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.

Overview of assessment

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to apply calculus techniques to engineering and related problems within the context of specified engineering applications and solution validation and technical oversight procedures. The candidate may demonstrate competence through either working individually or as part of a team.

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

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

solve mathematical problems related to engineering and manufacturing using calculus techniques

validate results of mathematical problems using calculus either analytically and/or graphically

manipulate engineering and manufacturing-related mathematical functions and equations using calculus techniques

analyse mathematical problems by using appropriate calculus techniques to achieve engineering and manufacturing solutions.

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 then a simulated working environment must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies 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 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 not only able 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.

Required skills

Required skills include:

analysing engineering applications to determine relevant calculus techniques

applying relevant differentiation and integration concepts and tools to engineering applications

using appropriate software and/or scientific calculators to generate solutions to statistical and probability-related engineering problems

using differentiation to find rates of change

applying special calculus techniques to solve more complex integrals, such as:

method of substitution

using trigonometric identities

identifying and solving simple first and second order differential equations

identifying key points to find constants of integration

finding integrals of algebraic, trigonometric and exponential functions

establishing appropriate procedures for checking and validating solutions

logical layout and presentation of data developed using calculus

reporting and effectively communicating the results of calculus-based analysis

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

identifying appropriate limits and applying to engineering problems beingsolved with calculus techniques

differentiation rules and techniques

partial differentiation

relationship between differentiation and attributes of mathematical curves and graphs

optimisation of variables based on maximum and minimum values of mathematical curves and graphs

integration as the reverse of differentiation

integration rules and techniques

the definite integral

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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.

Engineering applications related to calculus techniques in this unit

Most engineering disciplines will have applications supported by the calculus skills described in this unit, including mechanical, manufacturing, maintenance and mechatronics engineering. Examples of engineering or manufacturing applications requiring calculus skills described in this unit may include:

determining the point of maximum bending moment, slope and deflection for a beam

determining the depth of parabolic mirrors

determining moments of inertia of a range of engineering components

solving rectilinear motion problems

Scope of calculus techniques

The scope of calculus techniques required for an engineering or manufacturing application will vary and may include:

identification of appropriate limits

use of standard derivatives and rules

application of second and third derivatives

finding rates of change and slopes of curves

calculating maximum and minimum values of curves

solving first and second order differential equations

use of standard integrals and rules

finding constants of integration

finding areas under and between curves

integrating algebraic, trigonometric and exponential functions

the definite integral

identification of appropriate methods to solve more complex integration applications