Course syllabus for Introduction to mechanical engineering

Course syllabus adopted 2025-02-19 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameIntroduktion till maskinteknik
  • CodeIMS165
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerTKMSK
  • Education cycleFirst-cycle
  • Main field of studyMechanical Engineering
  • ThemeMTS 1.5 c
  • DepartmentINDUSTRIAL AND MATERIALS SCIENCE
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language Swedish
  • Application code 44117
  • Open for exchange studentsNo
  • Only students with the course round in the programme overview.

Credit distribution

0125 Intermediate test 1.5 c
Grading: TH		0.5 c1 c
0225 Intermediate test 2 c
Grading: UG		2 c
0325 Laboratory 1.5 c
Grading: UG		1 c0.5 c
0425 Project 2.5 c
Grading: TH		0.5 c2 c

In programmes

Examiner

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Eligibility

General entry requirements for bachelor's level (first cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Specific entry requirements

The same as for the programme that owns the course.
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Course specific prerequisites

Nothing over and above what is required for the study programme

Aim

The aim of the course is to develop basic skills in the application of engineering methods along with fundamental knowledge of machine elements and materials. After completion of the course, the student should be able to (in a group) solve design problems through a structured approach, and also be able to present the results orally and in writing.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

Product development
  • Collect, process, analyze, and compile information regarding the needs of various stakeholders concerning a problem.
  • Identify and map out functions for a hypothetical solution to a problem.
  • Create, evaluate, and filter concepts based on their ability to meet stakeholder needs and solve problems.
  • Further develop a concept to a higher level of detail and specificity.
  • Identify knowledge gaps concerning a concept and suggest how these can be reduced through testing or simulation, conduct them, analyze the results, and propose further development.
Presentation and communication
  • Describe, explain, and justify a performed product development project in a technical report.
  • Critically review a product development project and both give and receive constructive feedback.
  • Create and deliver an oral presentation.
Group dynamics
  • Plan group collaboration in a clear and structured manner in addition to reflecting on organization, communication, and relationships from key group dynamic perspectives.
Mechanical engineering professions
  • Reflect on how university studies can lead to the professional role the student wants to acquire, and create a rough plan to achieve this.
CAD
  • Create documentation for, prepare, and produce a freeform manufactured part using an automated computer-controlled machine.
  • Apply basic general functions in software for solid modeling.
  • Create, evaluate, propose, and implement changes to individual parts, product assemblies, and drawings in a structured manner using solid modeling software.
Workshop and machining practices
  • Safely produce simple physical models with workshop machines.
  • With guidance, assemble mechanical and mechatronic components into a product that performs a specified function.

Content

The course constitutes of the following elements:
  • Design methodology is the course backbone and is supported and complemented by the other course elements. The main focus lies on the four basic process steps of problem formulation and requirements specification, searching for alternative solutions, evaluation of alternative solutions as well as further development of a selected solution. Other focus areas are sustainable development, engineering materials, risk management and ethical questions in their context. 
  • CAD.  (Computer Aided Design) The module deals with different strategies, methods and tools for computer-aided design, including free-form production. Furthermore, basic general functions of Catia V5 are covered, as well as the workbenches: sketches (sketches for individual parts), part (individual parts), assembly (product compilations) and drafting (drawings).
  • Skills in Modeling and machining work support the process steps of searching for and evaluation of alternative solutions. The course focus physical models in carton and common engineering materials, but digital models are also used.
  • The course element of Information search focus both on searching for patents in patent-databases a patents.
  • The Oral and written communication focuses on presenting results and peer response activities.
  • Group dynamics and self-reflection focus on what affects how well a group functions as well as on understanding of the student's own behavior.

Organisation

The course content is introduced by lectures and exercises.

Knowledge and skills obtained are subsequently applied in a product development project.

Computer Aided Design (CAD) is practiced at sessions in computer rooms.

The Product development and CAD parts are examined at a mid-term exam (Dugga) respectively.

The project is conducted in groups and focuses a real, open-ended and unstructured design problem, i.e. a problem which is not formulated and that may have several alternative solutions. The project result is presented orally and in writing. 

Literature

To be announced two weeks prior to course start, at the latest.

Examination including compulsory elements

A pass in the written exams, an approved project work, approved lab-sessions and attendance at compulsory exercises and lectures are all required for a course final certificate. The final certificate constitutes the grade from a weighted combination of the grades for the project and for the second written exam.

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers about disability study support.