Mechanical Systems Design 2: Sustainable Energy Solutions

Unit code: NEM3004 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
NEM3003 or (NEF2101 and NEM3103 and NEF2251)
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
Enquire

Overview

In this project-based unit, you will integrate your knowledge of thermo-fluid, mechanical, and control systems to design, test, and optimise sustainable engineering solutions. You will apply systems thinking, analytical modelling, and project planning strategies to address open-ended design challenges that reflect the complexity of real-world engineering practice.



Through collaborative design and testing activities, you will develop professional documentation, technical drawings, and validated results that demonstrate your ability to apply engineering principles to practical system design. Emphasis is placed on sustainability, project management, and creative problem-solving within realistic technical and operational constraints. You will build the professional judgement, leadership, and teamwork skills required to deliver safe, efficient, and forward-looking mechanical and energy system solutions.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Integrate thermo-fluid, mechanical, and control principles to plan, model, and test an engineered system for an open-ended design problem;
  2. Plan and execute system integration and project delivery using project management methods to produce a validated solution that meets specified performance and sustainability criteria;
  3. Develop and justify innovative design options through teamwork, using analytical modelling, experimentation, and reflective iteration to refine decisions;
  4. Communicate project plans, progress, design rationale, and final outcomes to technical and non-technical audiences using professional engineering documentation and presentations; and
  5. Critically reflect on team performance, learning, risk management, and ethical responsibilities in delivering a collaborative design outcome.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Report
|
Grade: 15%
Project plan and risk matrix outlining scope, milestones, and sustainability considerations (Group) (1500 words)
Assessment type: Project
|
Grade: 35%
Prototype development and demonstration supported by validated calculations, simulations, and engineering drawings (Group) (3000 words)
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 50%
Final panel defence of design outcomes including justification of design decisions, risk management, and sustainability strategies (Individual) (10 mins)

Report: Group project plan and risk matrix outlining scope, milestones, sustainability, and feasibility considerations. Each student’s contribution is evaluated through documented inputs, engagement in planning sessions, and milestone participation.

Project: This secure assessment ensures authenticity through in-class milestone checks and prototype demonstration. Students collaboratively design, test, and document an integrated sustainable system using analytical, computational, and experimental methods. Individual accountability is verified through peer evaluation of contributions and teamwork and independently completed project documentation.

Presentation: This secure assessment features a final panel defence where students individually justify their design rationale, project outcomes, and ethical and sustainability decisions. Unpredictable Q&A ensures authenticity and verifies individual understanding, applied reasoning and professional reasoning.

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):

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical Engineering)
NHEM | Bachelor honours degree | Duration: 4 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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