Course coordinator
Dr Tyson Phillips
Please email Dr Phillips 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
METR3100 introduces students to engineering frameworks that support the design and implementation of safe, robust control systems. Students are shown how to identify and mitigate against hazards using a system theoretic approach to managing risk. The course also explores the operating principles of sensing, logic, and actuation subsystems that comprise an overall control system.
METR3100 introduces engineering processes used in the implementation of industrial control systems. These frameworks provide a robust design methodology for delivering control system implementations commensurate with design specification.
This course is for students who already have some experience with and understanding of mechatronic systems. The course aims to build on this experience by focusing on the considerations needed at the design and implementation stages of industrial control systems.
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed that you will have a basic understanding of mechatronic and control systems and the elements which comprise them and will be familiar with applying a structured engineering design approach and be aware of its importance.
The course requires a basic understanding of dynamics (Newton's laws for translational and rotational systems) and electrical circuits (Kirchoff's laws, understanding of basic circuit elements).ﾠ
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ENGG1300
Recommended companion or co-requisite courses
We recommend completing the following courses at the same time:
ELEC2003 or ELEC2004
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please sign on for one tutorial session and one practical session.
Aims and outcomes
This course will introduce you to the formalisms, tools, and methodologies that provide for the design and implementation of reliable and inherently safe control systems. At the completion of this course, students will be able to: (i) understand the underlying principles and limitations of sensors, logic systems, and actuators, in order to inform design, implementation, and verification of control systems; and (ii) apply system theoretic approaches to identify and mitigate potential failure mechanisms.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Apply risk-based engineering frameworks to design and implement control systems.
LO2.
Apply systems-based engineering frameworks to design and implement control systems.
LO3.
Design and implement control system sensing elements.
LO4.
Design and implement control system decision making elements.
LO5.
Design and implement control system actuation elements.
LO6.
Work within an engineering team towards the design and implementation of control systems.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/ Demonstration, Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Five Laboratory Practicals with Pre-work
|
30% |
Pre-work 1 & Practical 1 31/03/2025 1:00 pm Pre-work 2 & Practical 2 14/04/2025 1:00 pm Pre-work 3 & Practical 3 28/04/2025 1:00 pm Pre-work 4 & Practical 4 12/05/2025 1:00 pm Pre-work 5 & Practical 5 19/05/2025 1:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Engineering Framework Report
|
20% |
6/05/2025 1:00 pm |
| Tutorial/ Problem Set | Actuator Assignment | 10% |
26/05/2025 1:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
Please refer to your personal exam timetable on my.UQ. |
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
Five Laboratory Practicals with Pre-work
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
Pre-work 1 & Practical 1 31/03/2025 1:00 pm
Pre-work 2 & Practical 2 14/04/2025 1:00 pm
Pre-work 3 & Practical 3 28/04/2025 1:00 pm
Pre-work 4 & Practical 4 12/05/2025 1:00 pm
Pre-work 5 & Practical 5 19/05/2025 1:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L04, L05
Task description
This course has a set of five (5) laboratory practical sessions where students will put Learning Outcomes into practice. The total of this assessment sequence is 30%. Which comprises of 4% for each of the 5 pre-works and a 10% component calculated from the best 4 out of 5 practical marks.
Each practical includes a pre-work component to ensure that students are familiar with the experiments/equipment on arrival. The assessments are scheduled to allow adequate time for students to receive and incorporate feedback on the pre-work prior to attending the practical session.
The five practicals are as follows:
Prac 1: Strain Gauges
Prac 2: LiDAR Perception
Prac 3: GNSS Sensors
Prac 4: Bio-inspired Control Systems
Prac 5: PLC Sequencing
Prac 1, 2, 4, and 5 are in room #50-C403. This room has 6 work stations at which students will work in small groups of 2-4 to complete the prac.
Prac 3 requires line of sight to the sky and will be conducted in the courtyard behind the Andrew N. Liveris Building (#46).
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
Pre-work is to be submitted using the TurnItIn link on Blackboard.
Practicals will be assessed by a member of the teaching team at the practical session.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Maximum extension length is 3 calendar days as, pre-work must be completed prior to scheduled practical class.
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.
Engineering Framework Report
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
6/05/2025 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L06
Task description
Students will apply a system theoretic process analysis (STPA) towards the identification of loss scenarios in a described control system.
Students will then use the ideas contained within the functional safety framework to design a safety system that reduces an identified hazard’s risk to a tolerable level.
