Outline

Overview

This is a project based unit where students will construct and test a real machine of their own design using Computer Aided Design software, machine and hand tools. Students will be required to undertake research into the historical development of the machine and to learn the associated basic theory and analytic techniques to allow them to fully understand and analyse their design. Students will also learn how to construct a complex electro-mechanical benchtop test rig incorporating instrumentation and control systems and a graphical user interface, and how to interface their design with such a system to establish its performance characteristics. The unit ties in with the workshop component of MECH1560 Introduction to Mechanical Engineering. Skills developed become relevant in MECH2400 Mechanical Design 1.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jiawei Tan, jiawei.tan@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	MECH1400 Final Examination 2 hour written exam which covers any material from Lectures, Canvas Resources, Tutorials and Workshop sessions. Basic calculators are allowed but no other electronic devices. Mobile phones may not be used as calculators.	30%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement	Attendance and Participation Attendance and Participation In Tutorials and Workshop Laboratories.	5%	Multiple weeks	Tutorials 1hr & Workshops 2.5hrs.	Not applicable
Outcomes assessed:
Evaluation	Student Workshop Quiz On-line Quiz on Safety in the Student Workshop.	0%	Week 02 Due date: 16 Aug 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 23 Aug 2026	30 minutes.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Assignment 1 - Steam Engine Research Presentation (Individual) An MPG video 6 to 7 mins. in Duration Detailing Steam Engine Research.	5%	Week 03 Due date: 23 Aug 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 13 Sep 2026	An MPG Video 6 to 7 mins. in Duration.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Concept Design Review (Group) Drawing or Freehand Sketch of the Design Concept is Due During your Group's Timetabled Workshop Laboratory.	2.5%	Week 04 Due date: 28 Aug 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 18 Sep 2026	At Least 1 Drawing is to be Submitted.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Isometric Drawing Task (Individual) An Isometric Drawing is to be generated from an Engineering Drawing drawn in Third-Angle Projection.	2.5%	Week 05 Due date: 04 Sep 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 25 Sep 2026	1 Isometric Drawing.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assignment 2 - Design Proposal (Group) Design Proposal Report.	20%	Week 06 Due date: 11 Sep 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 25 Sep 2026	10 Pages Excluding Drawings.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Evaluation	SPARKPlus for Assignment 2 - Design Proposal Group Contribution Self and Peer Assessments in SPARKPlus.	0%	Week 06	30 minutes.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assignment 3 - Final Design Report (Group) Final Report Including Detail Drawings and an Assembly Drawing to AS1100.	20%	Week 12 Due date: 30 Oct 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 20 Nov 2026	10 Pages Excluding Drawings.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Assignment 4 - Project Outcome (Group) Project outcome - Due Timetabled Workshop Session.	15%	Week 13 Due date: 06 Nov 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 27 Nov 2026	Details via Canvas Assignment Area.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Evaluation	SPARKPlus for Assignment 3 and 4 - Final Design Report & Project Outcome Group Contribution Self and Peer Assessments in SPARKPlus.	0%	Week 13	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

Student Workshop Quiz (Ind): Online quiz to test students knowledge of the risk management procedures (safety) and Personal Protection Device requirements for the Student Workshop.

Concept Design Review: (Grp) Layout drawing or freehand sketch of the design concept of the group’s pneumatic engine to gain peer, tutor and technician feedback on design feasibility prior to the commencement of detailed design.

Steam Engine Research Presentation: (Ind) An MPG video 6 to 7 mins. in duration detailing steam engine research to familiarise students with machines that perform mechanical work using steam and / or compressed air.

Design Proposal: (Grp) Written proposal with preliminary design of device including basic energy analysis and basic drawings.

Isometric Drawing Task (Ind): During the one hour tutorials of Week 3 and 4, successfully hand draft an Isometric drawing from a supplied set of Engineering Drawings drawn to AS1100.

Final Report: (Grp) Written report recording the research, design, and construction of the completed device, full detailed drawings and assembly drawing to AS1100 required.

Project Outcome (Grp): Testing of built device during workshop session

Final Exam: (Ind) 2 Hour centrally timetabled exam to be held during formal examination period. The exam covers any material from Lectures, Canvas Resources, Tutorials and Workshop sessions.

Attendance and Participation: (Ind) Attendance and participation in all timetabled Tutorials and Workshop Laboratories.

SPARKPlus: (Ind) SPARKPlus will be used to collect self and peer assessment to both evaluate a team member’s contribution to the Design Proposal and Final Report and convert group marks into individual marks. Students who do not complete Sparkplus with meaningful feedback are unable to appeal resulting RPF values for that task.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

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	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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:

5% per day. Any late penalties are applied to all group members. Quiz and project outcomes have 100% late penalty.

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
Week 01	UoS Introduction, Design process and Engineering Drawings	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Materials Selection for Design	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Materials Selection for Design	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Design Methods and Machine Dynamics	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Design Methods and Machine Dynamics	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Engineering Drawings	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Engineering Drawings	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Fits and Tolerances	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Fits and Tolerances	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Surface Finishes	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Surface Finishes	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Mechanical Components and Fasteners	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Mechanical Components and Fasteners	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Machining and Flywheels	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Machining and Flywheels	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Plain and Roller Bearings	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Plain and Roller Bearings	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Pressure Vessels and Advanced Machine Processes	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Pressure Vessels and Advanced Machine Processes	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Cam Design and Sydney Motorsport Guest Speaker	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Cam Design	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Reflection and Continuous Improvement	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Reflection and Continuous Improvement	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Unit Summary and Revision	Lecture (1 hr)
	Unit Summary and Revision	Workshop (2.5 hr)
	Unit Summary and Revision	Tutorial (1 hr)
Weekly	Prepare for classes	Self-directed learning (13 hr)
Weekly	Non-contact independent work including SOLIDWORKS tutorials, research, homework, and working on assignments, group meetings, and prior readings across multiple weeks.	Self-directed learning (100 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance and Participation at all scheduled Lectures, Tutorials and Workshop Laboratories.

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.

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. Apply statics, dynamics and thermodynamics analysis methods to real design problems.
LO2. Undertake a simple design and build project from conception to completion.
LO3. Apply theory and analysis to real machinery, use of machine and hand tools.
LO4. Demonstrate basic workshop skills, learning to use machine tools for production of complex parts.
LO5. Undertake research into existing design as part of developing new design.
LO6. Apply theory to real world design process.
LO7. Use self-reflection and critical thinking to improve your learning skills.
LO8. Constructively contribute ideas and address team issues through conflict resolution and critically evaluate self and peer contributions in a team based learning scenario.
LO9. Generate and interpret engineering drawings to AS1100 Parts 101 and 201.
LO10. Gain familiarity with Computer Aided Design (CAD) using SolidWorks

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.

2026 - Introduced Final Exam to replace existing Quiz, removed Progress Report and Added Attendance and Participation Mark. Minor reweighing adjustments to existing assessments. 2025 - Increased support for students that did not do MECH1560 through Canvas resources and targeted week 1 workshop induction. 2024 - Replaced Sys Eng Ass #1 with Steam engine research. Added early feedback task - student workshop quiz. 2023 - Reduced the content of the in class Quiz based on feedback from the students. 2022 - Moved final report from Week 13 to Week 12 as requested in USS. Incorporated Systems Engineering in lieu of historical report.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Students must achieve 100% in the Student Workshop Quiz before they will be allowed access to the workshop.

Students must complete workshop induction during scheduled sessions if participating in physical workshop sessions.

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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

MECH1400: Design and Construction of Mechanical Systems

Semester 2, 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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links