Overview
This unit introduces you to the relationship between material properties, structure, and functional performance of mechanical components such as gears, shafts, bearings, fasteners, etc. You will apply material selection to determine the load for individual machine elements. Subsequently, you will learn to determine the shape and sizes of components through comprehensive analysis, estimation, and selection. You will select and specify common mechanical components such as drive lines, shafts, axles, gears, bearings, mechanical fasteners, and other relevant parts and modules that comply with the relevant standards and codes. You will specify fits and tolerances, and finishes required for mechanical components.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
ENAG11005 Mechanics or ENEG11006 Engineering Statics, and MATH11160 Technology Mathematics or MATH11218 Engineering Foundation Mathematics.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2026
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Self-reflection
Assignment and workbook questions require regular updates.
Updating the assignment and workbook questions should continue.
Feedback from Self-reflection
The lecture environment needs improvement, as conducting Zoom lectures from the office is not effective.
Lectures should be delivered in an audio-visual classroom.
- Explain the relationship between material properties, structure, and functional performance of mechanical components such as gears, shafts, bearings, fasteners etc
- Perform simple stress analysis using design limiting criteria to select mechanical components
- Interpret Australian standards and design codes governing the selection of mechanical components
- Identify components to suit a given application and justify the basis for the selection
- Communicate component selections with clear and professional justifications.
The Learning Outcomes for this unit are linked with the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standards for Engineering Associates in the areas of 1. Knowledge and Skill Base, 2. Engineering Application Ability and 3. Professional and Personal Attributes at the following levels:
Introductory
3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour. (LO: 2N 4N )
3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership (LO: 5N)
Intermediate
1.1 Descriptive formula-based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the practice area. (LO: 2I 3I)
1.2 Procedural-level understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences that underpin the practice area. (LO: 1I 2I 3I)
1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the practice area. (LO: 2I 4I 5N)
1.6 Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the area of practice. (LO: 2I 3I 4I 5N )
3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability. (LO: 4I 5I )
Advanced
1.3 In-depth practical knowledge and skills within specialist sub-disciplines of the practice area. (LO: 1I 2A 3A )
1.4 Discernment of engineering developments within the practice area. (LO: 1I 2A 3A 4I 5I )
2.1 Application of established technical and practical methods to the solution of well-defined engineering problems. (LO: 1A 2I 3I 4A )
2.2 Application of technical and practical techniques, tools and resources to well-defined engineering problems. (LO: 2A 3A 4A )
2.3 Application of systematic design processes to well-defined engineering problems. (LO: 1I 2A 3A 4A 5N )
3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains. (LO: 2I 3I 4A )
3.4 Professional use and management of information. (LO: 2I 3A 4A 5N )
Note: LO refers to the Learning Outcome number(s) which link to the competency and the levels: N – Introductory, I – Intermediate and A - Advanced.
Refer to the Engineering Undergraduate Course Moodle site for further information on Engineers Australia's Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineers and course level mapping information https://moodle.cqu.edu.au/course/view.php?id=1511
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 35% | |||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 45% | |||||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 20% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Communication | |||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | |||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | |||||
| 5 - Team Work | |||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | |||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | |||||
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | |||||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Textbooks
Fundamentals of Machine Component Design
- 6th Edition (2017)
- Authors: Juvinall, Robert C.
- Wiley USA
- ISBN: ISBN: 978-1-118-98768-1
Shigley's Mechanical Engineering Design
- Edition: 11th in SI Units (2021) (2021)
- Authors: Richard G. Budynas, and J. K. Nisbett
- Mc Graw Hill Education
- ISBN: ISBN 9789813158986
Additional Textbook Information
Students may use different editions of the same textbooks available in our library, and the unit Moodle site provides learning materials relevant to the lecture notes.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
y.q.sun@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 13 Jul 2026Module/Topic
1. Fundamental Maths & Physics
Chapter
Lecture Note
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture & Tutorial via Zoom
Week 2
Begin Date: 20 Jul 2026Module/Topic
2. Fits and Tolerances
Chapter
Engineering Drawing Handbook, Chapter 12
Juvinall, Fundamentals of Machine Component Design, 6th Edition, Appendix E
Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design, 11th Edition, Chapter 20
Peter R. N. Childs, Mechanical Design, 2nd Edition, Chapter 15
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture & Tutorial via Zoom
Study Guide Topic 2 - Workbook Activities
Week 3
Begin Date: 27 Jul 2026Module/Topic
3. Shaft Design - Principles and purposes
Chapter
Juvinall, Fundamentals of Machine Component Design, 6th Edition, Chapter 17
Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design, 11th Edition, Chapter 7
