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Unit outline_

AMME9705: Introduction to Electromechanical Systems

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study aims to introduce the basic elements of electro-mechanical systems. The unit will be comprised of three primary modules: electronics, powers systems and mechatronics. The electronics component will include basic electrical theory including Ohms law, Kirchoff's voltage and current laws, passive component characteristics (resistors, capacitors and inductors). A conceptual introduction to transistors, operational amplifiers and digital logic will also be included, along with an introduction to sensors for measuring physical phenomena such as light, temperature, pressure and force. The power systems component will contain AC and polyphase systems, power factor, electromagnetism, DC motors, AC motors, Servo motors, motor speed control, batteries, electric motor and speed controller selection. The mechatronics component will contain an introduction to simplified mechatronics systems, understanding how to interface with sensors, acquire data and control actuators. The unit of study will include a strong practical component where students will become familiar with the basics of electrical circuits, usage of tools such as power supplies, assembling simple circuits, usage of measurement tools such as multimeters and oscilloscopes, and interfacing with sensors and actuators. A laboratory where students write and upload code to an Arduino system that interfaces with sensors and actuators will be included.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
AMME1705 or AMME2700 or AMME9700
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Stewart Worrall, stewart.worrall@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Stewart Worrall, stewart.worrall@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Online task Week 2 Quiz
Quiz to reflect and review the theory from this week.
1% Week 02
Due date: 03 Mar 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 03 Mar 2024
30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO2
Online task Week 3 Quiz
Quiz to reflect and review the theory from this week. #earlyfeedbacktask
1% Week 03
Due date: 10 Mar 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 10 Mar 2024
30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Skills-based evaluation Lab 1 - Familiarisation
Demonstration of circuits, plus report
12% Week 03 Assessment in lab plus submitted report
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Online task Week 4 Quiz
Quiz to reflect and review the theory from this week.
1% Week 04
Due date: 17 Mar 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 17 Mar 2024
30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Online task Week 5 Quiz
Quiz to reflect and review the theory from this week.
1% Week 05
Due date: 24 Mar 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 24 Mar 2024
30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Online task Electronics fundamentals
This will be a short release canvas assessment with a 2 hour time limit.
9% Week 06
Due date: 26 Mar 2024 at 14:00

Closing date: 26 Mar 2024
2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Online task Week 7 Quiz
Quiz to reflect and review the theory from this week.
1% Week 07
Due date: 14 Apr 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 14 Apr 2024
30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Skills-based evaluation Lab 2 - Sensors
Demonstration of circuits, plus report
20% Week 07 Assessment in lab plus report
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Online task Week 8 Quiz
Quiz to reflect and review the theory from this week.
1% Week 08
Due date: 21 Apr 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 21 Apr 2024
30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Online task Sensors and Signals
This will be a short release canvas assessment with a 2 hour time limit.
12% Week 09
Due date: 23 Apr 2024 at 14:00

Closing date: 23 Apr 2024
2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Online task Week 10 Quiz
Quiz to reflect and review the theory from this week.
1% Week 10
Due date: 05 May 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 05 May 2024
30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Online task Week 11 Quiz
Quiz to reflect and review the theory from this week.
1% Week 11
Due date: 12 May 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 12 May 2024
30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Skills-based evaluation Lab 3 - Controller circuit
Demonstration of circuits, plus report
23% Week 11 Assessment in lab plus report
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Online task Week 12 Quiz
Quiz to reflect and review the theory from this week.
1% Week 12
Due date: 19 May 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 19 May 2024
30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Online task Putting it all together
This will be a short release canvas assessment with a 2 hour time limit.
15% Week 13
Due date: 21 May 2024 at 14:00

Closing date: 21 May 2024
2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2

Assessment summary

Students are expected to attend their scheduled labs, or will require formal special consideration. The assessment in the labs will take place in the second and third week of each lab, and will require demonstration of the simulated circuits, and prototyped circuits to the tutor. The assessment will include the tutor asking you to effectively communicate your design and testing processes. A report will be assessed during week 3 of each lab. More details will be provided in the lectures and through canvas.

