MEM234023A
Apply differential equations to technology problems

This unit of competency covers the application of differential equations in an engineering or related application. It includes first and second order differential equations (DE’s) and covers both the application of theory in simple calculations and the use of relevant software packages for more complex situations.

Application

This unit applies to projects or tasks requiring solving DE’s, either manually or through use of an appropriate software package. It is suitable for paraprofessionals and technologists required to solve advanced mathematical problems in an engineering or related field, or those pursuing technologist careers and qualifications.

Prior or concurrent experience in mathematics covering calculus and differentials is required.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1

Identify a need for the application of DE’s

1.1

Identify a problem requiring application of DE’s

1.2

Define the problem

1.3

Determine data currently available for analysis

1.4

Identify ways of obtaining other required data

1.5

Determine information required from outcome

2

Prepare to solve problem by DE’s

2.1

Determine appropriate DE to be applied

2.2

Identify and gain access to appropriate computational devices

2.3

Collect required input data

2.4

Analyse collected data for suitability and completeness

2.5

Take appropriate action to address any deficiencies found

3

Solve problem using DE’s

3.1

Apply appropriate technique to collected data

3.2

Check answer by appropriate means

3.3

Interpret answer to determine information required by problem definition

4

Communicate outcomes

4.1

Communicate outcome to relevant stakeholders by appropriate means

4.2

Explain outcome to stakeholders, as appropriate

4.3

Check outcome has addressed problem

Required Skills

Required skills

Required skills include:

identifying and defining problems

collecting and analysing data

reporting and presenting data and quantitative information

communicating effectively with stakeholders on problem resolution

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

ordinary DE’s

first order separable DE’s

first order linear DE’s

first order exact DE’s

second order linear homogeneous DE’s with constant coefficients

second order linear non-homogeneous DE’s with constant coefficients

DE’s

definition of a DE

first order DE's – separation of variables and applications

second order DE's of the form:

second order DE's of the form:

first order DE's of the form:

second order DE's of the form:

second order DE's of the form:

motion

kinematics

resisted gravitational motion

simple harmonic motion

vibratory motion

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently:

identify appropriate differential equations for engineering or related problems

apply the appropriate technique to the problem

check answer has addressed problem

communicate the outcome of the analysis in an appropriate way.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is, the candidate is not in productive work, then a simulated working environment must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competency covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team.

Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Method of assessment

Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the MEM05 Metal and Engineering Training Package.

Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of underpinning knowledge.

Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on underpinning knowledge to ensure its correct interpretation and application.

Assessment may be applied under project-related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process.

Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances.

Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency where required.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Problem definition

Problem definition means the problem will be defined so as to allow for the use of differential equations and the application of quantitative data

Data available

Data currently available means all relevant data which is currently available within the organisation or could be readily obtained

Information required

Information required is the outcome which needs to be produced in order to solve/assist in resolving the defined problem

Differential equations

Differential equations may include:

one or more or any of the techniques listed under ‘required knowledge’

a related technique

Computational device

Computational devices include:

calculators with differential equations functions

computer software packages

Appropriate action

Appropriate action may include:

taking necessary steps to obtain required data

obtaining some relevant proxy for the desired data

choosing a different differential equation/computational device which will function with available data

Appropriate technique

Appropriate technique includes:

selected differential equation which will yield required outcome

a technique which is appropriate for the available data and which is relevant to the problem

Check answer

Checking answer means that the answer is examined to ensure it is within the range of expected logical results

Interpret answer

Interpret answer means translating the result of the differential equation solution into a form which is useable by the relevant stakeholders

Appropriate communication

Appropriate communication may include:

report

presentation

verbal communication

web-based

electronic or hard copy

Check outcome

Check outcome includes:

ensuring that the result of the analysis does assist in the resolution of the problem


Sectors

Engineering practice


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.