Students

MECH3003 – Mechanical Design 2

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
MECH2001 and MECH2003 and MECH2004
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

In this unit, students will develop the skills to produce design solutions for complex engineering design problems.  The unit covers knowledge in the design of machine components such as gears, belt drives, chain drives, bearings and shaft systems. At the end of the unit, students are expected to demonstrate the ability to design a complete mechanical system as well as the critical details for components of a larger system. The unit will culminate with an opportunity for the students to present a constructed system and demonstrate its ability to achieve the defined task in a competition.

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: Define a complex mechanical engineering problem into a series of specifications and consider multiple alternative solutions that may achieve these specifications.  
  • ULO2: Apply concepts and knowledge in Mechanics of Materials and Materials engineering to create mathematical representations of the performance of common mechanical components to generate effective design choices..
  • ULO3: Conceptualise and analyse an entire mechanical system, numerically, to determine and optimise the requirements of the individual components to ensure a viable and cost-effective solution to performing a specified task.
  • ULO4: Conceptualise and implement the plan to manufacture a prototype of a mechanical design which demonstrates the effectiveness or deficiencies of the numerical analysis undertaken to enhance the design of a multi-faceted mechanical engineering problem.
  • ULO5: Apply prerequisite unit knowledge to aid the design of solutions for complex engineering problems including producing AS1100 standard manufacturing drawings.

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.

 

Design and Perfromance Report - Standard late penalty applies, automatic short extensions are available

Project Presentation 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
Project Presentation 15% No Week 8 Individual and Group No Observed
Design and Performance Report 35% No 05/06/2026 Individual Yes Open
Final Examination 50% No Examination Period Individual No Observed

Project Presentation

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

You will present the detail design of your sub-system for the major project. Feedback will be provided for you to make the necessary amendments to your designs to obtain approval for manufacture.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Define a complex mechanical engineering problem into a series of specifications and consider multiple alternative solutions that may achieve these specifications.  
  • Apply concepts and knowledge in Mechanics of Materials and Materials engineering to create mathematical representations of the performance of common mechanical components to generate effective design choices..
  • Conceptualise and analyse an entire mechanical system, numerically, to determine and optimise the requirements of the individual components to ensure a viable and cost-effective solution to performing a specified task.
  • Conceptualise and implement the plan to manufacture a prototype of a mechanical design which demonstrates the effectiveness or deficiencies of the numerical analysis undertaken to enhance the design of a multi-faceted mechanical engineering problem.
  • Apply prerequisite unit knowledge to aid the design of solutions for complex engineering problems including producing AS1100 standard manufacturing drawings.

Design and Performance Report

Assessment Type 1: Practice-based 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 provide a summary of the design process for your allocated sub-system. You are required to manufacture and demonstrate a working prototype of your design.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Define a complex mechanical engineering problem into a series of specifications and consider multiple alternative solutions that may achieve these specifications.  
  • Apply concepts and knowledge in Mechanics of Materials and Materials engineering to create mathematical representations of the performance of common mechanical components to generate effective design choices..
  • Conceptualise and analyse an entire mechanical system, numerically, to determine and optimise the requirements of the individual components to ensure a viable and cost-effective solution to performing a specified task.
  • Conceptualise and implement the plan to manufacture a prototype of a mechanical design which demonstrates the effectiveness or deficiencies of the numerical analysis undertaken to enhance the design of a multi-faceted mechanical engineering problem.
  • Apply prerequisite unit knowledge to aid the design of solutions for complex engineering problems including producing AS1100 standard manufacturing drawings.

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

The final exam evaluates your understanding of core concepts and your ability to apply analytical skills across all topics covered in the unit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Define a complex mechanical engineering problem into a series of specifications and consider multiple alternative solutions that may achieve these specifications.  
  • Apply concepts and knowledge in Mechanics of Materials and Materials engineering to create mathematical representations of the performance of common mechanical components to generate effective design choices..
  • Apply prerequisite unit knowledge to aid the design of solutions for complex engineering problems including producing AS1100 standard manufacturing drawings.

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

SGTA’s

SGTA’s FOR THIS UNIT COMMENCE WEEK 1.

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 and to facilitate group work. Attendance at the SGTA will be recorded and some activities undertaken there will be graded.

 

Availability for Assessments

Students must be available to participate in the design competition during the week 13 lecture time slots. They must also be available during the enrolled SGTA’s to facilitate working within their respective groups, complete the in class exercises and participate in the presentation.

 

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 MECH3003@mq.edu.au from your university email address.

 

Technology used.

This unit requires students 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. More information is available in the first week lecture slides.

 

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.

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.

ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4

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

 

1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge

ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4

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.

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.

ULO3, ULO4 

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

ULO3, ULO4 

3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour.

ULO3, ULO4 

3.4 Professional use and management of information.

ULO3, ULO4 

3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct.

ULO3

3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership

ULO3

Unit information based on version 2026.02 of the Handbook