting requirements. Engineering career progression requires increasing generalism, especially within the management structure of large companies. Advanced engineering produces, conversely, demands for skilled specialist from among the most able engineers. The conflict is reflected in first and second degree courses which primarily serve the broad training needs of engineers. Final year specialist student options and masters degree courses offer one solution to the necessary compromise needed, coupled to doctoral programs. Typical fluid dynamic topics are presented which commend the use of classical fluid dynamics as optimal for educational purposes. A new unified approach to performance analysis, which links dimensional analysis, velocity triangle selection, duty coefficient selection, and aerodynamics, is presented as the key to a coordinated approach to teaching and codification of this field of study. Sample syllabi and examination question are given.