Assessment criteria

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Demonstrates an outstanding understanding of the content, and is able to 

design, simulate, analyse and clearly communicate the process of building

a circuit to solve a specific engineering problem. 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late penalties will be based on the Assessment Procedures 2011.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Multiple weeks 6 hours per week is expected to be spent reviewing lectures, preparing for tutorials and labs, working on assessment tasks and preparing for quizzes. Independent study (78 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 01 Introduction to the unit - what do we want to learn over the semester. Look at the electronics fundamentals that will be used as a theoretical base for each concept that will follow. Introduction to the hardware and software for the semester. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Online mini lectures - foundations of electronics, introductions to voltage, current, resistance and power. Online class (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2
Lab 1 - Familiarisation with circuit design, simulators and prototyping. Week 1 of 3 (Theory) Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 02 Review of week 2 mini-lectures, live demonstration of circuit prototyping using breadboards and using simulation. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Online mini lectures - Prototyping electronic circuits using breadboards. Online class (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Lab 1 - Familiarisation with circuit design, simulators and prototyping. Week 2 of 3 (Simulation) Simulation laboratory (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 03 Review of week 3 mini-lectures. Live demonstration of analog sensor circuits with measurements. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Online mini lectures - Analog and digital signals, making measurements. Online class (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Lab 1 - Familiarisation with circuit design, simulators and prototyping. Week 3 of 3 (Prototyping) Science laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 04 Review of week 4 mini-lectures. Live demonstration of op amp circuits, and how these can be used to change analog sensor information into a more usable form. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Online mini lectures - Introduction to op amps, applications in processing sensor signals. Online class (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 05 Review of week 5 mini-lectures. Live demonstration of capacitor circuits with measurements. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Online mini lectures - Introduction to capacitors and inductors. Online class (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Lab 2 - Circuits to work with sensors. Week 1 of 3 (Theory) Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 06 Review of week 6 mini-lectures. Live demonstration of decision making using logic through either a microcontroller (such as the Arduino) or even just using some transistors. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Online mini lectures - Decision making using microcontrollers and transistors. Online class (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Lab 2 - Circuits to work with sensors. Week 2 of 3 (Simulation) Simulation laboratory (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 07 Review of week 7 mini-lectures. Live demonstration of a motor and servo circuit with measurements. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Online mini lectures - Fundamentals of motors and servos Online class (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Lab 2 - Circuits to work with sensors. Week 3 of 3 (Prototyping) Science laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 08 Review of week 8 mini-lectures. Live demonstration of PWM and using it to control a higher powered device. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Online mini lectures - powering high-current circuits using PWM Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 09 Review of week 9 mini-lectures. Live demonstration of using the Arduino to solve problems, including some coverage of the basics of programming. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Online mini lectures - Fundamentals of microcontrollers (basic code for interfacing to circuits) Online class (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Lab 3 - Circuits to make things move. Week 1 of 3 (Theory) Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 10 In-depth analysis of several important circuits that are commonly used in electro-mechanical devices. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Lab 3 - Circuits to make things move. Week 2 of 3 (Simulation) Simulation laboratory (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 11 Discussion about power supplies, looking at examples of what can go wrong. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Lab 3 - Circuits to make things move. Week 3 of 3 (Prototyping) Science laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 12 Exploring the principles of modular system design for circuits and the importance of good documentation and testing. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 13 Review of the unit of study, discussion about the final quiz. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3

Attendance and class requirements

All students are expected to attend their assigned lab sessions. There will be two groups A and B, with different starting weeks for the lab work. Additional information will be provided on canvas and during the live lectures.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Each lecture comes with a set of links to online resources relevant to the topic. These provide further reading and different perspectives on the topics being covered.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Understand the various theorems relevant to electrical engineering required for circuit design of electro-mechanical systems
  • LO2. Understand the role of electronics in solving mechanical and mechatronic engineering problems.
  • LO3. Analyse electronic circuits by making measurements, including finding and diagnosing faults.
  • LO4. Design, simulate and build circuits to solve engineering problems.
  • LO5. Function effectively in small groups to solve technical problems by applying theoretical concepts.
  • LO6. Demonstrate oral and written communication skills to convey understanding of circuits for assessment.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is the first time this unit has been offered.

Additional costs

Students are expected to bring a multimeter to the lab sessions. If you do not already have one, information on a suitable model will be provided in the week 1 lecture.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.