The University of Adelaide
Course Outlines

MECH ENG 2101 - Mechatronics IM

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2024

To provide an introduction to the application of mechatronic engineering. To give framework of knowledge that allows students to develop an interdisciplinary understanding and integrated approach to practical and applied engineering problems. Small group practical sessions will be used to provide important hands-on experience with electro-pneumatic system and PLC based projects. The course emphasises how to use the philosophy of mechatronics to design and analyse commonly used electro-pneumatic actuators, solid mechanical and temperature sensors, programmable logic controllers, digital systems, and measurement systems. Student-centred learning method is used to encourage students to learn actively whenever and wherever you choose to.

Open All
  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code MECH ENG 2101
    Course Mechatronics IM
    Coordinating Unit Mechanical Engineering
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 4 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Assumed Knowledge MECH ENG 1007 & MECH ENG 2021
    Restrictions Available to Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical) & associated double degree students only
    Assessment Group projects and practicals, final exam
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Lei Chen

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

     
    1 Explain the architecture of mechatronic systems;
    2 Design some simple measurement systems using different sensors;
    3 Demonstrated ability to design basic control systems using different actuators;
    4 Demonstrate an understanding of PLC programming; and
    5 Demonstrate an understanding of analogue and digital interfacing.

     
    The above course learning outcomes are aligned with the Engineers Australia Entry to Practice Competency Standard for the Professional Engineer. The course develops the following EA Elements of Competency to levels of introductory (A), intermediate (B), advanced (C):  
     
    1.11.21.31.41.51.62.12.22.32.43.13.23.33.43.53.6
    A B A A A — A A A A A B B A A B
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    		 1-5

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    		 1-5

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    		 5

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    		 5

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    		 1-5

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    		 2, 3, 5
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources

    Course notes – these are essential and required.

    Recommended Resources

    1 Principles of Measurement Systems, Bentley.

    2 Introduction to engineering experimentation, Anthony J. Wheeler and Ahmad R. Ganji.

    3 Programmable logic controllers, W. Bolton, Elsevier Ltd.

    4 Experimental methods for engineers, J. P. Holman

    5 Introduction to Control System Technology, R. N. Bateson Pearson

  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    Lectures supported by problem-solving workshops and practicals developing material covered in lectures.

    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The required time commitment is 10 hours of intensive online lecture recordings, 30 hours of SGDE activities, 20 hours to prepare SGDE tasks, and 50 hours to complete assignments.

    Learning Activities Summary

      • Introduction to mechatronic systems (5%)

      • Switching Devices ( 5%)

      • Electro-pneumatic actuators ( 10%)

      • Programmable logic controllers (10%)

      • Measuring fluid flow rate (20%)

      • Measuring Solid Mechanical Quantities (20%)

      • Measuring temperature (20%)

      • Introduction to Digital Systems (5%)

      • Characteristics of Measurement Systems (5%)

    Specific Course Requirements

    Late submission will be penalised 10% per day (weekends and holidays are included).

  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Weighting (%) Individual/ Group Formative/ Summative
    		Hurdle criteria Learning outcomes
    Quizes 27 Individual summative 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
    Videoes 6 Group summative 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
    Reports 27 Group summative 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
    Exam (2-hour closed book) 40 Individual summative 30% 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
    Total 100 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
    * The specific due date for each assessment task will be available on MyUni.
     
    This assessment breakdown complies with the University's Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy.
    Assessment Related Requirements

    None

    Assessment Detail

    SGDE Task 1.
    Assignment 1 is designed to enhance student knowledge and understanding of the switching devices and electro-pneumatic actuators through completing this SGDE task.

    SGDE Task 2.
    Assignment 2 is designed to enhance student knowledge and understanding of the PLC programming through completing this SGDE task.

    SGDE Task 3.
    is designed to enhance student knowledge and understanding of the flowmeters through completing this SGDE task.

    SGDE Task 4.
    is designed to enhance student knowledge and understanding of strain gauges and other sensors through completing this SGDE task.

    SGDE Task 5
    is designed to enhance student knowledge and understanding of the temperature sensors through completing this SGDE task.

    The assessment criteria for the SGDE tasks are outlined below.

    Item Assessment Criteria
    SGDE tasks

    Performance is judged by the extent to which students are able to:

    • understand the concepts and principles obtained in the course;
    • organise and interpret the engineering ideas logically;
    • communicate the solutions effectively;
    • use Mechatroinc terminology and notation correctly;
    • critically evaluate the information obtained;
    • pay attention to details and calculate precisely.
    SGDE task reports

    Performance is judged by the extent to which students are able to:

    • describe the purpose, procedure, results and conclusions of an experiment;
    • record data and observations concisely in an appropriate format;
    • design correct circuits or programs;
    • identify sources of error;
    • draw conclusions based on the results of the experiment
    Submission

    All assignments must be submitted in the digital drop box in MyUni. Late submission will be penalised 10% per day (weekends and holidays are included). Extensions for submissions will only be given in exceptional circumstances and a case for this with supporting documentation can be made in writing after a SGDE session or via email to the lecturers. Online submissions will be assessed and returned in 3 weeks after the due dates. There will be no opportunities for re-submission of work of unacceptable standard. Due to the large size of the class feedback on submissions will be limited to short comments and online discussions.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines

    This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.

  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.
Top

Home

Information For

Information About

People & Places

The University of Adelaide
Adelaide, South Australia
5005 Australia

Australian University Provider Number PRV12105
CRICOS Provider Number 00123M


Telephone: +61 8 8313 4455

Coordinates: -34.920843, 138.604513

Authorised by:Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:Course Outlines Administrator