Multi-Disciplinary Learning Spaces

MDLS are expected to act as catalysts for curriculum development and the faculty's vision of transforming into an active learning environment for students. More than just laboratories and workshops, the MDLS are composed of 38 flexible and specialised learning spaces to enhance learning experience for approximately 4,000 undergraduate Engineering students every year.

The teaching and learning opportunities available within a MDLS include face-to-face within a contextuial setting, a more targeted learning experience, and the option of group work with re-configurable furniture, experimentation with roll-in and roll-out equipment, and champion courses.

The 38 MDLS are across a number of categories: Flexibles, Electrical and Instrumentation, Wet Chemistry, Wet Non-Chemistry, Computational, and Specialised. You can view 360 degree images of spaces from each category:

You can also check out our first four MDLS in 360°. These rooms are unique spaces that are configurable to a variety of different disciplines. The furniture and equipment is all easily movable, so teaching staff are able to customise the labs to best suit student needs.

MDLS 1

Equipped for fluid dynamics, hydrology experiments. and civil engineering experiments

MDLS 2

Equipped for wind tunnel experiments, electrical experiments, and strength of materials testing

MDLS 3

Equipped for design and build activities (supported by the Engineering workshop)

MDLS 4

Equipped for design and build activities (supported by the Engineering workshop), and dual mechanics experiments

Our MDLS technical services team’s mission is to collaborate with subject matter experts and support the development of the concepts underpinning key courses and identify the difficult concepts to be explored through practical activities and other learning resources. For any general enquiries, reach out to us at MDLS@uoa.auckland.ac.nz.

Dr Ashveen Nand
Technical Manager – Teaching
Ashveen’s area of expertise is material science and engineering, with particular interests in polymer synthesis, processing and characterization. He leads the MDLS technical team. Contact.

Paul Martin
Senior Teaching Technician
Paul has a background in electronics and mechanical engineering and helps with the undergraduate teaching laboratory development and health and safety compliance. He is responsible for the MDLS Flexibles and MDLS Laser Cutter rooms. Contact.

Anesh Pratap
Senior Teaching Technician
Anesh has a Mechanical background and specialises in machinery operation, maintenance and calibration, and is responsible for the Flexibles and Design and Build Workshop. Contact.

Dr Terry Huang
Senior Teaching Technician
Terry’s background is in Electrical and Electronics engineering. He specialises in object detection and tracking, mmWave technology and wireless sensor networks, and is responsible for our Electrical and Instrumentation as well as computing facilities. Contact.

Dr Kelly Kong
Teaching Technician
Kelly has a food science and engineering background and specialises in anti-microbiology activities specialization. She is also familiar with the use of hydraulic related equipment. She is responsible for MDLS Flexible 1 and MDLS wet chemistry rooms. Contact.

Shahab Kazemi
Teaching Technician
Shahab has a mechanical and mechatronics engineering background. He specializes in CAD design and 3D printing, soft and rigid robotics, pneumatic systems, biomechanics, control systems, dynamic modelling and software programming. He supports undergraduate mechanical, mechatronics and civil engineering teaching at MDLS. He is also responsible for the MDLS 3D printing lab. Contact.

Joslin Singh
Teaching Technician
Joslin’s experience lies in Chemistry with an emphasis on Environmental/ Analytical Chemistry and analytical instrumentation. She is responsible for MDLS Analytical lab, MDLS Chemistry labs and MDLS Metallography labs. Contact.

Dr Raveen John
Teaching Technician
Raveen has a mechanical engineering background. He specializes in processing of polymers & composites, 3D printing, mathematical modelling and material testing & characterization involving techniques such as SEM, EDS, optical microscopy, wear, mapping, tribology, nanoindentation.

He supports undergraduate teaching in mechanical and civil engineering MDLS labs. Contact.

Lily Zhang
Teaching Technician
Lily has a background in electrical and electronics engineering. Her areas of specialization are electronics circuit design and prototype, PCB design, embedded system design, CAD design and 3D printing, and specialised equipment maintenance, testing and calibration. She is responsible for MDLS Electrical and Instrumentation rooms and the soldering workshop. Contact.
 

Get more information about the MDLS and access:

• Canvas page (accessible only to staff members and student ad hoc users)
• Form to request access for students ad hoc users
• Location and information on MDLS rooms