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Unit of study_
MECH5720: Sensors and Signals
2026 unit information
This unit introduces sensors and signals with examples from modern computational imaging. It covers the fundamentals of image formation including light, lenses, and pixels, and develops an understanding of multi-dimensional signals through frequency-domain analysis and the mathematics of multiplexing. It combines these to study classical computational imaging systems in which optics and algorithms are co-developed. Advanced topics draw from unconventional imaging modalities, radiance field representations, machine learning-based reconstruction, optimisation-driven design, and active imaging with time-of-flight and structured light systems. Hands-on, students construct and characterise computational imaging devices and associated algorithms through guided exercises. An open-ended project allows students to build a system of their choice, with examples including lensless cameras, relightable 3D models, visual heart-rate detection, and imaging around corners. By the end of the unit, students have a practical understanding of how physics, sensing, and signal processing combine to enable next-generation imaging technologies.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Engineering
| Study level | Postgraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic |
| Credit points | 6 |
|
Prerequisites:
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MTRX3700 or MTRX3760 |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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MECH8720 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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Strong MATLAB skills and some Electromagnetics; |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. assimilate information regarding the myriad of possibilities for the design of a sensor, and to convey this information to ones colleagues
- LO2. develop skills for efficient project management in a team environment
- LO3. integrate incomplete information and make value judgements to solve a sensing problem by using engineering "gut feel", rather than a rigorous analytical approach
- LO4. apply specialised engineering skills (mechanical, electrical, and software) to analyse the performance of a sensor
- LO5. understand active sensors, their outputs, and applicable signal processing techniques, and demonstrate an appreciation of the basic sensors that are available to engineers, and when they should be used
- LO6. describe a number of sensors
- LO7. make a distinction between sensor performance, based on simulation and measurement.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Semester 2 2026
|
Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
|
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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Important enrolment information
Departmental permission requirements
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Read our information on departmental permission.
Additional advice
This unit requires departmental permission to ensure appropriate foundational knowledge is met. If the prerequisite unit/s were completed at the University of Sydney or if you are enrolled in the Master of Engineering, Master of Professional Engineering or Master of Professional Engineering (Accelerated), your request does not require supporting documentation to be approved. If you have completed studies at another institution, you must include your transcript when submitting your permission request for review by the Faculty.
Disclaimer
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