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Unit outline_

MECH1560: Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

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

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

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
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Rod Fiford, rod.fiford@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Rod Fiford, rod.fiford@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Skills-based evaluation Workshop skills
Workshop skill development
40% Multiple weeks n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4
Online task hurdle task Early Quiz Feedback Task
Online Canvas Quiz assessing first 3 weeks of material. #earlyfeedbacktask
2% Week 03
Due date: 10 Mar 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 10 Mar 2024
10 multiple choice questions
Outcomes assessed: LO6 LO2 LO7
Assignment group assignment Team Charter
Written
2% Week 04
Due date: 15 Mar 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 29 Mar 2024
1 A4 page max.
Outcomes assessed: LO7 LO10
Assignment hurdle task Mechanical Engineering Research Report
Written report
10% Week 04
Due date: 17 Mar 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 31 Mar 2024
2000 words +/-10%, see Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO9
Assignment group assignment Week 5 Group Meeting Minutes
Written
2% Week 05
Due date: 22 Mar 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 05 Apr 2024
1 A4 page max
Outcomes assessed: LO10
Assignment group assignment Major Project Preliminary Report
Written report
7.5% Week 06
Due date: 28 Mar 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 11 Apr 2024
10 A4 pages Max (see Canvas)
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO10 LO9 LO6 LO3
Assignment group assignment Week 8 Group Meeting Minutes
Written
2% Week 08
Due date: 19 Apr 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 03 May 2024
1 A4 page max
Outcomes assessed: LO10
Assignment hurdle task Engineering Mechanics & Thermofluids Assignment
Written solutions to engineering problems.
10% Week 10
Due date: 05 May 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 19 May 2024
4-6 Pages Max
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO6
Assignment group assignment Week 11 Group Meeting Minutes
Written
2% Week 11
Due date: 10 May 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 24 May 2024
1 A4 page max
Outcomes assessed: LO10
Presentation group assignment Major Project Group Presentation
Oral presentation in tuitorials
5% Week 12 6-7min talk & 2-3min Q&A
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO5 LO7 LO10
Creative assessment / demonstration group assignment Major Project Device Testing & Evaluation
Demonstration of major project device performance during tutorials.
5% Week 13 See Canvas, in class activity.
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO10 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment group assignment Major Project Final Report
Written
12.5% Week 13
Due date: 24 May 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 07 Jun 2024
20 A4 Pages max.
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
group assignment = group assignment ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

  • Workshop skills: Will test your ability to work appropriately and safely with hand tools, machining, welding, fibreglassing, solidworks and Arduino
  • Assignments: Require you to integrate information from lectures and tutorials 
  • Group Project and Presenation: Will help to develop your ability to research, document and present in report and group format a task focused on Mechancial Engineering.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

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

Work of an exceptionally high standard.

Distinction

75 - 84

Work of an excellent standard.

Credit

65 - 74

Work of a very good standard.

Pass

50 - 64

Learning outcomes met to a satisfactory standard.

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:

- The early quiz feedback task is not able to be submitted late, its closing date is the same as the due date. - Late penalties are applied as per University standards. - Tasks submitted over 10 days late will not be marked. Some assessment tasks noted above as held in class during tutorials cannot be submitted late and as such have a late penalty of 100%.

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 Non-contact independent work doing research, homework, and working on assignments, group meetings and prior readings across multiple weeks, Independent study (91 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 01 Wednesday: Introduction to MECH1560 & Mechanical Engineering - Dr. Rod Fiford. Thursday: Introduction to Workshops; Dr. Shuying Wu Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO6 LO7
Week 02 L: What is Mechanical Engineering? T: Icebreaker session, sketching activity. Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO6 LO7
Week 03 L: Teamwork, communication & project management T: Library services, research & referencing, major project team formation & charter Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO9 LO10
Week 04 L: Principles of design, requirements analysis T: Project planning, major project requirements analysis Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO10
Week 05 L: Principles of design, requirements analysis T: Major project solution ideation, group work Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO10
Week 06 L: Introduction to statics and dynamics T: Major project groupwork (No second tutorial this week) Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO10
Week 07 L: Introduction to fluid dynamics T: Statics & dynamics, fluid dynamics Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO3 LO6 LO8
Week 08 L: Introduction to thermodynamics & heat transfer T: Major project group work, thermodynamics Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8 LO10
Week 09 L: Introduction to materials & manufacturing engineering T: Heat transfer, no second tutorial this week. Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8
Week 10 L: Safety & risk management T: Materials & manufacturing, safety engineering Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 11 L: Professional Engineering skills & development - Engineers Australia Stage 1 competencies T: Major project groupwork, EA stage 1 competencies Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO3 LO7 LO10
Week 12 L: Mechanical Engineering case studies T: Major project group talks Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO10
Week 13 L: No lecture T: Major project device evaluation Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO10

Attendance and class requirements

Students are required to attend all scheduled lectures, tutorials and laboratory/workshop sessions.

Students must attend tutorials and participate in major project groupwork related activities, meeting minutes will be used to keep records.

It will not be possible to reschedule missed Manufacturing Technology sessions.

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

An Introduction to Mechanical Engineering by Jonathan Wickert and Kemper Lewis, 4th Edition, CENGAGE, 2019

ISBN: 978-0-357-38229-5

 

The Making of an Expert Engineer by James Trevelyan, 1st Edition, CRC Press, 2014

ISBN::978-1-138-02692-6 (Hardcover)

ISBN:978-1-315-74228-1 (eBook pdf)

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. 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

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
3.1. An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large.
LO2
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
1.2. Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles.
5.3. Skills in the selection and characterisation of engineering systems, devices, components and materials.
5.5. Skills in the development and application of mathematical, physical and conceptual models, understanding of applicability and shortcomings.
LO3
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
4.5. An ability to undertake problem solving, design and project work within a broad contextual framework accommodating social, cultural, ethical, legal, political, economic and environmental responsibilities as well as within the principles of sustainable development and health and safety imperatives.
5.1. An appreciation of the scientific method, the need for rigour and a sound theoretical basis.
LO4
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
1.1. Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice.
2.1. Appropriate range and depth of learning in the technical domains comprising the field of practice informed by national and international benchmarks.
LO5
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
1.1. Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice.
4.1. Advanced level skills in the structured solution of complex and often ill defined problems.
LO6
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
2.2. Application of enabling skills and knowledge to problem solution in these technical domains.
2.3. Meaningful engagement with current technical and professional practices and issues in the designated field.
3.1. An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large.
3.6. An ability to function as an individual and as a team leader and member in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams.
LO7
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
3.7. A capacity for lifelong learning and professional development and appropriate professional attitudes.
4.4. Skills in implementing and managing engineering projects within the bounds of time, budget, performance and quality assurance requirements.
5.8. Skills in recognising unsuccessful outcomes, sources of error, diagnosis, fault-finding and re-engineering.
5.9. Skills in documenting results, analysing credibility of outcomes, critical reflection, developing robust conclusions, reporting outcomes.
LO8
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
3.1. An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large.
3.7. A capacity for lifelong learning and professional development and appropriate professional attitudes.
4.2. Ability to use a systems approach to complex problems, and to design and operational performance.

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

Unit has been modified significantly since 2023 to bring in major project and help build professional engineering skills in teamwork and project management.

All group assessments require you to review your performance and that of your team members using SPARKPLUS. Individual marks for group assessments may be adjusted based on these reviews. If you do not complete a Sparkplus assessment in a meaningful manner you are not able to appeal a Sparkplus rating.

Work, health and safety

Students are required to provide suitable safety equipment, details to be communicated in week 1 (including safety footwear and glasses).

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.