The grading criteria of this assessment item will be focused towards the application of engineering frameworks for the identification of hazards and the reduction of risk that hazards impose. The criteria will not focus on the elegance or detail of the proposed system.
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
This assignment will be submitted through TurnItIn via Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
To facilitate timely feedback to students.
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.
Actuator Assignment
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
26/05/2025 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L05
Task description
The actuators module is the final module of the course. It does not have an associated practical or report attached to it.
This assessment item will consist of 'tutorial-like' questions that relate to the modelling of AC and DC motors.
This assessment item serves as a way to provide students with feedback against the actuator Learning Objectives prior to the Final Examination.
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
The assignments will be submitted through TurnItIn via Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Feedback will be provided to students within 15-21 days of the assessment item's due date.
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.
Final Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
Please refer to your personal exam timetable on my.UQ.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L05
Task description
The examination covers the contents learnt in both classroom teaching and practicals.
Students will have received feedback for all examinable Learning Objectives prior to the Final Exam.
Hurdle requirements
The indentity verified assessment (IVA) for this course is a 40% hurdle applied to the final exam.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0.00 - 29.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30.00 - 44.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45.00 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Falls short of satisfying all basic requirements for a Pass. Or less than 40% in the IVA requirement explained below.ﾠ |
| 4 (Pass) | 50.00 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Satisfies all of the basic learning requirements for the course, such as knowledge of fundamental concepts and performance of basic skills; demonstrates sufficient quality of performance to be considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in the course. And a minimum score of 40% in the final examination. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65.00 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates ability to use and apply fundamental concepts and skills of the course, going beyond mere replication of content knowledge or skill to show understanding of key ideas, awareness of their relevance, some use of analytical skills, and some originality or insight. And a minimum score of 40% in the final examination. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75.00 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates awareness and understanding of deeper and subtler aspects of the course, such as ability to identify and debate critical issues or problems, ability to solve non-routine problems, ability to adapt and apply ideas to new situations, and ability to invent and evaluate new ideas. And a minimum score of 40% in the final examination. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85.00 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates imagination, originality or flair, based on proficiency in all the learning objectives for the course; work is interesting or surprising or exciting or challenging or erudite. And a minimum score of 40% in the final examination. |
Additional course grading information
Grading Criteria
Specific grading criteria will be provided for each assessment item. These are available on Blackboard in the assessment folder.
Identity verified assessment
Identity verified assessment (IVA) ﾠwill be through:
1. Obtainingﾠat least 40% of the available marks in the final exam.
You need to pass the IVA hurdle to pass the course regardless of your final mark. Students who achieve a total mark of 50 or greater but do not pass the IVA hurdle will receive a grade of 3.
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.
A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
If you have an approved deferral for a practical session, you will need to attend the next available session.
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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Additional reading material will be available through Blackboard.
Laboratory access
Students must have completed the Student Laboratory Safety Induction, Annual Fire Safety Training and Health Safety and Wellness (HSW) to a specific laboratory induction, all accessed via Blackboard.
If you require access for experimental work, then register for an induction by searching for that laboratory at the following link:
https://student.eait.uq.edu.au/urite/
Additional requirements to be inducted into each laboratory will be listed on that link.
Students can also check their HSW training card here:
https://student.eait.uq.edu.au/safe
Access to laboratories will be granted after all of the specific laboratory requirements have been met.
If you have any enquiries regarding HSW please contact the School’s Technical Services Team on labsupport@mechmining.uq.edu.
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 |
Lectures Each week will include two 1 hour lectures. Lectures will be recorded via ECHO360 which will be accessible from Blackboard. Lectures will introduce material to the class. These ideas will be reinforced through the weekly tutorial and contact sessions. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 13 |
Tutorial |
Tutorials There are six tutorial sheets that we will work through over the semester (1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3, 4). The solutions to these tutorials will be provided after you have had a chance to complete them. The questions are designed to provide an opportunity for students to test their understanding of the course content and ask questions where gaps may appear. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Workshop |
Contact We will have a 1 hour contact session in Weeks 2-13. These sessions are an opportunity for students to ask for additional help/explanation on any of the course content. These sessions will often be used to discuss the assessment items that are approaching. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 6 To Week 13 |
Practical |
Practicals Students will complete five practical sessions. The practical sessions allow students to see theoretical content in practice. Please see the Sequenced assessment item for further information about the practical content. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L06 |
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.