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. 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

A computer-based exam assesses students on specific technical knowledge and skills developed under time constrained conditions. The exam questions assess the underlying theory of the technology covered in the module and also includes questioning to verify understanding of the practical exercises covered in the module. 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.

There is a demo digital exam consisting of a pool of NUMBAS example questions covering the full range of the module's curriculum. These are accessible at any time during the module for the students to practise. These questions are computer marked and give immediate feedback on the student performance. Feedback also includes advice on how to answer the question (additional advice may be sort by asking the teaching staff). This forms the formative assessment aspect of the module. Note that as the students can practise these questions as many times as they wish, these attempts do not contribute to the final module mark.