Students
ELEC466 – Advanced Mechatronic Engineering
2014 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
David Inglis
Contact via david.inglis@mq.edu.au
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| Credit points |
Credit points
3
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
ELEC326(P) and ELEC342(P)
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit integrates prior learning in a specialist area of engineering with problem solving, emerging technology and aspects of engineering application, technical reporting and self-management to prepare students to work at a professional capacity. The unit aims to address the application of fundamental principles and methods at an advanced level in the context of standards and practices, modelling, analysis, design and practical implementation. The unit also develops skills in the critical evaluation of information, software and sources of error, and experimental methods. Learning will be achieved using case studies, laboratories, presentations, group work and traditional lecture format. The specific topics will focus on current advances in the area such as microcontrollers, MEMs, nanotechnologies, control systems, sensors and actuators, mechanical interfacing, advanced electronics systems such as analogue-to-digital conversion, power conversion and control, and IC design.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- demonstrate your understanding of core concepts in three areas of engineering: software, electronic and mechanical
- synthesize this knowledge and understanding in the design and creation of a mechatronic system
- Evaluate and critique relevant data and technical writing
- Demonstrate planning, creativity, problem solving, initiative and time management skills in the completion of a major project
- Understand a wide range of advanced topics relevant to mechatronic engineering
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Project Logbook | 15% | Week 13 |
| Engagement | 3% | week 13 |
| Project Plan | 5% | Week 3 |
| Assignments | 10% | TBD |
| Brief Technical Report | 5% | Week 4 |
| Improved Technical Report | 7% | Week 8 |
| Peer Review of Reports | 5% | Week 5 |
| Project Outcome and Report | 30% | Week 13 |
| Final Exam | 20% | exam period |
Project Logbook
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 15%
Whenever working on your major project you should use an individual log book to document your progress. This is preferably a bound paper document. In grading you log book, I will be looking for dates, times, of work done, as well as evidence of quality work. This is your chance to show the good work you have done on the group project. If you work as a consultant, a log of your work is an important part of billing for hours.
The individual project log is worth 20% of your final grade.
Due: end of week 13.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- synthesize this knowledge and understanding in the design and creation of a mechatronic system
- Demonstrate planning, creativity, problem solving, initiative and time management skills in the completion of a major project
Engagement
Due: week 13
Weighting: 3%
You will be graded on your engagement with the material and the wider engineering community. You are encouraged to make contributions in class, and to share news, discoveries, triumphs, etc through the twitter #MQMechatronics, which is fed to the iLearn page, and/or on the class discussion page, and/or through other written means.
This will contribute 3% to your final grade and will be assessed after week 13.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- demonstrate your understanding of core concepts in three areas of engineering: software, electronic and mechanical
- Demonstrate planning, creativity, problem solving, initiative and time management skills in the completion of a major project
Project Plan
Due: Week 3
Weighting: 5%
In Week 1 you will form groups and choose a major project. Your first assignment will be a project plan. This document must clearly show
· what each member will be responsible for
· Initial concept sketches and descriptions
· Back-up plans should initial plans fail
· Budget estimates
· Timeline of deliverables and milestones
· It must include a brief section detailing the contributions of team member to the document. This should include an overall percentage contribution from each team member that must add up to 100%. This will be used to differentiate grades within a group.
This group document is worth 5% of your final grade. If major changes are required, an updated project plan should be submitted.
Due: End of week 3.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Evaluate and critique relevant data and technical writing
- Demonstrate planning, creativity, problem solving, initiative and time management skills in the completion of a major project
Assignments
Due: TBD
Weighting: 10%
There will be 3 or 4 short assignments which review topics covered in lecture. These are worth a total of 10% of your final grade.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- demonstrate your understanding of core concepts in three areas of engineering: software, electronic and mechanical
- Understand a wide range of advanced topics relevant to mechatronic engineering
Brief Technical Report
Due: Week 4
Weighting: 5%
You are to individually prepare a brief technical report on a topic of relevance to your major project. It should cover one topic in depth, detailing the options and technology choices in the area. It should conclude with a well justified implementation plan/decision. Suitable topics include, but are not limited to, component choice, material choice or manufacturing options.
The report may include figures and images and should have a length of 700 to 1000 words. The report will be graded by two of your peers and scaled appropriately to produce a class average of ~66% with ~10% Ds and HDs. It is worth 5% of your final grade.
You must submit a .doc to ilearn for assessment.
