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Course Outline

MEC335 Production Engineering

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

2024Semester 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 usc.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

In our consumer-driven society the success or failure of a product depends on its design and cost. Product costs are influenced by the manufacturing cost; which in turn is determined by effective use of raw materials and the efficiency of production systems. This course provides you with the fundamental theory of production systems, practices of world class manufacturers and various aspects of modern Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM). You will learn about technology and applications of CIM in both large multi-national companies and small, medium enterprises.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Asynchronous learning 2hrs Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On-campus Tutorial 2hrs Week 2 11 times
Laboratory 1 – Workshop 2hrs Week 2 4 times
Seminar – On campus seminar 1hr Week 5 2 times

Course Topics

Topics may include:

  • Total Quality Assurance
  • Metrology – Traditional and Automated
  • Production Systems – Lean, Just-in-time
  • Inventory Control
  • Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)
  • Computer Numerical Control (CNC)
  • Group Technology
  • Plant layout
  • Industrial Robotics
  • Automated Process Control

What level is this course?

300 Level (Graduate)

Demonstrating coherence and breadth or depth of knowledge and skills. Independent application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts. Meeting professional requirements and AQF descriptors for the degree. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory or developing knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally undertaken in the third or fourth full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

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 the principles of production and storage systems, manufacturing processes and quality management systems Knowledgeable 
1, 1, 1.3.a, 1.3.a, 1.5.e, 1.5.e, 1.6.b, 1.6.b, 1.3, 1.3, 1.5, 1.5, 1.6, 1.6, 2, 2, 2.1.g, 2.1.g, 2.1.h, 2.1.h, 2.1.i, 2.1.i, 2.1, 2.1
2 Analyse case studies in Group Technology and Line Balancing algorithms Creative and critical thinker 
2, 2, 2.1.b, 2.1.b, 2.1.c, 2.1.c, 2.1, 2.1
3 Specify flexible manufacturing systems, based on lean (Just-in-Time), group technologies, Computer integrated Manufacturing (CIM). Creative and critical thinker 
1, 1, 1.2.a, 1.2.a, 1.2, 1.2, 2.2.a, 2.2.a, 2.2, 2.2
4 Apply various methods used in metrology, and undertake accurate, reliable, and repeatable measurements. Empowered 
1, 1, 1.1.a, 1.1.a, 1.2.a, 1.2.a, 1.1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.2
5 Interpret experimental and test results and present these in an appropriate engineering report format. Creative and critical thinker
Engaged 
3, 3, 3.2.a, 3.2.a, 3.2.b, 3.2.b, 3.2, 3.2
6 Collaborate with others in a team project environment to conduct engineering investigations. Engaged 
3.6.a, 3.6.a, 3.6.c, 3.6.c, 3.6.d, 3.6.d, 3.1, 3.1, 3.6, 3.6

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Engineering Technologist Competency Standards
1 Elements of competency: Knowledge and Skill Base
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.
1.5.e Knowledge and Skill Base - Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the technology domain: Identifies the structure, roles and capabilities of the engineering workforce.
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.
1.2.a Knowledge and Skill Base - Conceptual understanding of the, mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the technology domain: Fluently applies relevant investigation, analysis, interpretation, assessment, characterisation, prediction, evaluation, modelling, decision making, measurement, evaluation, knowledge management and communication tools and techniques pertinent to the technology domain.
1.1.a Knowledge and Skill Base - Systematic, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the technology domain: Engages with the technology domain at a phenomenological level, applying sciences and engineering fundamentals to systematic investigation, interpretation, analysis and innovative solution of broadly-defined problems and engineering technology 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.
1.2 Knowledge and Skill Base: Conceptual understanding of the, mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the technology domain.
1.3 Knowledge and Skill Base: In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the technology domain.
1.5 Knowledge and Skill Base: Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting 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
2.1.g Engineering Application Ability - Application of established engineering methods to broadly-defined problem solving within the technology domain: Interprets, applies and verifies compliance with relevant standards and codes of practice as well as legislative and statutory requirements underpinning specialist practice area(s) of the technology domain.
2.1.h Engineering Application Ability - Application of established engineering methods to broadly-defined problem solving within the technology domain: Identifies, quantifies, mitigates and manages technical, health, environmental, safety and other contextual risks associated with engineering application in the technology domain.
2.1.i Engineering Application Ability - Application of established engineering methods to broadly-defined problem solving within the technology domain: Accesses appropriate professional knowledge resources as input to systematic problem investigation.
2.1.b Engineering Application Ability - Application of established engineering methods to broadly-defined problem solving within the technology domain: Ensures that the application of specialist technologies are soundly based on fundamental principles by diagnosing, and taking appropriate action with data, calculations, results, proposals, processes, practices, and documented information that may be ill-founded, illogical, erroneous, unreliable or unrealistic.
2.1.c Engineering Application Ability - Application of established engineering methods to broadly-defined problem solving within the technology domain: Within specialist practice area(s), competently addresses broadly-defined engineering technology problems which involve uncertainty, ambiguity, imprecise information and wide-ranging and sometimes conflicting technical and non-technical factors.
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.
2.1 Engineering Application Ability: Application of established engineering methods to broadly-defined problem solving within 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
3.2.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.
3.6.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.
3.1 Professional and Personal Attributes: Ethical conduct and professional accountability.
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 Professional Engineer Competency Standards
1 Elements of competency: Knowledge and Skill Base
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.
1.5.e Knowledge and Skill Base - Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline: Is aware of the fundamentals of business and enterprise management.
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.
1.2.a Knowledge and Skill Base - Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline: Develops and fluently applies relevant investigation analysis, interpretation, assessment, characterisation, prediction, evaluation, modelling, decision making, measurement, evaluation, knowledge management and communication tools and techniques pertinent to the engineering discipline.
1.1.a Knowledge and Skill Base - Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline: Engages with the engineering discipline at a phenomenological level, applying sciences and engineering fundamentals to systematic investigation, interpretation, analysis and innovative solution of complex problems and broader aspects of 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.
1.2 Knowledge and Skill Base: Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.
1.3 Knowledge and Skill Base: In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
1.5 Knowledge and Skill Base: Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting 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
2.1.g Engineering Application Ability - Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving: Critically reviews and applies relevant standards and codes of practice underpinning the engineering discipline and nominated specialisations.
2.1.h Engineering Application Ability - Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving: Identifies, quantifies, mitigates and manages technical, health, environmental, safety and other contextual risks associated with engineering application in the designated engineering discipline.
2.1.i Engineering Application Ability - Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving: Interprets and ensures compliance with relevant legislative and statutory requirements applicable to the engineering discipline.
2.1.b Engineering Application Ability - Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving: Ensures that all aspects of an engineering activity are soundly based on fundamental principles - by diagnosing, and taking appropriate action with data, calculations, results, proposals, processes, practices, and documented information that may be ill-founded, illogical, erroneous, unreliable or unrealistic.
2.1.c Engineering Application Ability - Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving: Competently addresses complex engineering problems which involve uncertainty, ambiguity, imprecise information and wide-ranging and sometimes conflicting technical and non-technical factors.
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.
2.1 Engineering Application Ability: Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
2.2 Engineering Application Ability: Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
3 Elements of competency: Professional and Personal Attributes
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.
3.6.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.
3.1 Professional and Personal Attributes: Ethical conduct and professional accountability.
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

MEC226

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

ENG335

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

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

A number of multiple choices and short answer questions will be set to cover learning materials from the first three weeks. Questions include diagrams and tables. You respond using a given format. Solutions will be provided online Friday, week 5

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 35% 
Total 3000 words approx
 Refer to Format Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Practical / Laboratory Skills, and Written Piece Group 15% 
Practical output and associated report. The report should NOT be longer than 10 pages excluding appropriate diagrams
 Week 10 In Class
All 3 Examination - Centrally Scheduled Individual 50% 
2 hrs
 Exam Period Exam Venue
All - Assessment Task 1:3 Sub Assignments
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
Format: 
Submit: Week 5 (5%); Week 8 (20%); Week 11 (10%).
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.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Use of correct terminology, diagrams and methodology
 2 3
2 
Demonstrated understanding through use of correct formulae;
 1 2 3 4
3 
Inclusion of all workings showing a logical sequence to the problem solution
 5
All - Assessment Task 2:Workshop Project
Goal: 
The project is designed as two 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 processes and production systems
Product: Practical / Laboratory Skills, and Written Piece
Format: 
The practicals are completed by groups of 2-4 students. The report is to be submitted by the group. The report should NOT be longer than 10 pages excluding appropriate diagrams
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Completeness and Accuracy of results and subsequent analysis;
 4 5
2 
Degree to which the report adheres to the specified structure
 3
3 
Completeness of all components of the report within specified word count
 5
4 
Depth of discussion and reflection on the project.
 1 2 6
All - Assessment Task 3:Final Examination
Goal: 
You will demonstrate and apply theoretical knowledge of different production theories to solve problems and interpret the industrial engineering requirement in the factory environment.
Product: Examination - Centrally Scheduled
Format: 
The final exam will assess the content of learning materials covered in the whole course. The duration of the final exam will be 2 hours (during centrally scheduled exam period, closed book, programmable calculators are NOT permitted to be used).
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Use of correct terminology, diagrams, and methodology in problem-solving exercises
 1 2 3 4

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.

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

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Recommended Mikell Groover 0 Automation, Production Systems, and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing, Global Edition n/a n/a

Specific requirements

Fully enclosed shoes (preferably safety shoes/boots) must be worn in the engineering laboratory. If you do not have the correct shoes 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:

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 submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

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

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au
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