Students

MECH2003 – Mechanical Design 1

2026 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convener
Sammy Diasinos
sammy.diasinos@mq.edu.au
Contact via 7242 0221
Level 2, 9 Wallys Walk
See ilearn
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
MECH1001 and (MATH1020 or MATH1025)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

In this unit, students will develop skills in computer-aided drawing with a specific focus on part modelling, manufacturing drawings, assembly modelling, CNC programming and surfacing. The unit also covers basic knowledge in the selection of machine elements and principles in the design of engineering systems. Students are expected to demonstrate the ability to analyse rotating systems required to transmit power and consider the most suitable methods for assembling them.  

Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; Responsible Consumption and Production

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: Employ computer-aided-drawing proficiently to produce solid models, assemblies, computer-numerical-control codes and manufacturing drawings that meet industrial and Australian standards.
  • ULO2: Analyse and identify the usage of different types of permanent and non-permanent joints.  
  • ULO3: Analyse power transmission, losses and angular velocity changes in mechanical engineering systems.
  • ULO4: Discuss the mechanical design process and how the use of engineering principles supports this procedure.
  • ULO5: Apply prerequisite knowledge that will assist with the selection of machine elements and analysis of systems

General Assessment Information

Grading and passing requirements for this 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). Please refer below to the policies and procedures section for further details about grading.

 

Late Submission Policy

  • 5% penalty per day: If you submit your assessment late, 5% of the total possible marks will be deducted for each day (including weekends), up to 7 days.

    • Example 1 (out of 100): If you score 85/100 but submit 20 hours late, you will lose 5 marks and receive 80/100.

    • Example 2 (out of 30): If you score 27/30 but submit 1 day late, you will lose 1.5 marks and receive 25.5/30.

  • After 7 days: Submissions more than 7 days late will receive a mark of 0.

  • Extensions:

    • Automatic short extension: Some assessments are eligible for automatic short extension. You can only apply for an automatic short extension before the due date.

    • Special Consideration: If you need more time due to serious issues and for any assessments that are not eligible for Short Extension, you must apply for Special Consideration.

 

CAD Assignment - Standard late penalty applies, automatic short extensions are available

CAD Demonstration and Final examination - No extensions possible without special consideration.

 

Special consideration for the final exam

If you receive special consideration for the final exam, a supplementary exam will be scheduled by the faculty during a supplementary exam period, typically about 3 to 4 weeks after the normal exam period. By making a special consideration application for the final exam, you declare yourself available for a resit during the supplementary examination period, and you 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 their supplementary examination's exact date and time. For the in session tests, the convenor will move the weighting of the missed assessmnet to an alternative assessment at the convener's discretion.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due Groupwork/Individual Short Extension AI Approach
CAD Demonstration 15% No Week 8 Individual No Observed
CAD Assignment 35% No 05/06/2026 Individual Yes Open
Final examination 50% No Examination Period Individual No Observed

CAD Demonstration

Assessment Type 1: Presentation task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Week 8
Weighting: 15%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed

You will demonstrate your proficiency in computer-aided drawing (CAD) using CREO. Specifically, you will demonstrate your ability to create solid models, produce manufacturing drawings, create an assembly and generate CNC code. 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Employ computer-aided-drawing proficiently to produce solid models, assemblies, computer-numerical-control codes and manufacturing drawings that meet industrial and Australian standards.

CAD Assignment

Assessment Type 1: Creative task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 05/06/2026
Weighting: 35%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open

You will be required to reverse engineer a complex mechanical system that demonstrates all the CAD skills which you have obtained.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Employ computer-aided-drawing proficiently to produce solid models, assemblies, computer-numerical-control codes and manufacturing drawings that meet industrial and Australian standards.
  • Analyse power transmission, losses and angular velocity changes in mechanical engineering systems.

Final examination

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 43 hours
Due: Examination Period
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed

You will be assessed on all the knowledge and analysis presented during this unit. 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Analyse and identify the usage of different types of permanent and non-permanent joints.  
  • Analyse power transmission, losses and angular velocity changes in mechanical engineering systems.
  • Discuss the mechanical design process and how the use of engineering principles supports this procedure.
  • Apply prerequisite knowledge that will assist with the selection of machine elements and analysis of 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
  • Academic Success 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.

3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.

Delivery and Resources

There will be no SGTA’s conducted in week 1. All SGTA's begin as of week 2 in the semester. Students are required to attend the SGTA that they have enrolled in through eStudent to ensure that there are sufficient computing resources for all who attend. Attendance at the SGTA will be recorded and some activities undertaken there will be graded.

 

CAD tests availability

Students must be available to undertake the CAD tests during their respective enrolled SGTA’s. Not being available at these times will require an approved special consideration.

 

Methods of Communication

We will communicate with you via your university email or through announcements on iLearn. Queries to convenors can either be placed on the iLearn discussion board or sent to MECH2003@mq.edu.au from your university email address.

 

Technology used.

This unit requires students to learn how to use the CAD software CREO 12.0. No other software will be accepted for any assessments that require the use of CAD. This software is only available on windows operating system. A reduced capability version of this software is available for students to download for free from the PTC web site for free. More information is available in the first week lecture slides on how this software may be obtained.

It is also recommended to bring a headset available to the SGTA so that you may listen to instruction videos with the sound on. Students who do not bring a headset with them to an SGTA will be expected to mute the sound while watching the videos.

 

Recommended and/or Required texts

The following text are recommended for this unit:

  • Richard G Budynas, “Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design.” McGrawll Hill, 11th SI edition.
  • AW Boundy, "Egineering Drawing." McGrawll Hill, 8th edition.

Unit Schedule

Refer to iLearn and lecture notes for the unit schedule.

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.

Engineers Australia Competency Mapping

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.

ULO3

1.2 Conceptual understanding of underpinning maths, analysis, statistics, computing.

ULO5 

1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge

ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, ULO5

1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions

 

1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice

ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4 

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

ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4 

2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.

ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4 

2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.

ULO1, ULO3, ULO4 

2.4 Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects.

ULO3, ULO4 

Professional and Personal Attributes

3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability.

 

3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.

 

3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour.

 

3.4 Professional use and management of information.

 

3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct.

 

3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership

 

Unit information based on version 2026.02 of the Handbook