Course Title: Operate and program computers and/or controllers in engineering situations

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2025

Course Code: MANU6173C

Course Title: Operate and program computers and/or controllers in engineering situations

Important Information:

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.

School: 520T Future Technologies

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6186 - Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Mechanical)

Course Contact: Amita Iyer

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 8311

Course Contact Email: Amita.iyer@rmit.edu.au

Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Andrew Kim
Tel: 9925 4295
Email: andrew.kim@rmit.edu.au

Appointment by email

Dr Amita Iyer
Program Manager
Mechanical, Aeronautical and Civil Engineering Programs
Tel: (03) 9925 8311
Email: amita.iyer@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 80

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

MEM16008 Interact with computing technology

MEM16006 Organise and communicate information

Course Description

This unit of competency defines the skills and knowledge required to operate and program computers and/or controllers in industrial situations and to prepare and maintain programs including operating computer and/or controller hardware and software for engineering tasks. It also includes developing or customising computer and/or controller systems or programs.

The unit applies to engineering or related activities and is suitable for people giving technical support in manufacturing or engineering operations and those pursuing technical qualifications and careers at paraprofessional or technician level.

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:	MEM23003 Operate and program computers and/or controllers in engineering situations
Element:	1. Operate a computer and/or controller system
Performance Criteria:	1.1 Operate hardware to complete engineering tasks 1.2 Use appropriate software to produce required outcomes 1.3 Identify and use available sources of help to overcome basic difficulties with applications 1.4 Ensure technical instructions are followed and inconsistencies and technical difficulties investigated and resolved 1.5 Adhere to work health and safety (WHS) regulations and guidelines
Element:	2. Develop and customise computer and controller systems or programs
Performance Criteria:	2.1 Prepare work plan for the programming or customising task in accordance with organisational guidelines 2.2 Write, alter and customise programs in the required format and computer language 2.3 Maintain client engagement with project or task 2.4 Maintain program or system records and make available to all interested parties following organisational procedures

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course, you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the elements of this unit of competency.

Details of Learning Activities

You will be involved in the following learning activities to meet requirements for this competency and stage 1 competencies for Engineering Associates.

• Lectures
• Practicals
• Class discussion

Engineers Australia Mapping Information:

This course is mapped against stage 1 competencies for Engineering Associates developed by Engineers Australia as detailed
below:

EA 1. Knowledge and Skill Base

EA1.1. Descriptive, formula-based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering
fundamentals applicable to the practice area.
EA 1.2. Procedural-level understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences
which underpin the practice area.
EA 1.3. In depth practical knowledge and skills within specialist sub-disciplines of the practice area.
EA 1.4. Discernment of engineering developments within the practice area.
EA 1.5. Knowledge of contextual factors impacting the practice area.
EA 1.6. Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of contemporary engineering practice in the
area of practice.

EA 2. Engineering Application Ability

EA 2.1. Application of established technical and practical methods to the solution of well-defined engineering problems.
EA 2.2. Application of technical and practical techniques, tools and resources to well defined engineering problems.
EA 2.3. Application of systematic synthesis and design processes to well defined engineering problems.
EA 2.4. Application of systematic project management processes.

EA 3. Professional and Personal Attributes

EA 3.1. Ethical conduct and professional accountability.
EA 3.2. Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.
EA 3.3. Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour.
EA 3.4. Professional use and management of information.
EA 3.5. Orderly management of self, and professional conduct.
EA 3.6. Effective team membership and team leadership.

Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies are mapped with competency MEM23003A in the Assessment Matrix.

Teaching Schedule

The proposed teaching schedule for this competency is detailed below:

Week	Topics Delivered	Elements / Performance Criteria
1	Introduction - completing tasks using selected hardware in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and to workplace procedures - using CPU, I/O, peripherals, interfaces, actuators and other computer/controller equipment - accessing and using appropriate software in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions to complete task requirements - Machine Safety - Programmable controllers (PLC) - Ladder Language	1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
2	- Create a project from scratch by building the hardware configuration. - Explore the sensors and actuators and build Tag tables - saving and storing documents and other computer/controller files are in an appropriate directory in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and workplace procedures - identifying and analysing difficulties using appropriate help sources - preparing work plans for programming/customising task	1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
3	- writing/altering/customising programs - testing and amending programs - maintaining records - SR flip flop Instruction; - Applications of SR flip flops	1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
4	- Project work on Assessment 1 Assessment 1 is due	1.1, 1.2, 1.3
5	- functions and operating procedures of CPU, I/O, peripherals, interfaces, actuators and other computer/controller equipment - applications of available hardware and criteria for selecting the hardware for particular tasks - Timer Instruction - Applications of Timers	1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
6	- Counter Instructions - Applications of Counters	1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
7	- procedures and related requirements for saving and storing documents and computer/controller files - techniques for accessing, transferring, printing documents or other computer files or using computer files to control plant and equipment - Concepts of Directional Control Valves (DCV); - SFC Language - procedures for operating hardware - procedures for checking and replacing hardware consumables	1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
8	- SFC Language - Concepts of Sequential Function Charts (SFC); - Applications of SFCs - available software and their applications - procedures and commands for the use of identified software	1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
9	- procedures and related requirements for saving and storing documents and computer/controller files - techniques for accessing, transferring, printing documents or other computer files or using computer files to control plant and equipment - Project work on assessment 2 Assessment 2 is due	1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
10	- techniques and procedures for writing/customising programs in specified formats and computer language - techniques and procedures for testing and amending programs - procedures for checking program alteration with users - Project work on assessment 3	1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
11	- techniques for accessing and using manuals and training booklets to solve minor problems - procedures for accessing sources of help - Project work on assessment 3	1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
12	- techniques for accessing help with typical difficulties with selected applications - typical programming/customising sequencing and related issues - Project work on assessment 3	1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
13	- techniques and procedures for preparing a work plan for a programming/customising task - techniques and procedures for writing/customising programs in specified formats and computer language - techniques and procedures for testing and amending programs - procedures for checking program alteration with users - procedures for maintaining records and reports on program/system development or enhancement - procedures for disseminating information on program/system development - Project work on assessment 3	1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
14 - 15	- Assessment 3 - Students' class demonstration on their completed TIA Portal Programming on the MPS machines before submission through Canvas - Week 14 and Week 15. - Assessment Task 3 - Assignment file and TIA Portal file DUE in Week 15	1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
16 - 18	Examination Week Feedback	1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3

