41066 Mechanical Systems Design Studio 1
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Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade, no marksRequisite(s): 41060 Mechanical Design Fundamentals Studio 2 AND 41056 Machines and Mechanisms A AND 43014c Applied Mechanics and Design B AND 43015c Thermofluid B
The lower case 'c' after the subject code indicates that the subject is a corequisite. See definitions for details.
Description
The focus of this studio is to develop skills in critique in the interpretation of designs and application of decision-making processes in the context of modern engineering design. Understanding the fit, form and function of key design elements is critical to interpretation of reasoning and decision making in engineering design. It also extends to the use of design analysis undertake to improve on existing designs through iteration. To achieve this students apply processes in reverse engineering to break a design down into its constituent parts to discover the concepts utilised in its design and manufacture. Students are expected to use engineering principles to analyse the system and provide engineering critique on the suitability of the design. Using the knowledge developed from this process a second-generation design is produced, with suitable reasoning and justification as to how this design improves on previous versions.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Apply design/systems thinking to the analysis of a robotics problem. |
|---|---|
| 2. | Apply technical skills to develop, model and/or evaluate an estimation solution. |
| 3. | Demonstrate effective collaboration and communication skills as an effective member or team leader of team/s. |
| 4. | Conduct critical self, peer and team reflection for performance evaluation. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and processes to meet specified requirements. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)
- Collaborative and Communicative: FEIT graduates work as an effective member or leader of diverse teams, communicating effectively and operating within cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural contexts in the workplace. (E.1)
- Reflective: FEIT graduates critically self-review their performance to improve themselves, their teams, and the broader community and society. (F.1)
Teaching and learning strategies
The subject runs in a studio format where students work collaboratively on real world challenges and projects under guidance from academic, and/or tutor, community and industry experts.
Students will engage in Engineering Design Methods from the outset, in a group context.
All groups will participate in weekly tasks where work targets are set and delivered. This will include scheduled times where the whole group comes together to critique progress and to plan the next submission targets. Expert facilitators and student peers will be present during each scrum to guide progress and to provide constructive feedback on each group’s progress to inform improved performance towards the next sprint. These reviews must be documented in each student´s design portfolio.
In these groups, students will actively and continuously conduct critical self, peer and group review and performance evaluation. The purpose of these reviews is continuous improvement at personal and group level. Each facilitator will specify ways in which individuals and groups engage in review and evaluation of their own and their group’s progress.
Verbal communication and collaboration between students and facilitators are an essential part of any real-world design challenge or project development, particularly during the sprints each week.
Progress, artefacts and reflections on each sprint are to be documented in an individual design portfolio of student choice; this will most likely be an ePortfolio. Outside the scheduled class times, students will continue to work on their projects with each other, accessing the classroom and other facilities as needed.
Students should commit to working 8 to 10 hours each week for 12 weeks, preferably with their group members, on-campus, if possible, in order to meet all the Subject Learning Objectives to the Performance Standards to pass the subject. This includes 1-3 hours of studio workshops, 1-3 hour of accessing online resources, and weekly group meetings outside of class, and individual study/project work.
Attendance is expected at each of the face-to-face or remote facilitated sessions, 3 hours per week. The first session sets the tone and scene for the upcoming 12 weeks. Assessment is designed so that turning up is integral to passing the subject, in that, communication, collaboration, feedback and reflection cannot be completed in isolation of group participation.
Regular formative feedback will be provided verbally at each face-to-face session, particularly each week at the formal reviews of group progress.
All studio participants are expected to provide feedback during group presentations. All students use feedback to include in personal reflections.
Individual feedback from facilitators, usually in written form, will occur through the five separate submissions.
Students should particularly note feedback in submissions 1-3 to ensure that submission 4 is of a passing standard.
Content (topics)
Application Studio challenges will vary. Details will be provided on?Canvas. All students will?learn?different approaches in Estimation Methods and analysis?starting their first day of the subject.?This will be a key skill to be applied throughout the course.?
This particular subject will focus on the development of estimation methods within a system design context, and build the capacity to use critique as an effective method for developing and improving engineering design, as well as improving resilience and innovation in design.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Design ePortfolio
| Intent: | For students to demonstrate their achievement of each of the Subject Learning Objectives using a collection of artefacts together with reflections that meet the pass performance criteria. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1, D.1, E.1 and F.1 |
| Type: | Portfolio |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 100% |
| Length: | Up to 8000 words |
Minimum requirements
Students are required to achieve a minimum pass grade in the assessment of their ePortfolio to pass this subject. Grading will be based on a learning contract developed in conjunction with facilitators, where learning objectives and how these will be achieved will be determined.