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Unit outline_

MECH8660: Manufacturing and Sustainability

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

The unit aims to teach the fundamentals of manufacturing processes and systems in mechanical and mechatronic engineering, including traditional manufacturing and advanced manufacturing technologies. Manufacturing processes are also compared in terms of their level of energy consumption, natural resources used and level of pollution generated in the manufacture of products. This unit aims to develop the following attributes: to understand the fundamental principles of manufacturing technologies for the above mentioned engineering areas; to gain the ability to select existing manufacturing processes and systems for direct engineering applications; to develop ability to create innovative new manufacturing technologies for advanced industrial applications; to develop ability to invent new manufacturing systems. At the end of this unit students will have a good understanding of the following: merits and advantages of individual manufacturing processes and systems; principles of developing new technologies; comprehensive applications and strategic selection of manufacturing processes and systems and the impact they may each have on our environment. Course content will include: CAD / CAM: An introduction into the use of CAD and manual CNC coding as separate tools combined with an introduction into the kinematics and structural requirements in the construction of a CNC machine. Rapid Engineering: An introduction into the most current Rapid Engineering methods currently in use. Manufacturing Processes: Common processes and their science (machining, casting, powder metallurgy, metal working, welding) and their relative merits, limitations and the impact they may each have on our environment.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
MECH9660
Assumed knowledge
? 

MECH9400 Mechanical Design 1

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Shuying Wu, shuying.wu@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Final exam
Final exam: assessing all modules from the Unit of Study
45% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Small continuous assessment group assignment Rapid prototyping laboratory
Group report
8% Multiple weeks Max 7 pages (ex. coversheet, references)
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO4 LO2 LO5
Small continuous assessment group assignment Material removal process laboratory
Group report
8% Multiple weeks Max 7 pages (ex. coversheet, references)
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO5 LO1 LO2
Small continuous assessment group assignment Polymer composite manufacturing
Group report
8% Multiple weeks Max 7 pages (ex. coversheet, references)
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Assignment Quiz 1
In-class quiz: Quiz 1 will assess the contents covered in Week 1-4.
12% Week 05
Due date: 28 Aug 2024 at 23:59
45 min.
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO1 LO3 LO4
Assignment Quiz 2
In-class quiz: Quiz 2 will assess the contents covered in Week 5-9.
13% Week 10
Due date: 09 Oct 2024 at 23:59
45 min.
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO1 LO2
Small continuous assessment Weekly continuous assessment
Problems/questions in each tutorial session, aligned with weekly lectures
6% Weekly 10 min/week
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO3
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

1.Three lab reports for the three lab activities (Rapid prototyping laboratory & Material removal process & Polymer composite manufacturing):  group reports related to the three lab activities, including attempt to address some questions that may need literature search beyond the lecture notes. Reports must be submitted no later than two weeks of attending laboratory class.

Individual marks may be adjusted based on individual's contribution.

2.Quiz 1: Quiz 1 will take place in Week 5 and assess the contents that are covered in Week 1-4. It will be invigilated, paper-based open-book test. Students are allowed to bring one-page (double-sided) note. Quiz 1 is an individual assessment. 

3.Quiz 2: Quiz 2 will take place in Week 10 and assess the contents that are covered in Week 5-9. It will be invigilated, paper-based open-book test. Students are allowed to bring one-page (double-sided) note. Quiz 1 is an individual assessment. 

4.Weekly continuous assessment: this includes 10 small tests in tutorial sessions in Week 2-11.

5.Final exam: Final exam is to assess all the contents covered in this unit from Week 1 to Week 13.

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

Awarded when students demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard.

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when students demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when students demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a high standard.

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when students demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard.

Fail

0 - 49

Awarded when students do not meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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 Assessment Procedures 2011 provide that any written work submitted after 11:59pm on the due date will be penalised by 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. If the assessment is submitted more than ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

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, and working on assignments, group meetings and prior readings across multiple weeks Independent study (90 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Lab Work: Rapid prototyping laboratory & Material removal process & Polymer composite manufacturing Practical (6 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 01 L: Introduction to Unit of Study & Manufacturing Engineering; T: CNC programing Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 02 L: Materials Removal Process (Conventional machining processes); T: Intro to Manufacturing Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 03 L: Materials Removal Process (CNC & Non-traditional machining processes); T: Conventional machining processes Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 04 L: Rapid prototyping; T: CNC & Non-traditional machining processes Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 05 L: Polymer Processing; T: Rapid prototyping Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 06 L: Polymer Matrix Composite Processing; T: Polymer Processing Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 07 L: Metal Forming: Bulk Deformation; T: Polymer Matrix Composite Processing Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 08 L: Sheet Metalworking; T: Metal Forming: Bulk Deformation Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 09 L: Metal Casting & Glassworking; T: Sheet Metalworking Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 10 L: Particulate Processing of Metals and Ceramics; T: Metal Casting & Glassworking Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 11 L: Property Enhancing and Surface Processing Operations/Joining, Assembly Processes; T: Particulate Processing of Metals and Ceramics Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 12 L: Micro and Nanofabrication; T: Property Enhancing and Surface Processing Operations/Joining, Assembly Processe Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 13 L: Guest Lecture - Composites for Aerospace Applications; T: Micro and Nanofabrication Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance at all lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions is expected. There are three 2hr labs and attendance is mandatory. Non-attendance at laboratory sessions or tutorials that include weekly assessment will result in a mark of zero for that part.

Study commitment

Typically, a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point is expected 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.

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

All readings for this unit can be accessed through Canvas.

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. Demonstrate understanding of the merits and disadvantages of an individual manufacturing method and display familiarity in the use of different manufacturing techniques including conventional and CNC machining
  • LO2. Determine the basic manufacturing considerations necessary to realise the function, including the selection of materials and the manufacturing method, taking into account the strength, reliability, and cost
  • LO3. Incorporate different manufacturing methodologies including heat/surface treatment, joining and assembly techniques, to fabricate intricate engineering products.
  • LO4. Create innovative manufacturing technologies for advanced industrial applications
  • LO5. Contribute to effective team processes

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.

All assessment content and weightings have been revised in order to align with the new content covered and better reflect the student effort required.

Appeals to assesment results are subject to Clause 3.1.2, https://www.sydney.edu.au/policies/showdoc.aspx?recnum=PDOC2012/253&RendNum=0,

i.e. 15 working days (3 weeks).

Please refer to the Canvas site for additional course information including teaching staff details, online resources etc.

Work, health and safety

This unit of study involves laboratory activities: please refer to the Canvas site and you lab demonstrator for safety requirements while working in the lab.

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.