DEVELOPMENT OF A MULTIDISCIPLINARY COURSE FOR MECHANICAL ENGINEERING STUDENTS——An Open Laboratory Approach

摘要

Nowadays, the application of computers and electronic sensors is becoming an essential feature of modern machinery and mechanical systems.Industries required mechanical engineer to have integrated knowledge in mechanical engineering, electronic sensor technology and microcomputer systems to work in a multidisplinary environment.It is important that engineering education can cope with such changing needs and develop suitable courses for the students.This paper presents the students learning outcomes and structure of a three credit mechatronics course which is compulsory for second year mechanical engineering students.Students perform all the experiments and practical works in an open laboratory equipped with electronics instruments, computers,mechanical tools and machinery.The laboratory opens during the office hours to facilitate students scheduling their own time to design and build the mechatronics system as required by the course.The advantages of such open laboratory system are also addressed.