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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Mechatronics and Automation
Reference EN4109 Version 3
Created April 2023 SCQF Level SCQF 10
Approved May 2021 SCQF Points 30
Amended August 2023 ECTS Points 15

Aims of Module
To provide students with the ability to demonstrate mechatronics and its automation systems.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Execute design process of mechatronic systems and their relationships with automation applications.
2 Argue the behavioural performance of electrical and mechanical sensors, and actuators
3 Examine behavioural performance of electrical motors for mechatronics and automation systems.
4 Critique the design and implementation of mechatronic systems in a laboratory setup and/or a software package.

Indicative Module Content
Introduction to mechatronics: examples of mechatronic systems, automation concepts, design approaches. Mechanical components of motion, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical actuation systems. Modeling of mechatronic systems. Sensors & Actuators: theory and operation, types of sensors and transducers, sensor/actuator selection, technologies and applications, MEMS. Motors: stepper, reluctance, brushless, servo, control techniques (speed, torque, & braking). Closed-loop feedback systems, Introduction to digital controllers. Signals: acquisition, conditioning, processing, and data presentation, ADCs/DACs, conversion and processing of signals, indicators, recorders, displays, EMC, standards and practice (EU, UK, USA), noise impacts and mitigation (grounding, shielding, bonding). PLCs: Configuration and programming.

Module Delivery
The module is delivered in Blended Learning mode using structured online learning materials/activities and directed study, facilitated by regular online tutor support. Workplace Mentor support and work-based learning activities will allow students to contextualise this learning to their own workplace. Face-to-face engagement occurs through annual induction sessions, employer work-site visits, and modular on-campus workshops.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 30 N/A
Non-Contact Hours 30 N/A
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours 240 N/A
TOTAL 300 N/A
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body 240  

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Coursework Weighting: 20% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2
Description: Logbook of solved tutorials and a case study report
Component 2
Type: Coursework Weighting: 80% Outcomes Assessed: 3, 4
Description: Group report based on mechatronics system design accompanied by a reflective account of their contribution to and their learning from the group work. Both participation in the group report and submission of the reflective summary are required in order to pass the module.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
The module has 2 components and to gain an overall pass a minimum D grade must be achieved in each component. The component weighting is as follows: C1 is worth 20% (horizontal axis) and C2 is worth 80% (vertical axis).
Coursework:
Coursework: A B C D E F NS
A A A A B E E
B B B B B E E
C B C C C E E
D C C D D E E
E E E E E E E
F E E E F F F
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module Completion of Stage 3, SCQF Level 9, or equivalent.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Isermann, Rolf. Mechatronic Systems. London: Springer London, Limited, 2007. Web.
2 Regtien, Paul P. L, and Dertien, Edwin. Sensors for Mechatronics. 1st ed. San Diego: Elsevier, 2018. Elsevier Insights.
3 Crowder, Richard M. Electric Drives and Electromechanical Systems : Applications and Control / [internet Resource]. Second ed. Kidlington, Oxford; Cambridge, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann, 2020.
4 Hughes, Austin, and Drury, Bill. Electric motors and drives: fundamentals, types, and applications. 5th ed. Kidlington: Newnes, an imprint of Elsevier, 2019.
5 Bolton, W. Programmable Logic Controllers. 6th ed. Cambridge: Elsevier Science & Technology, 2015.
6 Awrejcewicz, J, et. al. Mechatronics: Ideas, Challenges, Solutions and Applications. Springer, 2015.
7 DORF, R.C. and BISHOP, R.C., 2017. Modern Control Systems. 13th ed. London: Pearson Education.

Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781