Outline

Overview

The unit will be focused on a common electro-mechanical system that incorporates the basic components of electric and mechanical power systems, electronics and mechatronics. This will provide a context based introduction to basic electrical theory including Ohm’s law, Kirchoff’s voltage and current laws, passive component characteristics (resistors, capacitors and inductors) as well as a conceptual introduction to transistors, operational amplifiers and digital logic. Sensors for measuring physical phenomena such as temperature, pressure and force will be included together with an introduction to AC and poly phase systems, power factor, electromagnetism, DC motors, AC motors, Servo-motors, motor speed control, batteries and electric motor and speed controller selection. Integration and control of the system will provide an introduction to simplified mechatronics systems through the use of the Arduino system to interface sensors, computer code and actuators integrating and acquiring data from sensors. The unit of study will include a strong practical component where students will become familiar with the basics of electrical circuits, electrical motors, power supplies, assembling simple circuits and the use of measurement tools such as multimeters and oscilloscopes in the context of electro-mechanical systems. A laboratory where students write and upload code to an Arduino system that interfaces with sensors and actuators will be included.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	AMME2700
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Pieter van Goor, pieter.vangoor@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final Exam A final exam to test the skills and knowledge developed in the course.	33%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Week 2 Quiz Quiz to reflect and review the theory from this week.	1%	Week 02 Due date: 08 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 08 Mar 2026	20 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Week 3 Quiz Quiz to reflect and review the theory from this week. #earlyfeedbacktask	1%	Week 03 Due date: 15 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 15 Mar 2026	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Lab 1 - Familiarisation Demonstration of circuits, plus report	10%	Week 03	Assessment in lab plus submitted report	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Week 4 Quiz Quiz to reflect and review the theory from this week.	1%	Week 04 Due date: 22 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 22 Mar 2026	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Week 5 Quiz Quiz to reflect and review the theory from this week.	1%	Week 05 Due date: 29 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 29 Mar 2026	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Week 06 Quiz Quiz to reflect and review the theory from this week.	1%	Week 06 Due date: 05 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 05 Apr 2026	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Week 7 Quiz Quiz to reflect and review the theory from this week.	1%	Week 07 Due date: 19 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 19 Apr 2026	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Lab 2 - Sensors Demonstration of circuits, plus report	20%	Week 07	Assessment in lab plus report	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Week 8 Quiz Quiz to reflect and review the theory from this week.	1%	Week 08 Due date: 26 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 26 Apr 2026	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Week 9 Quiz Quiz to reflect and review the theory from this week.	1%	Week 09 Due date: 03 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 03 May 2026	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Week 10 Quiz Quiz to reflect and review the theory from this week.	1%	Week 10 Due date: 10 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 10 May 2026	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Week 11 Quiz Quiz to reflect and review the theory from this week.	1%	Week 11 Due date: 17 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 17 May 2026	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Lab 3 - Controller circuit Demonstration of circuits, plus report	25%	Week 11	Assessment in lab plus report	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Week 12 Quiz Quiz to reflect and review the theory from this week.	1%	Week 12 Due date: 24 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 24 May 2026	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Week 13 Quiz Quiz to reflect and review the theory from this week.	1%	Week 13 Due date: 31 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 31 May 2026	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Students are expected to attend their scheduled labs, or will require formal special consideration. The assessment in the labs will take place in the second and third week of each lab, and will require demonstration of the simulated circuits, and prototyped circuits to the tutor. The assessment will include the tutor asking you to effectively communicate your design and testing processes. More details will be provided in the lectures and through canvas.

