Mechanical Systems Design 1: Applied Innovation
Credit points
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Prerequisites
NEM3102 - Design of Mechanical Systems
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)
Overview
In this project-based unit, you will integrate your understanding of materials, stress analysis, and mechanical design to develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges. You will apply systems thinking, project planning, and analytical strategies to design, test, and refine mechanical systems aligned with industry standards and sustainable engineering principles.
Through collaborative design and testing activities, you will produce professional documentation, detailed drawings, and presentations that demonstrate technical and communication competence. Emphasis is placed on project management, leadership, and creative problem-solving within realistic constraints. You will develop the professional judgement and teamwork skills required to deliver safe, sustainable, and forward-looking engineering outcomes.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- Integrate disciplinary knowledge from prior units to deliver cohesive, sustainable, and technically sound mechanical design solutions;
- Apply structured project planning and risk management to deliver safe, ethical, and efficient engineering outcomes;
- Develop innovative and regulatory-compliant design strategies that demonstrate sustainability, teamwork, and ethical responsibility;
- Communicate design solutions effectively to technical and non-technical audiences through professional reports and annotated drawings; and
- Evaluate design feasibility and investment suitability using quantitative and risk-informed assessment tools.
Assessment
For Melbourne campuses
Assessment type: Report | Grade: 15%
Preliminary design proposal including concept justification, feasibility discussion, and initial project plan (Group) (1500 words)
Assessment type: Project | Grade: 35%
Progress review report including validated analysis, CAD models, engineering drawings, and updated risk plan (Group) (3000 words)
Assessment type: Presentation | Grade: 50%
Final report and presentation and panel defence of the completed design project, including individual justification of design decisions (Individual) (10 mins)
Report: Preliminary design proposal including concept rationale, feasibility discussion, and initial risk assessment. Each student's contribution to the group submission will be evaluated based on engagement, assigned responsibilities, and professional input throughout the proposal stage.
Project: Group progress review report demonstrating validated calculations, simulation data, and annotated CAD drawings. Structured milestone reviews, facilitator feedback, and documentation checks ensure accountability, technical accuracy, and professional-quality reporting. Explicit evaluation of individual contributions further support the secure assessment and assurance of each student’s achievement of learning outcomes.
Presentation: This secure assessment features an individual report and final panel-defence presentation where students individually justify their design decisions, analysis, and feasibility assessments. Unpredictable Q&A ensures authenticity and verifies each student’s professional reasoning and understanding of design, sustainability, and ethical considerations.
Required reading
Required readings will be made available on VU Collaborate.
As part of a course
This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):