Peter R. N. Childs, Mechanical Design, 2nd Edition, Chapter 5
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture & Tutorial via Zoom
Study Guide Topic 3-1 - Workbook Activities
Week 4
Begin Date: 03 Aug 2026Module/Topic
3. Shaft Design (Contd.)
Chapter
Juvinall, Fundamentals of Machine Component Design, 6th Edition, Chapter 17
Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design, 11th Edition, Chapter 7
Peter R. N. Childs, Mechanical Design, 2nd Edition, Chapter 5
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture & Tutorial via Zoom
Study Guide Topic 3-3 - Workbook Activities
Week 5
Begin Date: 10 Aug 2026Module/Topic
4. Bearing Selection and Applications
Chapter
Juvinall, Fundamentals of Machine Component Design, 6th Edition, Chapter 14
Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design, 11th Edition, Chapter 11
Peter R. N. Childs, Mechanical Design, 2nd Edition, Chapter 4
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture & Tutorial via Zoom
Study Guide Topic 4 - Workbook Activities
Week 6
Begin Date: 17 Aug 2026Module/Topic
5. Drive Systems - Gears and Keys
Chapter
Juvinall, Fundamentals of Machine Component Design, 6th Edition, Chapters 15 and 16
Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design, 11th Edition, Chapters 13~15
Peter R. N. Childs, Mechanical Design, 2nd Edition, Chapters 6 and 7
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture & Tutorial via Zoom
Study Guide Topic 5 - Workbook Activities
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 24 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 7
Begin Date: 31 Aug 2026Module/Topic
5. Drive Systems - Gears and Keys (contd.)
Chapter
Juvinall, Fundamentals of Machine Component Design, 6th Edition, Chapters 15 and 16
Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design, 11th Edition, Chapters 13~15
Peter R. N. Childs, Mechanical Design, 2nd Edition, Chapters 6 and 7
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture & Tutorial via Zoom
Study Guide Topic 5 - Workbook Activities
Week 8
Begin Date: 07 Sep 2026Module/Topic
6. Belt Drive Design: Belts and Pulleys
Chapter
Juvinall, Fundamentals of Machine Component Design, 6th Edition, Chapters 19
Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design, 11th Edition, Chapter 17
Peter R. N. Childs, Mechanical Design, 2nd Edition, Chapter 8
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture & Tutorial via Zoom
Study Guide Topic 6 - Workbook Activities
Assignment One - Design Problem Solving 1
Due: Week 8 Monday (7 Sept. 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Design Problem Solving 1 Due: Week 8 Monday (7 Sept 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 9
Begin Date: 14 Sep 2026Module/Topic
7. Threaded Fasteners: Selection and Design
Chapter
Juvinall, Fundamentals of Machine Component Design, 6th Edition, Chapters 10
Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design, 11th Edition, Chapter 8
Peter R. N. Childs, Mechanical Design, 2nd Edition, Chapter 12
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture & Tutorial via Zoom
Study Guide Topic 7 - Workbook Activities
Week 10
Begin Date: 21 Sep 2026Module/Topic
8. Design of Permanent Joints - Welds & Rivets
Chapter
Juvinall, Fundamentals of Machine Component Design, 6th Edition, Chapters 11
Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design, 11th Edition, Chapter 9
Peter R. N. Childs, Mechanical Design, 2nd Edition, Chapter 12
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture & Tutorial via Zoom
Study Guide Topic 8 - Workbook Activities
Week 11
Begin Date: 28 Sep 2026Module/Topic
9. Design of Chain Drives: Chains and Sprockets
Chapter
Juvinall, Fundamentals of Machine Component Design, 6th Edition, Chapters 19
Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design, 11th Edition, Chapter 17
Peter R. N. Childs, Mechanical Design, 2nd Edition, Chapter 8
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture & Tutorial via Zoom
Study Guide Topic 9 - Workbook Activities
Week 12
Begin Date: 05 Oct 2026Module/Topic
10. Coupling and Clutches: Application and Design Principles
Chapter
Juvinall, Fundamentals of Machine Component Design, 6th Edition, Chapters 18
Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design, 11th Edition, Chapter 16
Peter R. N. Childs, Mechanical Design, 2nd Edition, Chapter 10
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture & Tutorial via Zoom
Study Guide Topic 10 - Workbook Activities
Assignment Two- Design Problem Solving 2
Due: Week 12 Friday (9 Oct. 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Design Problem Solving 2 Due: Week 12 Friday (9 Oct 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Exam Week
Begin Date: 12 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Submission of Workbook (Portfolio of Workbook Activity Problems 10%)
Due: Exam Week Friday (16 Oct 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Workbook (Portfolio of Workbook Activity Problems) Due: Exam Week Friday (16 Oct 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Vacation/Exam Week
Begin Date: 19 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Written Assessment
The assignment covers the weekly topics up to week 7 (Topics 2 to 5). The assignment tasks and questions will be
uploaded on the unit website. In this assessment item, students are required to answer problem-solving and numerical
questions.
