This course explores automation and physical computing through the engineering disciplines of robotics and mechatronics. The course introduces fundamental principles of both electronics and mechatronics before investigating microcontrollers that can be programmed to drive electrical circuits and mechanical systems.

Students apply their knowledge to the design and construction of real systems, examining how these solutions address problems, needs and challenges faced by individuals and societies. They design and program control software for autonomous and manual interfaces, correcting for noise and unexpected variations in data inputs and processing.

Robotics and Mechatronics aims to build theoretical and practical knowledge to prepare students for technical pathways such as engineering, IT, electronics and science.

The Robotics and Mechatronics course is written under The TECHNOLOGIES FRAMEWORK 2018: BSSS TECHNOLOGIES Framework

Achievement Standards for TECHNOLOGIES courses can be found within the Framework.

Students will demonstrate knowledge of research, skills of ideation and design, prototyping production, solution testing and communication of their understanding. Technologies promotes deep learning, creativity and innovation.

Building and Programming Circuits

This unit of study provides opportunities for students to learn about the components of electronics and the design and construction of electronic systems. They will use design methodologies to investigate, strategise, prototype, test and critically analyse the construction of electronic systems. Students will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to apply a design process using electronics to create innovative and sustainable systems.

Digital and Analog Interactions

This unit of study provides opportunities for students to learn to respond to a real-world need and justify creation of a complex control system. Students will investigate and program microcontrollers and control systems. Students will apply a design process to design interface circuits, prototype, construct and test systems to receive input and collect data from sensors and provide meaningful output.

Robotics and Mechatronic Systems

This unit of study provides opportunities for students to investigate the development of robotics and mechatronic systems. Students critically analyse the effect that robotics and mechanised systems have on human society, built and natural environments and general well-being. Student will use the design process to create, test and control a product or solution incorporating mechanical, electrical and control systems.

Applications of Robotics

This unit of study provides opportunities for students to investigate the role of robots and other intelligent machines, including technologies such as, but not limited to: artificial intelligence, machine learning, neural networks etc. Students will investigate the design of a system, its’ construction, and application of automated technologies. They will use a design process to complete a project; prototyping, testing, constructing and evaluating an innovative system. Students will analyse their results and present their findings with justification.

Independent Study

An Independent Study unit has an important place in senior secondary courses. It is a valuable pedagogical approach that empowers students to make decisions about their own learning. An Independent Study unit can be proposed by an individual student for their own independent study and negotiated with their teacher. The program of learning for an Independent Study unit must meet the unit goals and content descriptions as they appear in the course. Students must have studied at least THREE standard 1.0 units from this course. A student can only study a maximum of one Independent study unit in each course. An Independent Study unit requires the principal’s written approval. Independent study units are only available to individual students in Year 12. Principal approval is also required for a student in Year 12 to enrol concurrently in an Independent unit and the third 1.0 unit in a course of study.

Robotics and Mechatronics A/T/M/V   (903 KB)

Robotics and Mechatronics A/T/M/V   (345KB)