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Unit of study_

MECH1560: Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

2025 unit information

Objectives: a) To develop an understanding of the role of Mechanical Engineers and the core concepts within the discipline. b) To understand the content of the degree structure and how the subjects are applied. c) To develop an understanding of a range of machining and manufacturing processes required to make mechanical components. Introductory Mechanical Engineering (60%): The subject introduces the core mechanical engineering concepts of design and mechanisms, intelligent systems, applied materials and fluid machinery. An overview is provided of the range of roles and the skills and knowledge required of a Mechanical Engineer. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between the subjects in the degree program and how they are applied by practicing engineers. Manufacturing Technology (40%): An overview of a range of processes related to the design and manufacture of aerospace components is provided through hands-on experience. Manufacturing Technology practical work is undertaken in: (a) Hand tools, Machining, and Welding - an introduction to basic manufacturing processes used to fabricate mechanical engineering hardware. Safety requirements: All students are required to provide their own personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with the workshop safety rules provided in class. Students who fail to do this will not be permitted to enter the workshops. In particular, approved industrial footwear must be worn, and long hair must be protected by a hair net. Safety glasses must be worn at all times. (b) Solid Modelling - the use of computer aided design (CAD) tools to model geometry and create engineering drawings of engineering components. (c) Microcontrollers - ubiquitous in modern engineered products - will be introduced through experiential learning with development kits.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Engineering

Study level Undergraduate
Academic unit Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
? 
None
Corequisites:
? 
None
Prohibitions:
? 
AERO1560 or MTRX1701 or ENGG1800 or CIVL1900 or CHNG1108 or BMET1960 or ENGG1960 or ELEC1004 or ELEC1005 or ENVE1001
Assumed knowledge:
? 
None

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

  • LO1. Enhance oral communication skills by presenting in front of a group
  • LO2. Understand some of the fundamentals of machinery and equipment common to mechanical engineering by researching some common machines and machine components
  • LO3. Apply some introductory analysis techniques and problem solving methods by using basic statics, dynamics, and thermodynamics to analyse, size and design very simple machines
  • LO4. Develop basic skills in the use of manufacturing processes
  • LO5. Understand how a range of machining and manufacturing processes are used to make mechanical components and to have hands-on experience with some of them.
  • LO6. Obtain a broad knowledge of the types of sub-disciplines within mechanical engineering
  • LO7. Understand the role of a graduate mechanical engineer
  • LO8. Develop a high-level understanding of the course content and curriculum within the mechanical engineering degree
  • LO9. Obtain broad knowledge on what the University of Sydney Library has to offer and to develop skills in library searches and referencing.
  • LO10. Develop teamwork, communication and project management skills

Unit availability

This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.

The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.

Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2024
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2025
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2020
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2021
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2021
Normal day Remote
Semester 1 2022
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2022
Normal day Remote
Semester 1 2023
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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Modes of attendance (MoA)

This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.