Mechanical Systems Design 4: Smart Manufacturing and Advanced Engineering Solutions

Unit code: NEM4004 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
NEM2007 - Design and Analysis of Machine Elements; or
NEM3102 - Design of Mechanical Systems; and
NEM4001 - Advanced Simulation and Optimisation in Manufacturing
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
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Overview

This capstone unit challenges you to apply advanced mechanical engineering knowledge to design and deliver an innovative engineering solution to a complex, real-world problem within an industry or enterprise context. You will complete the full design cycle, planning, modelling, prototyping, and evaluation, while integrating sustainability, ethics, and innovation and lifecycle considerations into every stage of your project.

The unit emphasises leadership, teamwork, and professional communication in multidisciplinary environments, preparing you to manage project complexity and address diverse stakeholder needs. Through systems thinking and human-centred design, you will develop technically rigorous and responsible solutions that reflect the standards of contemporary engineering practice and prepare you for professional engineering leadership.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Identify and solve authentic, complex mechanical engineering problems using advanced analytical, design, and optimisation methods within an industry or enterprise context;
  2. Integrate systems thinking, sustainability, manufacturability, and lifecycle considerations into the conceptualisation, modelling, and evaluation of advanced mechanical systems;
  3. Exemplify skills in leading and collaborating effectively in diverse teams, applying ethical, inclusive, and human-centred practices to navigate project complexity and support stakeholder needs;
  4. Plan, schedule, and manage project resources using established project management tools and risk assessment techniques to ensure delivery within scope,on time and quality requirements; and
  5. Prepare and deliver clear, professional technical reports and oral presentations that convey complex design decisions to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 20%
Preliminary Design Proposal Presentation (Group) (8 mins)
Assessment type: Project
|
Grade: 50%
Comprehensive Design Report (Group) (3000 words)
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 30%
Final Design Presentation (Individual) (10 mins)

Presentation: Students present their project concept, scope, and feasibility, including stakeholder analysis, sustainability integration, and risk planning. Feedback from peers and assessors informs project refinement.

Project: Final written report detailing concept development, modelling, design optimisation, simulation results, lifecycle analysis, and implementation plan. Includes reflection on sustainability, ethics, and manufacturability. Explicit evaluation of individual contributions further supports the secure assessment and assurance of each student’s achievement of learning outcomes. Students will be required to document and explain their processes through progressive milestone checks and questions to verify deep understanding.

Presentation: Students present and defend their completed engineering design to an academic and industry panel, demonstrating outcomes, risk management, and innovation.

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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