48610 Introduction to Mechanical Engineering
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2023 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade, no marksDescription
The subject introduces the student to engineering sketching and drawing, computer-aided design and solid modelling, engineering design, engineering mechanics, mechanical systems and components. Students learn to graphically represent engineering components by sketching, using drawing instruments and/or computer methods using standard representation techniques such as orthogonal projection.
Students learn basic engineering mechanics and how to apply this to analyse simple machines, mechanisms and structures. Students also learn basic engineering management tools and apply them in designing and building a mechanical system.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Create manual technical drawings to communicate details of mechanical components. |
|---|---|
| 2. | Create computer models of mechanical components and devices using basic skills in CAD solid modelling software. |
| 3. | Solve simple engineering mechanics problems. |
| 4. | Systematically analyse, solve and document engineering problem tasks |
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)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:
- 1.1. Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
- 2.1. Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
- 3.2. Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.
- 3.3. Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour.
Teaching and learning strategies
Student learning in the subject is facilitated through a combination of online and in-class activities, including pre-recorded content, lectures (Lec), tutorial classes (Tut), and computer labs and workshops (Lab). The online learning platform (currently Canvas) provides an overview of all pre-class and in-class activities as well as all learning materials. The more traditional information and/or instructional lectures are provided as online lecture videos along with some in-class lectures.
The Tut tutorial classes are tutor assisted and make use of active, interactive and collaborative teaching and learning methods. Students are expected to have completed pre-class activities as explained in the online learning platform, such as watching lecture videos and/or attending Lec classes. In class, students will actively solve provided example problems and discuss their solutions with their peer students.
The computer labs provide an opportunity for students to get assistance with Computer Aided Design (CAD) using SolidWorks. The Lab classes involve tutor-assisted self-directed learning. Students will work on developing their CAD knowledge and skills at their own pace using online tutorials and attempting to do various CAD exercises and the CAD project. Students are able to ask for help and obtain feedback on their progress from tutors when they need it. Student interaction and collaboration with other students is also encouraged.
In the Lab workshops in the Mechanical Design Studio, students will work in groups on the design-and-build engineering prototyping project and participate in tutor-guided and self-directed activities.
Resources including lecture notes and videos, sample problems, online practice quizzes and instructional videos are made available via Canvas to assist learning in this subject.
Given the current Covid-19 situation, the subject activities might be slightly adjusted based on updated government recommendations.
Content (topics)
The subject includes the following topics:
- Engineering sketching and drawing computer aided design and solid modelling
- Engineering design
- Engineering mechanics
- Mechanical systems and components
- Motion and power transmission and energy conversion
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Engineering Drawing Assignment
| Intent: | Students to develop and demonstrate their competence in engineering drawing and sketching. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): D.1 |
| Type: | Design/drawing/plan/sketch |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Length: | A set of engineering drawings/sketches including: parallel oblique projection, isometric, orthogonal and section views. |
Assessment task 2: Computer Aided Design (CAD) Assignment
| Intent: | Students to develop and demonstrate their competence in designing virtual designs using CAD solid modelling. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): D.1 |
| Type: | Design/drawing/plan/sketch |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
Assessment task 3: Assessment task 3: Engineering Prototyping Project (EPP) - Conceptual Design
| Intent: | Students to gain hands on experience in analysing engineering problems, deriving requirements, and developing and evaluating alternative conceptual solutions. |
|---|---|
| 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 and D.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Group, group assessed |
| Weight: | 10% |
| Length: | One engineering mechanics problem. |
Assessment task 4: Assessment task 4: Engineering Prototyping Project (EPP) - Detailed design and manufacturing
| Intent: | Students to gain hands on experience in designing, building, testing, evaluating and improving a functional engineering prototype based on their conceptual design from Assessment task 3. |
|---|---|
| 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 and D.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 35% |
Assessment task 5: Engineering mechanics quiz
| Intent: | Students to demonstrate mastery of basic engineering mechanics. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 15% |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.
Required texts
There are no required textbooks. My philosophy is that you should have an appropriate textbook but I provide enough other resources to make it possible for you to pass the subject without buying a textbook. Suggestions for appropriate texts/references are given below.
Recommended texts
One or both of:
Wickert, J. and Lewis, K., An Introduction to Mechanical Engineering, 3rd or 4th Ed. SI, Cengage (eBook or print. Link to eBook available on Canvas)
Hibbeler, R.C., Engineering Mechanics – Statics, any SI Ed., Prentice-Hall
The Hibbeler text will be required in the following subject: 48620 Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering
Other resources
Links to many useful resources are provided on Canvas.