Mechanical Engineering in the Sustainable Society, 7.5 credits

Main field of study with advanced study

The courses Design Processes, Tools and Principles 7.5 credits, Materials - Selection Principles 10 credits och Production Systems 7.5 credits. English 6. Exemption of the requirement in Swedish is granted.

The course is part of Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Sustainable Design and Innovation.

The aim of the course is for the student to develop a basic and broadened understanding of how mechanical engineering is integrated into the sustainable society and the possibilities for the subject's impact including environmental, economic, social and ethical aspects. The goal is further that the student by critically studying and evaluating theory and methods as well practice cases within sustainable design and innovation must have acquired an ability to apply and improve the use of mechanical engineering to contribute to a sustainable society. Of the course the objective is also for the student to develop his ability.

Following successful completion of the course the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• report on mechanical engineering life cycle analyzes (LCA)
• explain how construction/design for sustainability (DFE) can be applied in the sustainable society
• explain and discuss mechanical engineering innovations and how they are connected to sustainability society through the UN's sustainability goals and professional ethical approach

Skills and ability

• apply DFE within current mechanical engineering challenge areas
• apply LCA in current mechanical engineering challenge areas in a critical way and through group discussions
• present, model and predict the impact of mechanical engineering solutions on environmental, economic and social sustainability

Judgement and approach

•  evaluate mechanical engineering development projects based on ethical, social, economic and environmental aspects

Mechanical engineering and sustainability

• Mechanical engineering sustainable innovations through the ages
• Construction/Design for Durability (DFE)

Engineering ethics and the Code

Sustainable challenges in Mechanical Engineering

LCA

• Environmental LCA
• Social LCA
• Economic LCA

Teaching takes place through lectures, study visits, laboratories, practical case studies and seminar.

The course is examined through laboratories, oral and written presentations by practical case studies (Case I- IV) individually and in groups as well as through an individual written examination.

If there are special reasons, the examiner may make exceptions from the specified examination format and allow a student to be examined in another way. Special reasons can e.g. be study support for students with disabilities.

Course evaluation is part of the course. This evaluation offers guidance in the future development and planning of the course. Course evaluation is documented and made available to the students.