Units 1 & 2 Systems Engineering

Systems Engineering provides an opportunity for students to develop capabilities in, and knowledge about, the design, operation, construction, assembly, maintenance, diagnosis, repair, and evaluation of technological systems. These knowledge and skills are applicable to a diverse range of fields such as engineering, manufacturing, automation, control technologies, mechatronics, electrotechnology, robotics, and energy management.

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While the course contains the fundamental physics and theoretical understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, the focus is on the creation of systems. The creation process draws heavily upon design and innovation processes. Students create an operational system using the systems engineering process.

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Unit 1: Mechanical Engineering Fundamentals.  

Students study fundamental mechanical engineering principles, including the representation of mechanical devices (this includes all forms of mechanical devices, as well  as hydraulic and pneumatic systems), the motion performed, the elementary applied physics and the mathematical calculations that can be applied in order to define and explain the physical characteristics. 

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Unit 2: Electrotechnology Engineering Fundamentals.  

Students study fundamental electrotechnology principles including applied electrical theory, representation of electronic components and devices, elementary applied physics in electrical circuits and mathematical calculations that can be applied in order to define and the electrical characteristics of circuits. 

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Learning Activities:

• Use pulleys, retort stands, weights and rulers to investigate effort and distance and create a formula for mechanical advantage, and to verify calculations for mechanical advantage, velocity ratio. 
• Use Fusion 360 to draft designs for parts of a mechanical system and model their operation. Then 3D print or Laser cut these parts and then refer back to testing, modelling and design brief to evaluate them for effectiveness.
• Design and assemble a full-scale, working prototype of a cam / follower system; evaluate its effectiveness and recommend modifications, using elements of the systems engineering process.
• Create electrical and control circuits using modelling software,Tinkercad Circuits.
• Use a multimeter to show how current and voltage vary around a circuit and the relationship between resistance, current and voltage.
• Produce and evaluate circuit diagrams showing the correct wiring to enable the components to function correctly.
• Use a microcontroller chip to drive appropriate outputs dependent on input states and discuss feedback and control.

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Key Skills Achieved:

• Systems thinking 
• Critical thinking & problem solving 
• Electrical and mechanical design 
• Computer design, modelling, simulation and programming
• Workshop tool manipulation and handling 
• Project management 
• Test and evaluate systems

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Assessment:

• Portfolio (35%)
• Production work (35%)
• Examination (30%)

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Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites to study Systems engineering however it is recommended that students have completed Year 9 or 10 Systems Technology elective.

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‍Recommendations:

This area of study is suited to students who enjoy learning how to design and build solutions to problems or opportunities. You will benefit from having a good understanding of mathematical principles and fundamental Physics ideas.