Student directed hours involve completing activities such as reading online resources, assignments, individual studentteacher course-related consultation. Students are required to self-study the learning materials and complete the assigned out of class activities for the scheduled non-teaching hours. The estimated time is minimum 18 hours outside the class time.

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

References

Other Resources

PLC Manufacturer’s operation manuals.

Siemens TIA Portal V17

Students will be able to access information and learning materials through myRMIT and may be provided with additional materials in class. List of relevant reference books, resources in the library and accessible Internet sites will be provided where possible. During the course, you will be directed to websites to enhance your knowledge and understanding of difficult concepts.

Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral/written presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.

Assessment Tasks

Assessment 1: Practical 1, Week 4

Assessment 2: Practical 2, Week 9

Assessment 3: Practical 3, Week 15 (TIA Portal programming demonstration before submitting assessment files - Week 14 and Week 15)

This course is graded as Competent or Not Yet Competent.

Assessment Matrix

Assessment vs MEM23003 Elements & Performance Criteria

MEM23003 Elements & Performance Criteria
Assessments	1.1	1.2	1.3	2.1	2.2	2.3
Task 1	X	X	X	X	X	X
Task 2	X	X	X	X	X	X
Task 3	X	X		X	X	X

Assessment vs Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies

Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies

Assessments

EA1.1

EA1.2

EA 1.3

EA1.4

EA1.5

EA1.6

EA2.1

EA2.2

EA2.3

EA2.4

EA3.1

EA3.2

EA3.3

EA3.4

EA3.5

EA3.6

Task 1

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Task 2

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Task 3

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

All assessments MEM23003

3

3

3

2

3

2

3

3

3

3

2

1

0

1

0

1

0 (Blank)

Graduate attribute is not assessed.

1

Graduate attribute is assessed in at least one, but less than one-third of the Element.

2

Graduate attribute is assessed in at least one third but less than two-thirds of the Element.

3

Graduate attribute is assessed in more than two-thirds of the Element.

Other Information

Credit Transfer and/or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
You may be eligible for credit towards courses in your program if you have already met the learning/competency outcomes through previous learning and/or industry experience. To be eligible for credit towards a course, you must demonstrate that you have already completed learning and/or gained industry experience that is:

• Relevant
• Current
• Satisfies the learning/competency outcomes of the course

Please refer to http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/credit to find more information about credit transfer and RPL

Study and learning Support:

Study and Learning Centre (SLC) provides free learning and academic development advice to you.
Services offered by SLC to support your numeracy and literacy skills are:

• assignment writing, thesis writing and study skills advice
• maths and science developmental support and advice
• English language development

Please Refer http://www.rmit.edu.au/studyandlearningcentre to find more information about Study and learning Support

Equitable Learning Services (ELS):

If you are suffering from long-term medical condition or disability, you should contact Equitable Learning Services (ELS) to seek advice and support to complete your studies.
Please refer to https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/student-support/equitable-learning-services to find more information about services offered by Equitable Learning Services (ELS).

Late submission:

If you require an Extension of Submittable Work (assignments, reports or project work etc.) for 7 calendar days or less (from the original due date) and have valid reasons, you must complete and lodge an Application for Extension of Submittable Work (7 Calendar Days or less) form and lodge it with the Senior Educator/ Program Manager.
The application must be lodged no later than one working day before the official due date. You will be notified within no more than 2 working days of the date of lodgment as to whether the extension has been granted.
If you seek an Extension of Submittable Work for more than 7 calendar days (from the original due date) must lodge an Application for Special Consideration form under the provisions of the Special Consideration Policy, preferably prior to, but no later than 2 working days after the official due date.

Submittable Work (assignments, reports or project work etc.) submitted late without approval of an extension will not be accepted or marked.


Special consideration:

Please Refer http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration to find more information about special consideration

Plagiarism:

Plagiarism is a form of cheating and it is very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University.

Please Refer: www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity to find more information about plagiarism.

Other Information:

All email communications will be sent to your RMIT email address and you must regularly check your RMIT emails.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview