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Course Outline

MEC226 Manufacturing Technology

Course Coordinator:Rezwanul Haque (rhaque@usc.edu.au) School:School of Science, Technology and Engineering

2026Trimester 1

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

 Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to unisc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

Manufacturing involves the transformation of metals, ceramics and plastics into functional products. Manufacturing engineering focuses on the technologies and integrated production systems required for the manufacture of high-quality, economically competitive consumer products. This course introduces you to the knowledge and skills of modern manufacturing processes, production systems and quality management practices to turn a conceptual idea into a globally competitive finished product. The theoretical knowledge you learn is reinforced with practical work, demonstrations and factory visits.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Asynchronous learning material 2hrs Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On campus Tutorial 2hrs Week 1 10 times
Tutorial/Workshop 2 – On campus Workshops 2hrs Week 2 2 times
Seminar – On campus seminar 1hr Week 6 2 times

Course Topics

  • Overview of manufacturing processes
  • Quality Control Systems
  • Cost of Manufacture
  • Rapid Prototyping
  • Principles of Metal Cutting
  • Turning and Milling
  • Other machining processes (Broaching, Shaping, Grinding, Drilling, Electro-discharge, chemical, etc.)
  • Casting Processes
  • Forming (Deformation)Processes
  • Hot and Cold working processes
  • Powder Metallurgy Processing of Polymers, Ceramics and Composites
  • Application of feedback control in manufacturing industries.

What level is this course?

200 Level (Developing)

Building on and expanding the scope of introductory knowledge and skills, developing breadth or depth and applying knowledge and skills in a new context. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally, undertaken in the second or third full-time year of an undergraduate programs.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * Competencies from multiple Professional Bodies (see below) *
1 Demonstrate knowledge of modern manufacturing processes and production systems including automation, component assembly techniques. Knowledgeable 
1, 1, 1.4.a, 1.4.a, 1.4, 1.4, 2, 2, 2.2.a, 2.2.a, 2.2, 2.2
2 Apply manufacturing techniques and technologies through conducting experiments and interpreting test results to achieve process optimization and quality control. Empowered 
1, 1, 1.3.a, 1.3.a, 1.1, 1.1, 1.3, 1.3, 2, 2, 2.2.a, 2.2.a, 2.2, 2.2, 3, 3, 3.6.a, 3.6.a, 3.6.c, 3.6.c, 3.6, 3.6
3 Collaborate with others in a team project environment to conduct engineering investigations. Engaged 
3, 3, 3.6.a, 3.6.a, 3.6.c, 3.6.c, 3.6.d, 3.6.d, 3.6, 3.6
4 Prepare reports and presentations to communicate technical results using different technologies. Engaged 
3, 3, 3.2.a, 3.2.a, 3.2.b, 3.2.b, 3.2, 3.2
5 Describe the role of sustainability in modern manufacturing operations. Sustainability-focussed 
1, 1, 1.6.b, 1.6.b, 1.6.c, 1.6.c, 1.6, 1.6

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Professional Engineer Competency Standards
1 Elements of competency: Knowledge and Skill Base
1.4.a Knowledge and Skill Base - Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline: Identifies and critically appraises current developments, advanced technologies, emerging issues and interdisciplinary linkages in at least one specialist practice domain of the engineering discipline.
1.3.a Knowledge and Skill Base - In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline: Proficiently applies advanced technical knowledge and skills in at least one specialist practice domain of the engineering discipline.
1.6.b Knowledge and Skill Base - Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the specific discipline: Appreciates the principles of safety engineering, risk management and the health and safety responsibilities of the professional engineer, including legislative requirements applicable to the engineering discipline.
1.6.c Knowledge and Skill Base - Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the specific discipline: Appreciates the social, environmental and economic principles of sustainable engineering practice.
1.1 Knowledge and Skill Base: Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
1.3 Knowledge and Skill Base: In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
1.4 Knowledge and Skill Base: Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline.
1.6 Knowledge and Skill Base: Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the specific discipline.
2 Elements of competency: Engineering Application Ability
2.2.a Engineering Application Ability - Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources: Proficiently identifies, selects and applies the materials, components, devices, systems, processes, resources, plant and equipment relevant to the engineering discipline.
2.2 Engineering Application Ability: Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
3 Elements of competency: Professional and Personal Attributes
3.6.a Professional and Personal Attributes - Effective team membership and team leadership: Understands the fundamentals of team dynamics and leadership.
3.6.c Professional and Personal Attributes - Effective team membership and team leadership: Earns the trust and confidence of colleagues through competent and timely completion of tasks.
3.6.d Professional and Personal Attributes - Effective team membership and team leadership: Recognises the value of alternative and diverse viewpoints, scholarly advice and the importance of professional networking.
3.2.a Professional and Personal Attributes - Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains: Is proficient in listening, speaking, reading and writing English.
3.2.b Professional and Personal Attributes - Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains: Prepares high quality engineering documents such as progress and project reports, reports of investigations and feasibility studies, proposals, specifications, design records, drawings, technical descriptions and presentations pertinent to the engineering discipline.
3.2 Professional and Personal Attributes: Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.
3.6 Professional and Personal Attributes: Effective team membership and team leadership.
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Engineering Technologist Competency Standards
1 Elements of competency: Knowledge and Skill Base
1.4.a Knowledge and Skill Base - Discernment of knowledge development within the technology domain: Identifies and critically appraises current developments and emerging issues professionally disseminated in specialist practice area(s) of the technology domain.
1.3.a Knowledge and Skill Base - In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the technology domain: Proficiently applies advanced technical knowledge and skills to deliver engineering outcomes in specialist area(s) of the technology domain and associated industry, commercial and community sectors.
1.6.b Knowledge and Skill Base - Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the technology domain: Appreciates the principles of safety engineering, risk management and the health and safety responsibilities of the engineering practitioner, applicable to the technology domain.
1.6.c Knowledge and Skill Base - Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the technology domain: Appreciates the social, environmental and economic principles of sustainable engineering practice.
1.1 Knowledge and Skill Base: Systematic, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the technology domain.
1.3 Knowledge and Skill Base: In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the technology domain.
1.4 Knowledge and Skill Base: Discernment of knowledge development within the technology domain.
1.6 Knowledge and Skill Base: Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the technology domain.
2 Elements of competency: Engineering Application Ability
2.2.a Engineering Application Ability - Application of engineering techniques, tools and resources within the technology domain: Proficiently identifies, selects and applies the materials, components, devices, systems, processes, resources, plant and equipment relevant to the technology domain.
2.2 Engineering Application Ability: Application of engineering techniques, tools and resources within the technology domain.
3 Elements of competency: Professional and Personal Attributes
3.6.a Professional and Personal Attributes - Effective team membership and team leadership: Understands the fundamentals of team dynamics and leadership.
3.6.c Professional and Personal Attributes - Effective team membership and team leadership: Earns the trust and confidence of colleagues through competent and timely completion of tasks.
3.6.d Professional and Personal Attributes - Effective team membership and team leadership: Recognises the value of alternative and diverse viewpoints, scholarly advice and the importance of professional networking.
3.2.a Professional and Personal Attributes - Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains: Is proficient in listening, speaking, reading and writing English.
3.2.b Professional and Personal Attributes - Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains: Prepares high quality engineering documents such as progress and project reports, reports of investigations and feasibility studies, proposals, specifications, design records, drawings, technical descriptions and presentations pertinent to the technology domain.
3.2 Professional and Personal Attributes: Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.
3.6 Professional and Personal Attributes: Effective team membership and team leadership.

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Not applicable

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

ENG226

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

Microcredential Information

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

The delivery and facilitation of the tutorials and workshop projects will provide regular feedback throughout the trimester.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Written Piece Individual 40% 
Answers to ALL assignment questions
 Refer to Format Online Submission
All 2 Report Group 10% 
Practical output and associated report (max 500 words + appropriate diagrams)
 Week 11 In Class
All 3 Examination - Centrally Scheduled Individual 50% 
2 hrs
 Exam Period Exam Venue
All - Assessment Task 1:Assignments - two assignments which covers Course topics up to and including the week prior to submission
Goal: 
The assignments allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the theory and also enable you to identify any problem areas in your understanding
Product: Written Piece
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
Questions will be set for each of the assignments, from the material covered in the learning materials up to and including the week prior to the submission. You are required to use the theory introduced in the learning materials to respond to the assignment questions. The assignments will be provided to you on Canvas. You are required to complete the assignments and submit by the Monday of each submission week. The assignments have varying weighting:- Assignment 1 = 15% due in Week 5; and Assignment 2 = 20% due in week 9. Assignment submissions can either be hand-written or word-processed, showing all working and calculations (where relevant). You must scan and submit your assignment via Canvas (Instructions will be provided on Canvas).
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Use of correct terminology, diagrams and methodology;
 1
2 
Inclusion of all workings showing a logical sequence to the problem solution.
 1 2
3 
Demonstration of knowledge of modern manufacturing processes and production systems including automation, component assembly techniques.
 1
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 2:Practical Report - (1) Group task and submission
Goal: 
The five projects are designed as hands-on activities that demonstrate the theory presented in the learning materials and tutorials and help you to gain a deep understanding of the underlying manufacturing processes and production systems
Product: Report
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
The practical activities are completed by groups of 2-4 students. The final report (and, where applicable, accompanying documentation) is to be submitted by the group. The report should NOT be longer than 10 pages (see Report Writing Guidelines in Practical folder on Portal).
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Practical Report - Assessment Criteria: 
​Completeness and Accuracy of results and subsequent analysis
 1 2
2 
Depth of discussion and reflection on the project
 3
3 
Collaboration with others in a team project environment to conduct engineering investigations.
 3
4 
Preparation of reports and presentations to communicate technical results using different technologies.
 4
5 
Description of the role of sustainability in modern manufacturing operations.
 5
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Collaboration, Organisation, Applying technologies
All - Assessment Task 3:Final Examination
Goal: 
You will be required to provide responses to a number of typical problems similar to those given in the tutorial and assignment questions throughout the trimester. Your exam solutions will be used to evaluate your understanding of the total course material.
Product: Examination - Centrally Scheduled
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
The final exam will assess the content of learning materials covered in the whole course.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Demonstrateion of knowledge of modern manufacturing processes and production systems including automation, component assembly techniques.
 1 2
2 
Use of correct terminology, diagrams and methodology
 1
3 
Comprehensive, theory-based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
 1 5
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Problem solving, Applying technologies, Information literacy

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

Schedule

Period and Topic Activities 
Week 1
 
Introduction, Revision of Engineering Materials, Classification of Manufacturing Processes
 
Week 2
 
Introduction to Quality Control and Quality Assurance; Total Quality Management (TQM)
 
Week 3
 
Manufacturing Cost
 
Week 4
 
Rapid Prototyping
 
Week 5
 
Principles of Metal Cutting
 
Week 6
 
Turning and Milling
 
Week 7
 
Other machining processes
 
Week 8
 
Casting Processes
 
Week 9
 
Forming Processes
 
Week 10
 
Hot and Cold Working Processes; sheet metal working
 
Week 11
 
Processing of Polymers, Ceramics and Composites
 
Week 12
 
Powder Metallurgy
 
Week 13
 
Revision

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

You need regular access to the resource(s) below. Many texts are available as ebooks through the Library at no additional cost.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Recommended Mikell P. Groover 2011 Introduction to Manufacturing Processes n/a Wiley

Specific requirements

Fully enclosed shoes (preferably safety shoes/boots) must be worn in the engineering laboratory. If you do not have the correct footwear you will not be allowed to do the workshop practical. You must also undertake the laboratory induction before you can undertake any practical. It is advisable to use a dust-coat (or overall) when in the laboratory.

How are risks managed in this course?

Risk assessments have been conducted for the field activities being undertaken and a high level of risk has been identified. High level risk may include, boating, diving, and hot works such as welding, cutting and grinding. Where high risks exist you will be given training and advice about how to control the high level risk, however it is also your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation. It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline. This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person. You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin. This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:
(a) The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%; and
(b) The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying: The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4% The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submissions may be penalised up to and including the following maximum percentage of the assessment task’s identified value, with weekdays and weekends included in the calculation of days late:
(a) One day: deduct 5%;
(b) Two days: deduct 10%;
(c) Three days: deduct 20%;
(d) Four days: deduct 40%;
(e) Five days: deduct 60%;
(f) Six days: deduct 80%;
(g) Seven days: A result of zero is awarded for the assessment task.

The following penalties will apply for a late submission for an online examination:
Less than 15 minutes: No penalty
From 15 minutes to 30 minutes: 20% penalty
More than 30 minutes: 100% penalty

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

For course-specific questions, contact your teaching staff or Course Coordinator.  

For other enquiries or to access support, please contact Student Central: 

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