Course coordinator
Dr Luigi Vandi
Please email Dr Luigi Vandi to arrange a consultation.
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Mech & Mine Engineering School
Systems engineering design principles and their interface with project management tools and techniques. Systems engineering principles encompass (i) system design processes (ii) product realisation processes and (iii) technical management processes. Materials selection includes linear fracture mechanics. Project management techniques include (i) work breakdown structures and resourcing (ii) critical path analysis and (iii) cost estimation and procurement planning.
This course forms part of a continuum of courses in the design stream for mechanical and mechatronic engineering students. It bridges the gap between MECH2305 Introduction to Engineering Design and Manufacturing, MECH2100 Machine Element Design, and MECH3100 Systems Engineering Practice. The objective of MECH3610 is to introduce students to a systems engineering framework to assist with:
(i) capturing user requirements in order to develop systems designs towards solving complex problems
(ii) engineering project management principles and
(iii) use of a digital management system (Product Lifecycle Management) to manage concept design workflow.
Students will apply system engineering principles learnt in MECH3610 into MECH3100 to develop a new concept design and continue through basic engineering and manufacturing to demonstrate their design prototypes. ﾠ ﾠ
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ENGG1100 and MECH2305
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ENGG4800 and MECH3600
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Saiied Aminossadati
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
The aims of this course are to provide students with systems engineering competencies to: (i) capture user requirements in order to develop conceptual designs; (ii) analyse manufacturing systems to improve productivity, cost and quality; (iii) understand and apply engineering management principles, and (iv) apply these methods towards achieving concept designs.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Apply systems engineering principles to design - Apply a systems engineering framework to develop a concept design for an engineering challenge
LO2.
Apply systems engineering principles to design - Conduct a user needs analysis and develop a register of systems requirements related to the project
LO3.
Apply systems engineering principles to design - Perform a functional analysis and allocation to the design
LO4.
Apply systems engineering principles to design - Develop, evaluate and select concept designs to satisfy the system requirements
LO5.
Apply systems engineering principles to design - Manage the digital workflow associated with the concept design using Siemens Teamcenter®
LO6.
Manage the project competently as part of a team - Works as a member of the team to deliver a concept report and communicate this effectively
LO7.
Manage the project competently as part of a team - Apply project management fundamentals to manage the concept design project
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project | Project Plan (Team) |
21/03/2025 1:00 pm |
|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project | Stakeholders and System Requirements (Team) | 10% |
4/04/2025 1:00 pm
PAF due 4/04/2025 5:00pm. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project |
Individual Subsystem Design
|
35% |
2/05/2025 1:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project | Systems Design Report & Presentation (Team) | 55% - presentation (10%), report (45%) |
Presentations 19/05/2025 - 30/05/2025 Report due at 1:00pm on 30/05/2025 PAF due at 5:00pm on 30/05/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Project Plan (Team)
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Due date
21/03/2025 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L05, L06, L07
Task description
Prepare a detailed project plan, including work breakdown structure, time estimates, resource allocations, identifying critical path, and s curve.
Please refer to Blackboard for a detailed marking criteria.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submission is online via TeamCenter.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Feedback is provided to students within 7-14 days to allow continuation with the project.
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Electronic Course Profile (ECP), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Stakeholders and System Requirements (Team)
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
4/04/2025 1:00 pm
PAF due 4/04/2025 5:00pm.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L05
Task description
Submit a report including stakeholder needs analysis and system requirements.
Please refer to Blackboard for a detailed marking criteria.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submission instructions will be detailed on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Feedback is provided to students within 7-14 days to allow continuation with the project.
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Electronic Course Profile (ECP), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Individual Subsystem Design
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
2/05/2025 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03
Task description
A report on a specific subsystem of the proposed design solution (elected by the student), including system requirements pertinent to that subsystem. This assessment is completed by individual students and marked individually.
