Outline

Overview

Objectives: a) To develop an understanding of the role of Mechanical Engineers and the core concepts within the discipline. b) To understand the content of the degree structure and how the subjects are applied. c) To develop an understanding of a range of machining and manufacturing processes required to make mechanical components. Introductory Mechanical Engineering (60%): The subject introduces the core mechanical engineering concepts of design and mechanisms, intelligent systems, applied materials and fluid machinery. An overview is provided of the range of roles and the skills and knowledge required of a Mechanical Engineer. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between the subjects in the degree program and how they are applied by practicing engineers. Manufacturing Technology (40%): An overview of a range of processes related to the design and manufacture of aerospace components is provided through hands-on experience. Manufacturing Technology practical work is undertaken in: (a) Hand tools, Machining, and Welding - an introduction to basic manufacturing processes used to fabricate mechanical engineering hardware. Safety requirements: All students are required to provide their own personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with the workshop safety rules provided in class. Students who fail to do this will not be permitted to enter the workshops. In particular, approved industrial footwear must be worn, and long hair must be protected by a hair net. Safety glasses must be worn at all times. (b) Solid Modelling - the use of computer aided design (CAD) tools to model geometry and create engineering drawings of engineering components. (c) Microcontrollers - ubiquitous in modern engineered products - will be introduced through experiential learning with development kits.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	AERO1560 or MTRX1701 or ENGG1800 or CIVL1900 or CHNG1108 or BMET1960 or ENGG1960 or ELEC1004 or ELEC1005 or ENVE1001
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Rod Fiford, rod.fiford@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Rod Fiford, rod.fiford@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Skills-based evaluation	Workshop skills Workshop skill development	40%	Multiple weeks	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Active class participation Students are required to attend all classes and participate actively in class discussions, both lectures and tutorials.	5%	Ongoing	During all scheduled classes
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Early Quiz Feedback Task Online Canvas Quiz assessing first 3 weeks of material. #earlyfeedbacktask	1%	Week 03 Due date: 16 Mar 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 16 Mar 2025	10 multiple choice questions
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Team Charter Written	1%	Week 04 Due date: 21 Mar 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 21 Mar 2025	1 A4 page max.
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Mechanical Engineering Research Report Written report. Note students may be required (at the discretion of unit coordinator) to also attend a supplementary oral examination to support and explain their submitted written work (with potential impact on mark awarded).	7.5%	Week 04 Due date: 23 Mar 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 23 Mar 2025	1600-1800 words, refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Week 5 Group Meeting Minutes Written	1%	Week 05 Due date: 28 Mar 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 28 Mar 2025	1 A4 page max
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Major Project Preliminary Report Written report	10%	Week 07 Due date: 09 Apr 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 23 Apr 2025	10 A4 pages Max (see Canvas)
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Week 8 Group Meeting Minutes Written	1%	Week 08 Due date: 17 Apr 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 17 Apr 2025	1 A4 page max
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Engineering Mechanics & Thermofluids Assignment Handwritten analytical solutions to engineering problems.	10%	Week 10 Due date: 11 May 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 25 May 2025	6-8 Pages
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Week 11 Group Meeting Minutes Written	1%	Week 11 Due date: 16 May 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 16 May 2025	1 A4 page max
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Major Project Group Presentation Oral presentation in tutorial sessions (must present and attend both tutorials to pass task). Slides used must be uploaded to Canvas by due date and time, 100% late penalty if not.	5%	Week 12 Due date: 18 May 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 18 May 2025	5min talk (MAX!) + 2min Q&A
Outcomes assessed:
Creative assessment / demonstration	Major Project Device Testing & Evaluation Demonstration of major project device performance during tutorials.	5%	Week 13	See Canvas, in class activity.
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Major Project Final Report Written	12.5%	Week 13 Due date: 30 May 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 30 May 2025	20 A4 Pages max.
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = AI allowed ? = restricted AI ? = 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

Workshop skills: Will test your ability to work appropriately and safely with hand tools, machining, welding, fibreglassing and solidworks
Assignment: Require you to integrate information from lectures and tutorials
Group Project and Presentation: Will help to develop your ability to research, document and present in report and group format a task focused on Mechancial Engineering.
Active class participation: Requires students to attend and actively participate in class sessions in both small group, online and class wide discussions.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

All group assessments require you to review your performance and that of your team members using SPARKPLUS. Individual marks for group assessments may be adjusted based on these reviews.

If you do not complete a Sparkplus assessment in a meaningful manner you are not able to appeal a Sparkplus rating.

