Mechatronics - 2025 entry
| MODULE TITLE | Mechatronics | CREDIT VALUE | 15 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MODULE CODE | ENG3012 | MODULE CONVENER | Prof Meiling Zhu (Coordinator) |
| DURATION: TERM | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| DURATION: WEEKS | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) | 40 |
|---|
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
This module takes you into an interdisciplinary field of engineering dealing with the integration of mechanical, electric and electronic components coordinated by a controller. You will have the chance to learn a broad range of mechatronic systems and components, including analogue and digital circuits, sensors, actuators, energy harvesting and system integration to gradually build your capability to design mechatronic systems. You will also have practical hands-on session to learn how to build real-world mechatronic systems, ranging from simple LED light flashing and DC motor control circuits, to complex robot arm control and ultrasonic range detection.
Aimed at both electronic and mechanical engineers, this module combines major components of mechanical, electric and electronic engineering to explore how mechatronic systems are designed and built, right from learning the fundamental knowledge and concepts of major components in the systems, through to building mechatronic systems for real-world applications.
AIMS - intentions of the module
This module aims to introduce you to fundamental knowledge and concepts of design of mechatronic systems. Through both lectures and laboratory sessions, you will be able to design and build mechatronic systems using sensors, actuators, instrumentation electronics and microcontroller systems. The module aims to further advance your capability through a small group project where these skills are put into practice to build a mechatronic system for real-world applications.
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
Programmes that are accredited by the Engineering Council are required to meet Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes. The Engineering Council AHEP4 Learning Outcomes are taught and assessed on this module and identified in brackets below.
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
Whilst the precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover all or some of the following topics:
Introduction to mechatronic systems: what are mechatronic systems, applications and examples, and introduction of the course structure
Analogue electronic systems: passive circuits, active circuits, analogue interfacing using operational-amp (op-amp)
Digital circuits, data acquisition, and microcontroller: A/D and D/A, Digital circuits and microcontrollers
System response: how output of the system responds to inputs and signal analyses
General sensor and actuator characteristics and working principles: sensitivity, dynamic range, resolution, accuracy, and others; resistive, inductive, capacitive, magnetic, thermal, optical, and piezoelectric sensors and actuators
Sensors: displacement, stress/strain, thermocouple sensors, accelerometers and others
Actuators: DC motor torque production and back electromotive force generation; DC, AC and stepper motors and other types
Energy harvesting systems: energy harvesting, power management, wireless sensor and their integration
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities | 33 | Guided Independent Study | 117 | Placement / Study Abroad | 0 |
|---|
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 22 | Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 11 | Tutorials |
| Guided Independent Study | 117 | Independent study |
ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
None
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
| Coursework | 25 | Written Exams | 70 | Practical Exams | 5 |
|---|
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
| Form of Assessment | % of Credit | Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) | ILOs Assessed | Feedback Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exam - closed book | 70 | 2 hours | 1-9 (C&M 1, 2, 5, 6, 12, 13, 16)) | Examination Mark |
| Coursework | 25 | 5 hours | 8 (C&M 1, 2, 12, 16) | Written feedback in marked reports |
| Practical - 5 implementations | 5 | 10 hours | 8, 9 (C&M 1, 2, 5, 6, 12, 13, 16) | Verbal feedback |
DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original Form of Assessment | Form of Re-assessment | ILOs Re-assessed | Time Scale for Re-reassessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exam - closed book | Written exam (100%) | 1-9 (C&M 1, 2, 5, 6, 12, 13, 16)) | Referral/Deferral Period |
RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
Deferrals: Reassessment will be by coursework and/or exam in the deferred element only. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.
Referrals: Reassessment will be by a single written exam worth 100% of the module. As it is a referral, the mark will be capped at 40%.
RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
Reading list for this module:
| CREDIT VALUE | 15 | ECTS VALUE | 7.5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRE-REQUISITE MODULES | None |
|---|---|
| CO-REQUISITE MODULES | None |
| NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) | 6 | AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORIGIN DATE | Tuesday 10th December 2024 | LAST REVISION DATE | Wednesday 23rd April 2025 |
| KEY WORDS SEARCH | Mechatronics, automation, control, microcontrollers, sensors |
|---|
Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.
