Students
MTRN4066 – Advanced Mechatronic Engineering
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 Convenor and Lecturer
David Inglis
Contact via email
9WW-2.134, https://macquarie.zoom.us/my/david.inglis
Tuesdas from 4-5pm, in person or on zoom
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| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
MTRN3026 and ELEC3024
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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, sources of error, experimental methods, programming and technical writing. Learning will be achieved using example problems, hands-on project work, and group work. The specific topics will focus on current advances in the area such as microcontrollers, motors and drive systems, control systems, sensors and machine vision. Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) 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: Design, numerically-model, implement, and test a digital motion control system for a non-linear problem
- ULO2: Demonstrate, problem solving, initiative, time management, and record keeping, skills in the completion of a significant project
- ULO3: Produce concise technical writing suitable for both engineering reports and scientific publications
- ULO4: Proficiently articulate advanced mechatronic principles, including convolutional neural networks, machine vision, synchronous electrical machines, and 3D printing
General Assessment Information
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.
Need help? Review the Special Consideration page HERE
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI assisted? |
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| Final Exam | 50% | No | Exam Period | Individual | No | |
| Project completion | 40% | No | 26/05/2026 | Individual and Group | No | |
| Preliminary Report | 10% | No | Week 4 | Individual | No |
Final Exam
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Exam Period
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:
Invigilated Final Exam
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Design, numerically-model, implement, and test a digital motion control system for a non-linear problem
- Proficiently articulate advanced mechatronic principles, including convolutional neural networks, machine vision, synchronous electrical machines, and 3D printing
Project completion
Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: 26/05/2026
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual and Group
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:
This assessment concludes your project and comprises a log book (documenting your work), a demonstration of system performance (made in class), and a final report.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Design, numerically-model, implement, and test a digital motion control system for a non-linear problem
- Demonstrate, problem solving, initiative, time management, and record keeping, skills in the completion of a significant project
- Produce concise technical writing suitable for both engineering reports and scientific publications
Preliminary Report
Assessment Type 1: Written Submission
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Week 4
Weighting: 10%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:
In this report you will focus on developing technical writing skills.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Design, numerically-model, implement, and test a digital motion control system for a non-linear problem
- Demonstrate, problem solving, initiative, time management, and record keeping, skills in the completion of a significant project
- Produce concise technical writing suitable for both engineering reports and scientific publications
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.
3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.
Delivery and Resources
Technology: All students should have access to Matlab, ideally on a mobile computer.
Resources: A university textbook on Control Systems is useful. I have used books by Norman Nise and Dorf & Bishop. "Mechatronics" by Smaili and Mrad is also a key source.
Unit Schedule
Workshops commence in week 1. Practicals commence in week 2.
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
New assessment principles have resulted in a reduction in the number of assessment tasks and the removal of the hurdle on the final exam. The final exam weighting has therefore been increased from 35 to 50%.
Unit content has changed to provide more focus on control system topics. We have removed the COMSOL modelling component.
Engineers Australia Competency Mapping
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EA Competency Standard |
Unit Learning Outcomes |
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Knowledge and Skill Base |
1.1 Comprehensive, theory-based understanding of the underpinning fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline. |
1.4 |
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1.2 Conceptual understanding of underpinning maths, analysis, statistics, computing. |
1,4 |
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1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge |
1,4 |
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1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions |
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1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice |
1 |
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1.6 Understanding of scope, principles, norms, accountabilities of sustainable engineering practice. |
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Engineering Application Ability |
2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex problem solving |
1 |
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2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources. |
1,4 |
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2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes. |
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2.4 Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects. |
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Professional and Personal Attributes |
3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability. |
2 |
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3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains. |
3 |
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3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour. |
2 |
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3.4 Professional use and management of information. |
2 |
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3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct. |
2 |
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3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership |
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Unit information based on version 2026.04 of the Handbook