MECH ENG 2101 - Mechatronics IM

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2014

To provide an introduction to the application of electronic control systems in mechanical and electrical engineering. To give framework of knowledge that allows students to develop an interdisciplinary understanding and integrated approach to mechatronic engineering. In the Workshop Practice component, organized during the semester break, students will become familiar with basic workshop practices, including machining and the use of hand tools.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code MECH ENG 2101
    Course Mechatronics IM
    Coordinating Unit School of Mechanical Engineering
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact 36 hours lectures, practicals, 40 hours workshop practice (mid-year break)
    Incompatible MECH ENG 2004 or MECH ENG 2011
    Assumed Knowledge ELEC ENG 1008 or ELEC ENG 1009 & MECH ENG 1007 & MECH ENG 2021
    Restrictions Available to BE (Mechanical), BE (Mechanical & Aerospace), BE (Mechanical & Automotive), BE (Mechanical & Sustainable Energy) and associated double degree students only
    Course Description To provide an introduction to the application of electronic control systems in mechanical and electrical engineering. To give framework of knowledge that allows students to develop an interdisciplinary understanding and integrated approach to mechatronic engineering. In the Workshop Practice component, organized during the semester break, students will become familiar with basic workshop practices, including machining and the use of hand tools.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Lei Chen

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes

    On completion of the course, students should:

    1 Have a good understanding of the architecture of mechatronic systems;
    2 Be able to design some simple measurement systems using different sensors;
    3 Have the ability to design basic control systems using different actuators;
    4 Demonstrate an understanding of PLC programming;
    5 Demonstrate an understanding of analogue and digital interfacing.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1-5
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1-5
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 1-5
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 1-5
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 1-5
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1-5
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1-5
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 1-5
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources

    Course notes – these are essential and required.

    Recommended Resources

    1 Principles of Measurement Systems, Bentley;

    1 Introduction to engineering experimentation, Anthony J. Wheeler and Ahmad R. Ganji.

  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    Lectures supported by problem-solving tutorials and practicals developing material covered in lectures.

    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The required time commitment is 36 hours attendance at lectures, 36 hours of revising course material, 30 hours completing assignments, 20 hours preparing and completing practical reports, and 40 hours workshop practices.

    Learning Activities Summary
    • Introduction to mechatronic systems (2 lectures – 5%)

    • Switching Devices (2 lectures – 6%)

    • Electro-pneumatic actuators (2 lectures – 6%)

    • Programmable logic controllers (3 lectures – 8%)

    • Stepping motors (3 lectures – 8%)

    • Measuring Solid Mechanical Quantities (6 lectures – 17%)

    • Measuring temperature (6 lectures – 17%)

    • Measuring fluid flow rate (6 lectures – 17%)

    • Introduction to Digital Systems (3 lectures – 8%)

    • Characteristics of Measurement Systems (3 lectures – 8%)

    Specific Course Requirements

    None

  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary

    All assessment tasks are summative. There are 4 assignments, each worth 5% of the assessment and an open book exam worth 70%. In addition, there are two practical reports, each worth 5%. All assignments are due by 5pm on the due date. Details of each task are tabulated below.

    Assessment Task Task Type Due Weighting% Learning Outcome
    Assignment 1 Actuators

    Week 5

    5 1-5
    Assignment 2 PLC and motors Week 7 5 1-5
    Assignment 3 Common Sensors Week 9 5 1-5
    Assignment  4 Flowmeters Week 11 5 1-5
    Lab Report 1 PLC TBA 5 1-5
    Lab Report 2 Pneumatics TBA 5 1-5
    Final Exam Exam on all parts of the course Exam period 70 1-5
    Assessment Related Requirements

    None

    Assessment Detail

    Assignment 1.
    Assignment 1 is designed to enhance student knowledge and understanding of the switching devices and pneumatic actuators through completing this assignment.

    Assignment 2.
    Assignment 2 is designed to enhance student knowledge and understanding of the stepping motors and PLC programming through completing this assignment.

    Assignment 3.
    Assignment 3 is designed to enhance student knowledge and understanding of strain gauges and temperature sensors through completing this assignment.

    Assignment 4.
    Assignment 4 is designed to enhance student knowledge and understanding of the flowmeters through completing this assignment.

    The assessment criteria for the assignments are outlined below.

    Item Assessment Criteria
    Assignments

    Performance is judged by the extent to which students are able to:

    • understand the concepts and principles obtained in the course;
    • organise and interpret the engineering ideas logically;
    • communicate the solutions effectively;
    • use Mechatroinc terminology and notation correctly;
    • critically evaluate the information obtained;
    • pay attention to details and calculate precisely.
    Lab Reports

    Performance is judged by the extent to which students are able to:

    • describe the purpose, procedure, results and conclusions of an experiment;
    • record data and observations concisely in an appropriate format;
    • design correct circuits or programs;
    • identify sources of error;
    • draw conclusions based on the results of the experiment
    Submission

    All assignments must be submitted in the digital drop box in MyUni and a hard copy placed in the labelled box located on level 2 of Engineering South Building. Any assignments submitted as a hard copy must be accompanied by an assessment cover sheet available from Room S116 or near the assignment area. Late assignments will be penalised 10% per day (weekends and holidays are included). Extensions for assignments will only be given in exceptional circumstances and a case for this with supporting documentation can be made in writing after a lecture or via email to the lecturer. Hard copy assignments will be assessed and returned in 3 weeks of the due date. There will be no opportunities for re-submission of work of unacceptable standard. Due to the large size of the class feedback on assignments will be limited to in-class discussion resulting from questions from students.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
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