Week 8 Monday (7 Sept 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 9 Monday (14 Sept 2026)
Each question in this assignment will be assessed separately for the criterion accuracy and correct results. 20% of the total marks for this assignment are based on accuracy and correct results, including:
- Free Body Diagrams (FBD) or schematic illustration of the problem
- Use of correct equations and approach to solve the problem
- Presenting final results in correct units
In addition, the assignment, as a whole, will be assessed against the following criteria: Evidence of correct procedures (40% of the total marks for the assignment)
- All necessary steps in analysis and equations in original form are present on correct order
- Clear presentation of mathematical and arithmetical working linking given details of the problem to the results
obtained
Evidence of understanding of the topic (30% of the total marks for the assignment)
- Explanation of choices made in the analysis
- Interpretation of results, e.g., limitations, assumptions etc., if any.
Professional presentation (10% of the total marks for the assignment)
- Assignment title page
- The problem is clearly identified
- Clear statement of each problem and it's details and requirements
- Logical layout of analysis
- Appropriate use of diagrams, units, clear diagrams
- Correct use of terminology and conventions
- Explain the relationship between material properties, structure, and functional performance of mechanical components such as gears, shafts, bearings, fasteners etc
- Identify components to suit a given application and justify the basis for the selection
- Communicate component selections with clear and professional justifications.
2 Written Assessment
The assignment covers the topics of weeks 6 to 12 (Topics 5 to 10). The assignment tasks and questions will be
uploaded on the unit website. In this assessment item, students are required to answer problem-solving and numerical
questions.
Week 12 Friday (9 Oct 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Exam Week Friday (16 Oct 2026)
Each question in this assignment will be assessed separately for the criterion accuracy and correct results. 20% of the total marks for this assignment are based on accuracy and correct results, including:
- Free Body Diagrams (FBD) or schematic illustration of the problem
- Use of correct equations and approach to solve the problem
- Presenting final results in correct units
In addition, the assignment, as a whole, will be assessed against the following criteria: Evidence of correct procedures (40% of the total marks for the assignment)
- All necessary steps in analysis and equations in original form are present on correct order
- Clear presentation of mathematical and arithmetical working linking given details of the problem to the results
obtained
Evidence of understanding of the topic (30% of the total marks for the assignment)
- Explanation of choices made in the analysis
- Interpretation of results, e.g., limitations, assumptions etc., if any.
Professional presentation (10% of the total marks for the assignment)
- Assignment title page
- The problem is clearly identified
- Clear statement of each problem and it's details and requirements
- Logical layout of analysis
- Appropriate use of diagrams, units, clear diagrams
- Correct use of terminology and conventions
- Explain the relationship between material properties, structure, and functional performance of mechanical components such as gears, shafts, bearings, fasteners etc
- Perform simple stress analysis using design limiting criteria to select mechanical components
- Interpret Australian standards and design codes governing the selection of mechanical components
- Identify components to suit a given application and justify the basis for the selection
- Communicate component selections with clear and professional justifications.
3 Written Assessment
This submission will contain evidences of your weekly workings of various workbook activity problems and examples and concepts.
Exam Week Friday (16 Oct 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Vacation/Exam Week Friday (23 Oct 2026)
Each question in this assignment will be assessed separately for the criterion accuracy and correct results. 20% of the
total marks for this assignment are based on accuracy and correct results, including:
1. Free Body Diagrams (FBD) and appropriate schematics
2. Use of correct equations and approach to solve the problem
3. Presenting final results in correct units
In addition, the assignment, as a whole, will be assessed against the following criteria: Evidence of correct procedures
(40% of the total marks for the assignment)
- All necessary steps in analysis are present on correct order
- Clear presentation of mathematical and arithmetical working linking given details of the problem to the results
obtained.
Evidence of understanding of the topic (30% of the total marks for the assignment) Explanation of choices made in the
analysis Interpretation of results, e.g., limitations etc., if any.
Professional presentation (10% of the total marks for the assignment)
- Assignment title page
- The problem is clearly identified
- Clear statement of each problem and its details and requirements Logical layout of analysis
- Appropriate use of diagrams, units, clear diagrams
- Correct use of terminology and conventions
- Perform simple stress analysis using design limiting criteria to select mechanical components
- Interpret Australian standards and design codes governing the selection of mechanical components
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
