Students
MTRN2060 – Introduction to Mechatronics
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, lecturer
Binesh Puthen Veettil
Contact via Email
3MD office 251
Wednesdays 12pm-1pm
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
((PHYS1010 and PHYS1020) or (PHYS1520 and (MECH1001 or CIVL1001)) AND
(MATH1020 or MATH1025) AND COMP1000
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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 introduces the basic components of mechatronic systems including sensors, actuators, decision-making components and the electronics that connect them. It details how these individual components work, and how they are integrated into simple systems. This process empowers students to be engineers and makers who see how instrumentation and automation surround us and enable modern life. The unit builds on foundations in electricity, mechanics, and programming and asks participants to learn how sensors and actuators work (physics), how they interact (signals), and how they behave (system response). The unit is essential for further study in the field of mechatronic engineering, where the simple systems examined and experimented with here are built into complex automated electromechanical machines. Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Quality Education; 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: Demonstrate theoretical and practical understanding of a modern micro-controller
- ULO2: Demonstrate theoretical and practical use of a variety of sensors, actuators, and appropriate interfacing electronics.
- ULO3: Demonstrate practical use and theoretical understanding of electromechanics and small DC motors.
- ULO4: Apply creativity and initiative in building self-directed mechatronic systems.
- ULO5: Demonstrate a qualitative understanding of system response, including 2nd order systems.
General Assessment Information
Requirements to pass the unit: 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). For further details about grading, please refer below in the policies and procedures section. There are no hurdles.
Attendance and participation: We strongly encourage all students to actively participate in all learning activities. Regular engagement is crucial for your success in this unit, as these activities provide opportunities to deepen your understanding of the material, collaborate with peers, and receive valuable feedback from instructors, to assist in completing the unit assessments. Your active participation not only enhances your own learning experience but also contributes to a vibrant and dynamic learning environment for everyone.
On-campus activities commence in week 1. But there will be NO PRACTICAL CLASSES in week 1. if you are unable to return to campus for the start of session, contact the unit convenor immediately.
Late Assessment Submission: Late assessments are not accepted in this unit unless a Special Consideration has been submitted and approved.
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 https://connect.mq.edu.au.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Problem set | 45% | No | 15/10/2025 |
| Self Directed Practical Project | 10% | No | 04/11/2025 |
| Practical Tasks | 45% | No | 28/10/2025 |
Problem set
Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 12 hours
Due: 15/10/2025
Weighting: 45%
The problem set is designed to test the knowledge and skills you have developed on the topics (modules) covered in the unit. It is an invigilated assessment. It includes questions ranging from fundamental to more challenging, allowing you to demonstrate your newly acquired skills and knowledge. You will complete and submit the problem set towards the end of the semester before the due date specified in iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate theoretical and practical understanding of a modern micro-controller
- Demonstrate theoretical and practical use of a variety of sensors, actuators, and appropriate interfacing electronics.
- Demonstrate practical use and theoretical understanding of electromechanics and small DC motors.
- Demonstrate a qualitative understanding of system response, including 2nd order systems.
Self Directed Practical Project
Assessment Type 1: Project
Indicative Time on Task 2: 12 hours
Due: 04/11/2025
Weighting: 10%
In the final two weeks of term you will complete and present a mechatronic project of your own design. The rubric for this task will be posted on iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate theoretical and practical understanding of a modern micro-controller
- Demonstrate theoretical and practical use of a variety of sensors, actuators, and appropriate interfacing electronics.
- Apply creativity and initiative in building self-directed mechatronic systems.
Practical Tasks
Assessment Type 1: Log book
Indicative Time on Task 2: 24 hours
Due: 28/10/2025
Weighting: 45%
You will complete small projects during practical sessions, guided by worksheets. You will maintain a logbook which will be submitted for marking towards the end of the semester, by the due date specified in iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate theoretical and practical understanding of a modern micro-controller
- Demonstrate theoretical and practical use of a variety of sensors, actuators, and appropriate interfacing electronics.
- Demonstrate practical use and theoretical understanding of electromechanics and small DC motors.
- Demonstrate a qualitative understanding of system response, including 2nd order systems.
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
Week1 classes: On-campus activities (workshops) commence in week 1. if you are unable to return to campus for the start of session, contact the unit convenor immediately.There will be NO PRACTICAL CLASSES in week 1.
Method of Communication: We will communicate with you via your university email and through announcements on iLearn. Queries to convenors can either be placed on the iLearn discussion board or sent to the unit convenor via the contact email on iLearn.
Textbook: Introduction to Mechatronics and Measurement Systems by Alciatore and Histand. (3rd or 4th Edition is suitable)
Equipment: You must have your own Arduino electronics kit (as supplied to you in ENGG1000). It must contain the following items: 1x arduino, 1x breadboard, 30x wires, 10x LEDs various color, 10x 330R resistor, 2x 10k Resistor, 1x turnpot, 2x pushbottons, 1x buzzer. We will supply some extra components at no charge.
Textbook homepage: http://mechatronics.colostate.edu/
Technology and Software: We will use Arduino microcontrollers for all practical sessions. You will also be expected to analyse data using matlab, MS Excel or some other program of your choice.
Unit Schedule
Refer to iLearn and lecture notes for the unit schedule.
Also note, on-campus workshop will start in week 1. There will be no practical classes in week 1.
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:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
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.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
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:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
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 introduces several changes to the assessment tasks to align with the newly implemented three-assessment principles. First, the sensor data analysis task has been removed. Second, the flexible online quizzes have been replaced with a single problem set submission. Third, flexible practicals marking has been substituted with a logbook submission. The unit’s content and delivery remain largely unchanged from the previous iteration.
Engineers Australia Competency Mapping (custom)
| EA Competency Standard | Unit Learning Outcomes | |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge and Skill Base | 1.1 Comprehensive, theory-based understanding of the underpinning fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline | 1,2,3 |
| 1.2 Conceptual understanding of underpinning maths, analysis, statistics, computing | ||
| 1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knoweldge | 1,2,3,5 | |
| 1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions | 4 | |
| 1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice | 4 | |
| 1.6 Understanding of scope, principles, norms, accountabilities of sustainable engineering practice | ||
| Engineering Application Ability | 2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex problem solving | 1,2,3 |
| 2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources | 1,2,3 | |
| 2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design process | ||
| 2.4 Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects | ||
| Professional and Personal Attributes | 3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability | 4 |
| 3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional lay domains | ||
| 3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour | 4 | |
| 3.4 Professional use and management of information | 2 | |
| 3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct | 4 | |
| 3.6 Effecetive team membership and team leadership |
Unit information based on version 2025.03 of the Handbook