Assessment criteria

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Demonstrates an outstanding understanding of the content, and is able to design, simulate, analyse and clearly communicate the process of building a circuit to solve a specific engineering problem.
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late penalties will be based on the Assessment Procedures 2024.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	6 hours per week is expected to be spent reviewing lectures, preparing for tutorials and labs, working on assessment tasks and preparing for quizzes.	Self-directed learning (78 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to the unit - what do we want to learn over the semester. Look at the electronics fundamentals that will be used as a theoretical base for each concept that will follow. Introduction to the hardware and software for the semester.	Lecture (2 hr)
	Online mini lectures - foundations of electronics, introductions to voltage, current, resistance and power.	Self-directed learning (1.5 hr)
	Lab 1 - Familiarisation with circuit design, simulators and prototyping. Week 1 of 3 (Theory)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Review of week 2 mini-lectures, live demonstration of circuit prototyping using breadboards and using simulation.	Lecture (2 hr)
	Online mini lectures - Prototyping electronic circuits using breadboards.	Self-directed learning (1.5 hr)
	Lab 1 - Familiarisation with circuit design, simulators and prototyping. Week 2 of 3 (Simulation)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Review of week 3 mini-lectures. Live demonstration of analog sensor circuits with measurements.	Lecture (2 hr)
	Online mini lectures - Analog and digital signals, making measurements.	Self-directed learning (1.5 hr)
	Lab 1 - Familiarisation with circuit design, simulators and prototyping. Week 3 of 3 (Prototyping)	Practical (3 hr)
Week 04	Review of week 4 mini-lectures. Live demonstration of op amp circuits, and how these can be used to change analog sensor information into a more usable form.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Online mini lectures - Introduction to op amps, applications in processing sensor signals.	Self-directed learning (1.5 hr)
Week 05	Review of week 5 mini-lectures. Live demonstration of capacitor circuits with measurements.	Lecture (2 hr)
	Online mini lectures - Introduction to capacitors and inductors.	Self-directed learning (1.5 hr)
	Lab 2 - Circuits to work with sensors. Week 1 of 3 (Theory)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Review of week 6 mini-lectures. Live demonstration of decision making using logic through either a microcontroller (such as the Arduino) or even just using some transistors.	Lecture (2 hr)
	Online mini lectures - Decision making using microcontrollers and transistors.	Self-directed learning (1.5 hr)
	Lab 2 - Circuits to work with sensors. Week 2 of 3 (Simulation)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Review of week 7 mini-lectures. Live demonstration of a motor and servo circuit with measurements.	Lecture (2 hr)
	Online mini lectures - Fundamentals of motors and servos	Self-directed learning (1.5 hr)
	Lab 2 - Circuits to work with sensors. Week 3 of 3 (Prototyping)	Practical (3 hr)
Week 08	Review of week 8 mini-lectures. Live demonstration of PWM and using it to control a higher powered device.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Online mini lectures - powering high-current circuits using PWM	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
Week 09	Review of week 9 mini-lectures. Live demonstration of using the Arduino to solve problems, including some coverage of the basics of programming.	Lecture (2 hr)
	Online mini lectures - Fundamentals of microcontrollers (basic code for interfacing to circuits)	Self-directed learning (1.5 hr)
	Lab 3 - Circuits to make things move. Week 1 of 3 (Theory)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	In-depth analysis of several important circuits that are commonly used in electro-mechanical devices.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Lab 3 - Circuits to make things move. Week 2 of 3 (Simulation)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Discussion about power supplies, looking at examples of what can go wrong.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Lab 3 - Circuits to make things move. Week 3 of 3 (Prototyping)	Practical (3 hr)
Week 12	Exploring the principles of modular system design for circuits and the importance of good documentation and testing.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Review of the unit of study, discussion about the final exam (which is during the exam period)	Lecture (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

All students are expected to attend their assigned lab sessions. There will be two groups A and B, with different starting weeks for the lab work. Additional information will be provided on canvas and during the live lectures.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Each lecture comes with a set of links to online resources relevant to the topic. These provide further reading and different perspectives on the topics being covered.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Understand the various theorems relevant to electrical engineering required for circuit design of electro-mechanical systems
LO2. Understand the role of electronics in solving mechanical and mechatronic engineering problems.
LO3. Analyse electronic circuits by making measurements, including finding and diagnosing faults.
LO4. Design, simulate and build circuits to solve engineering problems.
LO5. Function effectively in small groups to solve technical problems by applying theoretical concepts.
LO6. Demonstrate oral and written communication skills to convey understanding of circuits for assessment.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is the third time this unit has been offered.

Additional information

Additional costs

Students are expected to bring a multimeter and a breadboard to the lab sessions. If you do not already have one, information on a suitable model will be provided in the week 1 lecture.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

AMME1705: Introduction to Electromechanical Systems

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links