MEC8063 : Introduction to Mechatronics Engineering
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr John Hedley
- Lecturer: Dr Francis Franklin
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
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. Project management techniques will be developed to help students effectively coordinate implementation of such projects. 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 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. The module explores management approaches for such system engineering problems and finishes by bringing all this knowledge together by exploring 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. A hands-on group work exercise will introduce students to rapid prototyping technologies and enable them to develop team building skills.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Completion and submission of assignments, including presentation. |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | 1 introductory recorded lecture. Recorded topical lectures. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Computer based examination |
| Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 7 | 4:00 | 28:00 | Computer based tutorials and trial exams |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 11 | 5:00 | 55:00 | Recommended reading for required knowledge of module. |
| Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 9 | 6:00 | 54:00 | Practical application of material in the form of exercises |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 4 | 3:00 | 12:00 | Lab based group practical work |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 9 | 3:00 | 27:00 | Teaching (tutorials) to support independent study and reinforce skills practice including lab exercises |
| Total | 200:00 |
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. Group based practical sessions encourages team working and an appreciation of how diversity brings strength to a team.
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 Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 60 | 1 | A | 40 | NUMBAS computer-based assessment |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design/Creative proj | 1 | M | 60 | 10 minute video presentation of solution |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 1 | M | Formative practice of the NUMBAS exam |
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 assignment consists of an individual component and a team component. A computer-based exam assesses students on specific technical knowledge of the module material under time constrained conditions. 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.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MEC8063's Timetable