Students

MTRN6026 – Mechatronic Systems

2025 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Mohsen Asadnia
mohsen.asadnia@mq.edu.au
Contact via 02 9850 9528
Room 147, 3 Management Dr
Tuesday 2pm-5pm
Waqas Afridi
waqas.afridi@mq.edu.au
Contact via 0422206744
44 Waterloo Road, Ground floor G04
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
MTRN3026
Unit description Unit description

Robotics and automation have the potential to revolutionise the way we interact with the world. In many scenarios, robots can work longer or in tougher environments than humans can. However, they can also be confused by everyday scenarios that would pose no difficulty to a human child. So when, how, and why might it make sense to bring robotics and automation into the picture?  And what does it look like to do so responsibly? What are the components of the robot? What is the process of designing and manufacturing robots? How can Artificial Intelligence be applied in robotics? These are some questions that we will cover in this unit. In the Robotic and Automation unit, you will also learn about the Design and Development of Robots, Sensing and Perception, Motion Planning, Spatial Description and Transformations, Manipulator Kinematics, Dynamics and more. The unit will include 13 weeks of practical sessions where you learn about automation and coding of various types of robots.

Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Quality Education; Affordable and Clean Energy; Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure;

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:

  • ULO1: Describe and differentiate the components of mechatronic systems
  • ULO2: Demonstrate an understanding of Programme Logic Controllers (PLC)
  • ULO3: Demonstrate the design and development of a PLC based project including input and output devices with programming
  • ULO4: Analyse the performance of AC motor drives and controller

General Assessment Information

Grading and passing requirement for unit

In order to pass this unit a student must obtain a mark of 50 or more for the unit (i.e. obtain a passing grade P/ CR/ D/ HD), and meet two hurdle requirments (below).

Supplementary Exam: If you receive special consideration for the final exam, a supplementary exam will be scheduled by the faculty during a supplementary exam period. This is typically 3 to 4 weeks after the normal exam period. By making a special consideration application for the final exam you are declaring yourself available for a resit during the supplementary examination period and will not be eligible for a second special consideration approval based on pre-existing commitments. Please ensure you are familiar with the policy prior to submitting an application. Approved applicants will receive an individual notification one week prior to the exam with the exact date and time of their supplementary examination.

Late submissions and Resubmissions

in-class activities, or scheduled tests and exam must be undertaken at the time indicated in the unit guide.  All other assessments must be submitted by 12:00 am on their due date. Should either of these assessments be missed due to illness or misadventure, students should apply for Special Consideration.

Assessments not submitted by the due date will receive a mark in accordance with the late submission policy as follows:  A 12-hour grace period will be given after which the following deductions will be applied to the awarded assessment mark: 12 to 24 hours late = 10% deduction; for each day thereafter, an additional 10% per day or part thereof will be applied until five days beyond the due date. After this time, a mark of zero (0) will be given. For example, an assessment worth 20% is due 5 pm on 1 January. Student A submits the assessment at 1 pm, 3 January. The assessment received a mark of 15/20. A 20% deduction is then applied to the mark of 15, resulting in the loss of three (3) marks. Student A is then awarded a final mark of 12/20.

Resubmissions of work are not allowed.

Special Consideration

The Special Consideration Policy aims to support students who have been impacted by short-term circumstances or events that are serious, unavoidable and significantly disruptive, and which may affect their performance in assessment. If you experience circumstances or events that affect your ability to complete the assessments in this unit on time, please inform the convenor and submit a Special Consideration request through ask.mq.edu.au.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Final Exam 50% No TBC
Practical assessment 30% No Week 13
Practical demonstration 20% No Week 6

Final Exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 38 hours
Due: TBC
Weighting: 50%

 

Final Exam covering all unit content

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Describe and differentiate the components of mechatronic systems
  • Demonstrate an understanding of Programme Logic Controllers (PLC)
  • Demonstrate the design and development of a PLC based project including input and output devices with programming
  • Analyse the performance of AC motor drives and controller

Practical assessment

Assessment Type 1: Practice-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 30%

 

Students will be assessed through a demonstration which will take place at the end of the semester.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Describe and differentiate the components of mechatronic systems
  • Demonstrate an understanding of Programme Logic Controllers (PLC)
  • Demonstrate the design and development of a PLC based project including input and output devices with programming
  • Analyse the performance of AC motor drives and controller

Practical demonstration

Assessment Type 1: Demonstration
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: Week 6
Weighting: 20%

 

Assessment for practical activity

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Describe and differentiate the components of mechatronic systems
  • Demonstrate an understanding of Programme Logic Controllers (PLC)
  • Demonstrate the design and development of a PLC based project including input and output devices with programming
  • Analyse the performance of AC motor drives and controller

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

Full details about the resources will be available on ilearn page.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Academic Success

Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Changes from Previous Offering

This offering reflects changes to the assessment structure to comply with the newly implemented three-assessment policy. The in-class assignment has been removed. The final exam will now contribute 50% to the overall grade, and two new practical assessments have been introduced: a minor project (20%) and a major project (30%). The unit’s content and delivery remain largely consistent with previous offerings.

Unit information based on version 2025.05 of the Handbook