Aims

The module aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to create system level solutions to complex problems. By utilizing microcontrollers, sensors, actuators and appropriate control schemes, the module utilizes a project-based approach firstly through simulation and subsequently by implementation onto hardware. The lab practicals will help students to develop the necessary skills to build and diagnose such systems helping to prepare them as engineers for the digital age.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module is based on guided project based learning in which students are required to design an autonomous vehicle and demonstrate its functionality.

The module firstly introduces the basic programming techniques required for the module. Programs are then developed to read a range of sensors and appropriate analysis techniques are utilized on this data. Following this, motor control is introduced and developed towards closed loop control schemes. Secure communication between systems is then explored with the module finishing by bringing all this knowledge together for design solutions for complex mechatronic system development.

The material for the module is firstly develop via computer simulation and then transferred to actual hardware solutions allowing students to develop skills in systems diagnosis. Supplementary reading and tutorial questions provide a route for students to understand the technology being applied.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The module is a (guided) project-based approach in which students learn and then apply the material to solving engineering system design problems. An introductory lecture outlines the module requirements and then a series of tutorials, supplemented by exercises and reading, guides the student through each of the required learning outcomes of the module.

Timetabled sessions give students the opportunity to access help for any of the module material whilst a discussion board allows for additional queries to be addressed outside of timetabled sessions. A blend of simulated and hands on activities allows students to learn the required knowledge and skills and apply this to real work scenarios.

Opportunities are provided throughout the module for students to practice examples of the assessments and receive feedback of their performance. Students are encouraged to monitor their learning as the module progresses.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assignment assesses the student’s ability to apply the knowledge and skills developed during the module towards creating and evaluating a systems design solution to a given problem specification. The problem is based around designing a semi-autonomous vehicle, incorporating sensors, motor drivers, communications, data analysis and closed loop control. Evidence of completion and understanding of the lab work undertaken is also required. A computer-based exam assesses students on specific technical knowledge of the module material under time constrained conditions. The exam questions predominantly assess the underlying theory of the technology covered in the module but also includes questioning to verify understanding of the material covered in the assignment. An open book approach is adopted to encourage students to make the necessary notes in preparation for the exam, this gives students the opportunity to reflect on areas of strength and weaknesses in their knowledge of the subject.

Students are given a range of NUMBAS based tutorial questions during the teaching aspect of the module to practice on, these give immediate feedback on marking and advice on how to answer the question and help students prepare for their module assessment. The students are also required to do exercises and lab work during the module, including a demo assignment, advice and feedback is available to any student needing help with these. The module assignment is based on these exercises. Thus all assessment in this module is based on formative practice of the material.