MEC3457 Systems and control
Faculty of Engineering
MEC3457 Systems and control is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Engineering. It isn't offered in 2026. It needs MEC2401 and (ENG2005, MTH2021 or MTH2032) and unlocks 2 units.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Not offered
- Assessment
- Exam 60%
- and 2 other tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
The 2027 handbook has no page for MEC3457. This is its 2026 entry, the latest one.
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Requisites
Before MEC3457
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
After MEC3457
2 units list MEC3457 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
E6011 Master of Professional Engineering - You are exempt from the prerequisite rule if you are enrolled in this course.
Overview
This unit covers the nature and behaviour of simple components, processes and subsystems relevant to engineering control. Mechanical, electrical, fluid pressure devices and complete elementary control systems are included. Orientation is to predicting, examining and assessing system performance via the formation of mathematical models and solution of models. Laboratory experiments and hands-on instruction in the digital simulation package Matlab to solve models. A unified approach to mathematical modelling via the concepts of resistance, capacitance and inertia/inductance is emphasised. You learn to perform system modelling, develop solutions, assess a system response and analyse systems.
Offerings in 2026
The 2026 handbook lists no offerings for MEC3457.
Assessment
- In-semester test(s)Quiz / TestThreshold hurdle25%
- Lab reportWrittenThreshold hurdle15%
- Final assessmentExaminationThreshold hurdle60%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Analyse the significance and relevance of systems and associated control in engineering.
- 2
Generate mathematical formulations for linear models (and linearised non-linear systems) through classical and state space modelling techniques for Single Input Single Output (SISO) and Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) systems.
- 3
Apply analytical and computer-based control techniques to evaluate system's response, dynamic analysis and stability criteria.
- 4
Appraise dynamic performance of systems in the time and frequency domains using the Bode plot, Root-locus and analyse through pictorial representations such as block diagrams, signal flow graphs and plots.
Workload and teaching
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.
Fundamentals will be taught via online lectures. This will be supported by prac classes covering example problems, and numerical simulation in computer laboratories.
Learning resources
Technology resources
Computer with Matlab
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for MEC3457?
You need MEC2401 and (ENG2005, MTH2021 or MTH2032) before you enrol. Enrolment rules also apply.
What can I take after MEC3457?
MEC3457 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 2 units, including TRC4200 and TRC4800.
When is MEC3457 offered?
MEC3457 has no offerings listed in the 2026 handbook.
How much work is MEC3457?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does MEC3457 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 60% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.