Please refer to Blackboard for a detailed marking criteria.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
A 40% hurdle is applied on this individual assessment.Submission guidelines
Submission instructions will be detailed on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Feedback is released rapidly to students to allow continuation with the overall systems design.
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Electronic Course Profile (ECP), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Systems Design Report & Presentation (Team)
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project
- Weight
- 55% - presentation (10%), report (45%)
- Due date
Presentations 19/05/2025 - 30/05/2025
Report due at 1:00pm on 30/05/2025
PAF due at 5:00pm on 30/05/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
This assignment comprises a report and presentation. Both conducted as a team project to document the final systems design, including final stakeholder analysis, system architecture, preferred overall configuration and sustainability.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Please refer to Blackboard for a detailed marking criteria.
Submission guidelines
Submission instructions will be detailed on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Longer extensions impacts on other students in team who may be preparing for examinations.
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Electronic Course Profile (ECP), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0.00 - 19.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student fails to demonstrate any relevant knowledge. |
| 2 (Fail) | 20.00 - 44.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student fails to demonstrate any relevant knowledge of the underlying concepts. Much of the information provided is inaccurate and irrelevant. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45.00 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Some knowledge of the subject is evident but the student only demonstrates a limited understanding of the underlying concepts. Requires an acceptable level of achievement (expect 3 or above) - and overall course grade will be subject to the judgement of lecturers involved in each area). All assignments must be completed and required material submitted. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50.00 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates a sound knowledge of the relevant information and at least a partial understanding of the underlying concepts. Has some correct and incorrect information. Requires an acceptable level of achievement (expect 4 or above) All assignments must be completed and required material submitted. A minimum 40% in the 'Individual Subsystem Design assessment. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65.00 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates a sound knowledge of the relevant information and a sound understanding of key concepts. There are only minor factual inaccuracies. (expect 5 or above) All assignments must be completed and required material submitted. A minimum 40% in the 'Individual Subsystem Design assessment. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75.00 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Key concepts are understood. There is a demonstrated ability to solve previously unseen problems. There are only minor factual inaccuracies and no irrelevant information. (expect 6 or above) All assignments must be completed and required material submitted. A minimum 40% in the 'Individual Subsystem Design assessment. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85.00 - 100.00 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Key concepts are understood and can be used to solve previously unseen problems. There is evidence of critical analysis and an ability to synthesize information from different aspects of the subject (expect 7). All assignments must be completed and required material submitted. A minimum 40% in the 'Individual Subsystem Design assessment. |
Additional course grading information
The ‘Individual Subsystem Design’ is an individual assessment to be submitted by each student. For this assessment a minimum of 40% mark is required to pass the course. Any score below 40% will mean failure of the course. Identity verification for this assessment is achieved through the use of Siemens TeamCenter requiring UQ login credentials to complete the assignment.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Assessment items submitted using the Turnitin link on the course Blackboard site, will check your work for evidence of plagiarism, collusion, and other forms of academic misconduct.ﾠ
A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
The ‘Individual Subsystem Design’ is an individual assessment to be submitted by each student. For this assessment a minimum of 40% mark is required to pass the course. Any score below 40% will mean failure of the course. Identity verification for this assessment is achieved through the use of Siemens TeamCenter requiring UQ login credentials to complete the assignment.
A Peer Assessment factor (PAF) will be applied to the Final Systems Design Report submission.
The PAF considers each team member's (i) contribution to the team (ii) contribution to the project and (iii) contributions to the report.
The maximum PAF score that can be achieved is capped at 1.1. The minimum PAF is zero (i.e. zero contribution = zero PAF).ﾠ
A students individual mark for the systems report is calculated as follows: (Base report mark) x PAF - (Any applicable late penalty).
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
The University has a number of resources available to support group work activities. Learn how to work successfully in groups by reviewing the information online here.
If, for whatever reason, you find that your group is not functioning effectively, please contact your Course Coordinator for support.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Lecture Series Specific Lecture schedule to be released on Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Workshop |
Workshop Series Specific Lecture and workshop schedule to be released on Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.