MECH ENG 7071 - Mechatronics II

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2019

This course will equip students with the necessary knowledge in programmable logic controller (PLC) technology to solve problems related to mechatronic systems. PLC is a robust automation controller that is extensively used in industry. Small-group projects and case studies will be used to provide important hands-on experience with PLC based projects.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code MECH ENG 7071
    Course Mechatronics II
    Coordinating Unit School of Mechanical Engineering
    Term Semester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 4 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Course Description This course will equip students with the necessary knowledge in programmable logic controller (PLC) technology to solve problems related to mechatronic systems. PLC is a robust automation controller that is extensively used in industry. Small-group projects and case studies will be used to provide important hands-on experience with PLC based projects.
    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 successful completion of this course students will be able to:

     
    1 Demonstrate basic programming skills with PLCs;
    2 Demonstrate an understanding of data types, CPU memory, I/O;
    3 Demonstrate the ability to program automation processes using PLCs;
    4 Control simple devices such as motors and cylinders using PLCs;
    5 Discuss the architecture of Micro-controller systems; and
    6 Design a simple real-time Micro-controller system.

     
    The above course learning outcomes are aligned with the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for the Professional Engineer.
    The course is designed to develop the following Elements of Competency: 1.1   1.2   1.3   1.4   1.5   1.6   2.1   2.2   2.3   2.4   3.1   3.2   3.3   3.4   3.5   3.6   

    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)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1-6
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    1-6
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    5-6
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    6
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    1-6
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    2-3,5-6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources

    Access to Mechtronics Lab (S311b & S311c), Printed Lecture Notes from the Image & Copy Centre, Access to MyUni, Access to a printer.

    Recommended Resources

    Printed Lecture Notes from the Image & Copy Centre, Library text books on PLC, access to a printer, access to the internet, access to TURNITIN.

    Online Learning

    Course material provided via MyUni.

  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    Teaching and learning modes for this course are through contact lectures, computer laboratories in the Mechtronics Lab (S311b & S311c) and self-study. The lectures provide the background theory for the subject, and the computer laboratories provide learners with the practical experience in using PLC software to solve engineering problems. The PLC projects are an integral part of the course learning and outcomes, and are used to develop the graduate attributes of the learners. The projects also enable students to demonstrate their knowledge gained from the course by independently solving complex engineering problems. Lab reporting is a formative part of the learning experience and provides learners with the ability to communicate their understanding of the course material to wider enegineering community professionally.

    Workload

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

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

    Lecture Contact Hours: 24 hours
    Lab Contact Hours: 24 hours
    PLC Project: > 50 hours
    Exam Preparation: 34 hours
    Lab reports: 12 hours
    Lecture preparation: 12 hours
    Total: 156 hours
    Learning Activities Summary
    • Structure of PLC (3 lectures)
    • Basic Concepts for PLC Programming (3 lectures)
    • Data Types (3 lectures)
    • CPU Memory (3 lectures)
    • Input/Output Control (3 lectures)
    • Building and Running Projects (3 lectures)
    • Microcontroller introduction (6 lectures)
    Specific Course Requirements

    Access to Mechtronics Lab (S311b & S311c) will be required to complete the lab sessions and the PLC Projects.

  • 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
    Assessment Task Weighting (%) Individual/ Group Formative/ Summative
    Due (week)*
    Hurdle criteria Learning outcomes
    PLC Projects 30 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
    Final exam 70 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
    Total 100
    * The specific due date for each assessment task will be available on MyUni.
     
    This assessment breakdown complies with the University's Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy.
     

    The above is an outline of the assessment for this course. Please note that while every effort has been made to ensure that this information reflects an accurate plan, the coordinator reserves the right to make changes that ensure the continual improvement of the course. Any such changes will be made clear during the lectures and via MyUni.


     

    Assessment Related Requirements

    Completion of the PLC Projects with a grading of Pass or higher is required.

    Assessment Detail

    The PLC projects provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their comprehension of the course material. The projects are marked and included in the final assessment so that students take them seriously.

    The examination is a summative assessment and is intended to assess the student’s knowledge and understanding of the course material and how it fits into the global engineering context. The final examination is open-book.

    Submission

    The project reports will be submitted through MyUni.

    Late submission of the reports will not be accepted as the answers will be discussed at the following lecture the next day.

    The Late Penalty for assignments and the PLC Project is 10% per each end of day. Hence weekends lose 3 days = 30%.

    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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