MEC3458 Experimental project
Faculty of Engineering
MEC3458 Experimental project is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Engineering. It isn't offered in 2026. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Not offered
- Assessment
- Exam 8%
- and 6 other tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before MEC3458
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After MEC3458
No unit lists MEC3458 as a prerequisite in the 2026 handbook.
Enrolment rules
Overview
Introduction to data acquisition across a range of data types, analogue-digital sampling and signal conditioning. Data acquisition and processing functions using LabView. Current data measurement technologies and equipment, acquisition methodologies used in fluid dynamics, material properties, thermodynamics, control and dynamics. Data analysis methods including error analysis, validation, spectral analysis identification and interpretation of trends. Introduction to research practices, formation and testing of hypotheses as well as experiment design and project management. Communication skills and techniques, preparation of reports and oral presentations. Occupational health and safety.
Offerings in 2026
The 2026 handbook lists no offerings for MEC3458.
Assessment
- Assignment 1: Risk assessmentExamination8%
- Lab 1 report: Free and forced heat convectionWritten3.67%
- Lab 2 report: Performance of Francis TurbinePerformance3.67%
- Lab 3 report: Performance of Pelton TurbinePerformance3.67%
- Lab 4 report: Cantilevered beam vibrationWritten11%
- Research proposalPresentation20%
- Final reportPresentation50%
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
Understanding of skills and techniques required for the acquisition of optimised meaningful experimental data
- 2
Knowledge of the important components of experimental design
- 3
Overview of current technologies available for experimentation
- 4
Knowledge of data acquisition methods
- 5
Knowledge of data analysis methods
- 6
Appreciation for the importance and application of occupational health and safety procedures
- 7
Manage and execute short and medium term projects
- 8
Form and evaluate hypotheses
- 9
Communicate results using written and oral formats
- 10
Acquire and optimise experimental data
- 11
Use data analysis techniques to explore and evaluate experimental data, including error analysis
- 12
Use LabView to acquire and analyse experimental data Apply occupational health and safety procedures.
Workload and teaching
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachSimulation or virtual practice
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 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.
Learning resources
Required resources
- Recorded videos
- Lecture notes
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for MEC3458?
MEC3458 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is MEC3458 offered?
MEC3458 has no offerings listed in the 2026 handbook.
How much work is MEC3458?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does MEC3458 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 8% of the final mark, alongside 6 other tasks.