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (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 to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Fail	0 - 49	Awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, fail to demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard established by the faculty.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

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:

- The early quiz feedback task is not able to be submitted late, its closing date is the same as the due date. - Group meeting minutes and charter are not able to be submitted late. - Oral presentation slides cannot be submitted late and students must attend both tutorial sessions to pass the task. - Late penalties are applied as per University standards. - Tasks submitted over 10 days late will not be assessed. Some assessment tasks noted above as held in class during tutorials cannot be submitted late and as such have a late penalty of 100%.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

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	Non-contact independent work doing research, homework, and working on assignments, group meetings and prior readings across multiple weeks,	Independent study (91 hr)
Week 01	L: Wednesday: Introduction to MECH1560 & Mechanical Engineering - Dr. Rod Fiford. Thursday (online): Introduction to Workshops; Dr. Shuying Wu T: NO TUTORIALS in week 1	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	L: What is Mechanical Engineering? T: Icebreaker session, sketching activity.	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	L: Teamwork, communication & project management T: Library services, research & referencing, major project team formation & charter	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	L: Principles of design, requirements analysis T: Project planning, major project requirements analysis	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	L: Creativity and critical thinking, concept evaluation T: Major project solution ideation, group work	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	L: Introduction to statics and dynamics T: Major project groupwork, statics and dynamics	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	L: Introduction to fluid dynamics T: Major project work, fluid dynamics	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	L: Introduction to thermodynamics & heat transfer T: Major project group work. NO SECOND tutorial in week 8 due to public holiday	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	L: Introduction to materials & manufacturing engineering T: Thermodynamics and heat transfer, major project groupwork	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	L: Safety & risk management T: Materials & manufacturing, safety engineering and risk assessments	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	L: Professional Engineering skills & development T: Major project groupwork,	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	L: Mechanical Engineering case studies T: Major project group talks	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	L: No lecture T: Major project device evaluation	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students are required to attend and actively participate in all scheduled lectures, tutorials and laboratory/workshop sessions.

Students must attend tutorials and participate in major project groupwork related activities, meeting minutes will be used to keep records.

It will not be possible to reschedule missed Manufacturing Technology sessions.

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

An Introduction to Mechanical Engineering by Jonathan Wickert and Kemper Lewis, 4th Edition, CENGAGE, 2019

ISBN: 978-0-357-38229-5

The Making of an Expert Engineer by James Trevelyan, 1st Edition, CRC Press, 2014

ISBN::978-1-138-02692-6 (Hardcover)

ISBN:978-1-315-74228-1 (eBook pdf)

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.

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

LO1. Enhance oral communication skills
LO2. Understand some of the fundamentals of machinery common to mechanical engineering
LO3. Apply some introductory analysis techniques in statics, dynamics, thermofluids, design, materials and manufacturing engineering
LO4. Develop basic skills in the use of common manufacturing processes
LO5. Understand how a range of machining and manufacturing processes are used to make mechanical components and to have hands-on experience with some of them.
LO6. Obtain a broad knowledge of the types of sub-disciplines within mechanical engineering
LO7. Understand the role of a graduate mechanical engineer
LO8. Develop an understanding of the course content and curriculum within the mechanical engineering degree
LO9. Obtain knowledge on use of the University of Sydney Library and to develop skills in information searching and referencing techniques.
LO10. Develop teamwork, communication and project management skills

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 3.1. An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 1.2. Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles. 5.3. Skills in the selection and characterisation of engineering systems, devices, components and materials. 5.5. Skills in the development and application of mathematical, physical and conceptual models, understanding of applicability and shortcomings.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 4.5. An ability to undertake problem solving, design and project work within a broad contextual framework accommodating social, cultural, ethical, legal, political, economic and environmental responsibilities as well as within the principles of sustainable development and health and safety imperatives. 5.1. An appreciation of the scientific method, the need for rigour and a sound theoretical basis.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 1.1. Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice. 2.1. Appropriate range and depth of learning in the technical domains comprising the field of practice informed by national and international benchmarks.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 1.1. Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice. 4.1. Advanced level skills in the structured solution of complex and often ill defined problems.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 2.2. Application of enabling skills and knowledge to problem solution in these technical domains. 2.3. Meaningful engagement with current technical and professional practices and issues in the designated field. 3.1. An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large. 3.6. An ability to function as an individual and as a team leader and member in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 3.7. A capacity for lifelong learning and professional development and appropriate professional attitudes. 4.4. Skills in implementing and managing engineering projects within the bounds of time, budget, performance and quality assurance requirements. 5.8. Skills in recognising unsuccessful outcomes, sources of error, diagnosis, fault-finding and re-engineering. 5.9. Skills in documenting results, analysing credibility of outcomes, critical reflection, developing robust conclusions, reporting outcomes.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 3.1. An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large. 3.7. A capacity for lifelong learning and professional development and appropriate professional attitudes. 4.2. Ability to use a systems approach to complex problems, and to design and operational performance.

Responding to student feedback

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

Minor changes to assessment weightings.

Additional information

All group assessments require you to review your performance and that of your team members using SPARKPLUS. Individual marks for group assessments may be adjusted based on these reviews. If you do not complete a Sparkplus assessment in a meaningful manner you are not able to appeal a Sparkplus rating.

Work, health and safety

Students are required to provide suitable safety equipment, details to be communicated in week 1 (including safety footwear and glasses).

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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) and automated writing tools

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

MECH1560: Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

Semester 1, 2025 [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) and automated writing tools

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links