48610 Introduction to Mechanical Engineering
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade, no marksDescription
The subject introduces students to engineering sketching and drawing, computer-aided design and solid modelling, engineering design, engineering mechanics, mechanical systems and components. Students learn to graphically represent engineering components by sketching, using drawing instruments and/or computer methods using standard representation techniques such as orthogonal projection.
Students learn basic engineering mechanics and how to apply this to analyse simple machines, mechanisms and structures. Students also learn basic engineering management tools and apply them in designing and building a mechanical prototype.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Create technical drawings by hand to communicate details of mechanical components. (D.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Create computer models of mechanical components and devices using CAD solid modelling software. (D.1) |
| 3. | Solve introductory engineering mechanics problems to analyse mechanical components and systems. (D.1) |
| 4. | Analyse, solve and document engineering problems. (C.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and processes to meet specified requirements. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:
- 1.1. Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
- 2.1. Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
- 3.3. Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour.
Teaching and learning strategies
Student learning in the subject is facilitated through a combination of online pre-class activities, including lecture videos, example problem videos, textbook readings, quizzes, etc.), and in-class activities during tutorial classes, computer labs and workshops. The content for all pre-class and in-class activities is provided on Canvas..
The tutorial classes are designed to be predominantly tutor-assisted problem solving and will make use of active, interactive and collaborative teaching and learning methods. Students are expected to have completed pre-class activities . Lengthy, detailed delivery of problem solutions by tutors will not occur in tutorial classes as these will be provided as videos and pdfs on Canvas. In class, students will learn by doing and actively solve problems and discuss their solutions with other students and tutors.
The computer labs provide an opportunity for students to get assistance with Computer Aided Design (CAD) using SolidWorks. The Lab classes involve tutor-assisted self-directed learning. Students will work on developing their CAD knowledge and skills at their own pace using online tutorials and attempting to do various CAD exercises and the CAD assignments. Students are encouraged to ask questions and obtain feedback on their progress from tutors when they need it. Student interaction and collaboration with other students is also encouraged.
In the Lab workshops in the Mechanical Design Studio, students will work in groups on a design-and-build engineering prototyping project and participate in tutor-guided and self-directed activities.
Content (topics)
The subject includes the following topics:
- Engineering sketching and drawing computer aided design and solid modelling
- Engineering design
- Engineering mechanics
- Mechanical systems and components
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Engineering Drawing Assignment
| Intent: | Students to develop and demonstrate competence in the basics of engineering drawing and sketching. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): D.1 |
| Type: | Design/drawing/plan/sketch |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Length: | A set of engineering drawings/sketches including: parallel oblique projection, isometric, orthogonal and section views. |
Assessment task 2: Computer Aided Design (CAD) Assignment
| Intent: | Students to develop and demonstrate their competence in the basics of creating virtual designs and detail drawings using CAD solid modelling. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): D.1 |
| Type: | Design/drawing/plan/sketch |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
Assessment task 3: Engineering Prototyping Project (EPP) - Conceptual Design
| Intent: | Students to gain hands on experience in analysing engineering problems, deriving requirements, and developing and evaluating alternative conceptual solutions. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): D.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Group, group assessed |
| Weight: | 10% |
| Length: | One engineering mechanics problem. |
Assessment task 4: Engineering Prototyping Project (EPP) - Detailed design and manufacturing
| Intent: | Students to gain hands on experience in designing, building, testing, evaluating and improving a functional engineering prototype based on their conceptual design from Assessment task 3. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 35% |
| Length: | A mechanical device. Engineering documentation including a formal report (approx. 1000 words, several calculations, data tables and charts), several part and assembly models and detail drawings. |
Assessment task 5: Engineering mechanics quiz
| Intent: | Students to demonstrate the ability to solve introductory engineering mechanics problems. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 15% |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.
Required texts
There are no required textbooks. My philosophy is that you should have an appropriate textbook but I provide enough other resources to make it possible for you to pass the subject without buying a textbook. Suggestions for appropriate texts/references are given below.
Recommended texts
One or both of:
Wickert, J. and Lewis, K., An Introduction to Mechanical Engineering, 3rd or 4th Ed. SI, Cengage (eBook or print. Link to eBook available on Canvas)
Hibbeler, R.C., Engineering Mechanics – Statics, any SI Ed., Prentice-Hall
The Hibbeler text will be required in the following subject: 41054 Applied Mechanics and Design A
Other resources
Links to many useful resources are provided on Canvas.