Due: first class in week 4.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- demonstrate your understanding of core concepts in three areas of engineering: software, electronic and mechanical
- Evaluate and critique relevant data and technical writing
Improved Technical Report
Due: Week 8
Weighting: 7%
You will receive your peer reviewed technical reports in Week 5. You will then act on the feedback that you received and improve your report, paying particular attention to clarity and structure.
This document will then be submitted to iLearn for grading by the Lecturer. It is worth 7% of your final grade
Due: first class in week 8.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- demonstrate your understanding of core concepts in three areas of engineering: software, electronic and mechanical
- Evaluate and critique relevant data and technical writing
Peer Review of Reports
Due: Week 5
Weighting: 5%
You will provide feedback and grading on two of your peers technical reports. You will be randomly assigned two of your peers technical reports. You will provide feedback and grading on the two reports. Your feedback may be written on the reports in red ink, or you may use “track changes” and other software tools to edit and provide comments/feedback.
Your feedback will be graded by the lecturer/tutor, and together are worth 5% of your final grade.
These two documents should also be submitted to ilearn.
Due: first class in week 5.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Evaluate and critique relevant data and technical writing
Project Outcome and Report
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 30%
Your major project will be graded for completion and quality. You must also submit a brief project report..
This report should
· provide the reader with enough information to re-created your device.
· It should include drawings, and component data sheets.
· You may wish to include important calculations or justifications for decisions made.
· It should also include a set of instructions for using and or controlling the device.
· It must include a brief section detailing the roles and responsibilities of each team member. This should include an overall percentage contribution from each team member that must add up to 100%. This will be used to differentiate grades within a group.
· It should not include a description of your journey, mental, physical, emotional or otherwise.
You must also submit a brief (~100 word) confidential reflection on your role in the project
The group project report is worth 15% of your final grade, and the project outcome is worth 15% of your final grade.
Projects and project reports will be graded in the last hour of the last prac.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- synthesize this knowledge and understanding in the design and creation of a mechatronic system
- Demonstrate planning, creativity, problem solving, initiative and time management skills in the completion of a major project
Final Exam
Due: exam period
Weighting: 20%
The final exam will cover topics dealt with in lectures. You are permitted one A4 sheet of hand-written notes. It will be a mix of problems, concepts and writing. It will be given in the first week of the exam period at a time to be determined by the class, the exam duration will be 2 hours, and it will be worth 20% of your final grade.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- demonstrate your understanding of core concepts in three areas of engineering: software, electronic and mechanical
- Understand a wide range of advanced topics relevant to mechatronic engineering
Delivery and Resources
We will make use of Computer Aided Drafting, namely PTC CREO and MATLAB.
This is the first offering of this unit.
Learning and Teaching Activities
Group Project
Assignments
Technical report
Peer Review
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
No extensions will be granted. Late tasks will be accepted up to 72* hours after the submission deadline. There will be a deduction of 20%* of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission – 40% penalty). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for special consideration is made and approved.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative
We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Demonstrate planning, creativity, problem solving, initiative and time management skills in the completion of a major project
Learning and teaching activities
- Students choose a major project to complete
- Students will prepare and improve upon a brief technical report of relevance to their group project
- Students will provide feedback to other students' technical reports.
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- demonstrate your understanding of core concepts in three areas of engineering: software, electronic and mechanical
- synthesize this knowledge and understanding in the design and creation of a mechatronic system
- Understand a wide range of advanced topics relevant to mechatronic engineering
Learning and teaching activities
- Students choose a major project to complete
Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills
Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- demonstrate your understanding of core concepts in three areas of engineering: software, electronic and mechanical
- Understand a wide range of advanced topics relevant to mechatronic engineering
Learning and teaching activities
- Students choose a major project to complete
- Students will complete assignments as needed to consolidate learning
Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- synthesize this knowledge and understanding in the design and creation of a mechatronic system
Learning and teaching activities
- Students choose a major project to complete
- Students will provide feedback to other students' technical reports.
Problem Solving and Research Capability
Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- synthesize this knowledge and understanding in the design and creation of a mechatronic system
Learning and teaching activities
- Students choose a major project to complete
- Students will complete assignments as needed to consolidate learning
Creative and Innovative
Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- synthesize this knowledge and understanding in the design and creation of a mechatronic system
Learning and teaching activities
- Students choose a major project to complete
Effective Communication
We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Evaluate and critique relevant data and technical writing
Assessment task
- Engagement
Learning and teaching activity
- Students choose a major project to complete
- Students will prepare and improve upon a brief technical report of relevance to their group project
- Students will provide feedback to other students' technical reports.
Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens
As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Assessment task
- Engagement
Learning and teaching activity
- Students will complete assignments as needed to consolidate learning
- Students will provide feedback to other students' technical reports.