Course Title: Mechatronics
Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Mechatronics
Credit Points: 12.00
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Course Coordinator: Demetrio Elgueta
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 8054
Course Coordinator Email: Demetrio.elgueta@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: 57.5.15
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
Pre-requisite Capabilities
Students are required to have successfully completed the courses EEET2276 Electrical Principles and EEET2277 Computer Applications, or equivalent courses, or provide evidence of equivalent capabilities.
Course Description
This course introduces the student to the concept of a combination of mechanical and electronic devices (Mechatronics), which incorporate pneumatic and hydraulic equipment controlled by PLC’s or parallel interfaced computers.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
Students will gain or improve capabilities in:
Technical Competence:
• TC1: theoretical knowledge: knowledge in applications and procedures for the operation of mechatronic systems in an industrial environment;
• TC4: technical ability: obtain practical skills in applying and integrating procedures for the operation of a mechatronic system in a Mechanic laboratory;
Technical Competence & Integrative Perspective:
• TC2 & IP1 & 3: critical analysis and problem solving: students will use theoretical knowledge in a practical laboratory situation, and in conjunction with correct procedures, establish the skills required to analyse and overcome problems that may occur in a manufacturing environment; and
Professional Practice:
• PP2: communication and working in teams: student capabilities will be improved through the presentation of written reports and group work in laboratory projects.
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Define various facets of mechatronics and in particular select the;
o appropriate hydraulic or pneumatic actuating components for a specified design requirement;
o appropriate hydraulic or pneumatic control methods for a specified design requirement,
• Draw hydraulic and pneumatic circuit diagrams taking into account the design requirements;
• Know the essential aspects of PLC operation and programming;
• Describe in detail the logic sequence for an integrated mechatronic system including all operator actions, input signals, output action, interlocks and safety/emergency requirements (PLC and computer automation);
• Describe the process of connecting a mechatronic system to analog transducers and actuators, with the appropriate hardware signal conditioners for the operation of a process which includes continuously variable inputs; and
• Commission a mechatronic system using PLC automation and carry out fault analysis and correction procedures on the system.
Overview of Learning Activities
The learning activities included in this course are:
• attendance at lectures where syllabus material will be presented and explained, and the subject will be illustrated with demonstrations and examples;
• completion of tutorial questions and laboratory projects designed to give further practice in the application of theory and procedures relating to Mechatronics, and to give feedback on student progress and understanding;
• completion of assignments and projects consisting of numerical, logical and other concepts requiring an integrated understanding of the subject matter; and
• private study, working through the course as presented in classes and learning materials, and gaining practice at solving numerical, logical, and conceptual problems.
Overview of Learning Resources
Students will be able to access course information and learning materials through the Learning Hub (also known as online@RMIT) and will be provided with copies of additional materials in class. Lists of relevant reference texts, resources in the library and freely accessible Internet sites will be provided. Students will also use mechatronic laboratory equipment, computers and appropriate software within the School during project and assignment work.
Overview of Assessment
The assessment for this course comprises of a mixture of assignments, projects, mechatronic laboratory reports, progress tests, practical assessments and a final exam in either short answer, multi choice or a mixture of the two.