This is a course in Engineering Science with emphasis on mathematical modelling, aimed to give the student skills in usage of mathematical models to treat and understand problems in technology and natural science. The course also treats the history of technology, the role of the engineer in society and related gender issues.
The course design is based on learning centred pedagogics. The examination is based on continual activity of the student.
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Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Progress of technology and science. About understanding and modelling nature. Quantities. Units. Constants of Nature. Methodology for construction of mathematical models. Hypothetical deductive research metodology. Dynamical, iterative systems. Nonlinear systems and chaos. Emperical and theoretical models. Use of derivatives in modelling. Graphical model fitting. Least square and Chebyshev methods. Regression analysis of large data sets. Error sources in modelling. Estimates. Formula checks. Analysis of extreme cases. Proportionality. Dimensional analysis for checking computations and for finding new relations. Simulation modelling. Differential equations as models. The computer tools Maple and Excel. Male and female students of technology - a historical perspective. Perceptions about engineers. The roles of the engineer and the technology user in a gender perspective. Introduction to oral communication and scientific writing.
Intended learning outcomes
Technology does not exist in Nature - all of technology is designed by man. While the natural sciences focus on laws of Nature, the science of technology is mainly concerned with the methods we humans use to design and manufacture objects and procedures. Engineering Science extends technology to include topics as mathematical modelling, history of technology and the engineer's professional role. These are also the main topics for this course in Engineering Science.
The ambition is that the student, having completed the course, will be able to
- create mathematical models for given scenarios in the steps problem identification, assumptions, solution, interpretation, validation and implementation,
- construct and graphically represent theoretical and empirical models from empirical data,
- make estimates, check formulas and carry out dimensional analysis,
- use the programmes Maple and Excel as tools for problem solving,
- give an account of the evolution of technology as compared to natural science, and discuss their relations,
- constructively reflect over the professional roles of male and female engineers in society,
and show basic skills in
- oral communication and scientific writing in technology and natural science.
Course Disposition
The course is based on learning oriented pedagogics.
Lectures are goal oriented and class sessions are partially carried out as group work.
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
General and specific entry requirements for Master of Science programmes.
Recommended prerequisites
No information inserted
Equipment
No information inserted
Literature
B. Sundin, Den kupade handen, Carlssons, 2006.
F. R. Giordano M. D. Weir and W. P Fox, A first course in mathematical modeling, Thompson 2009
G. Grimvall, Basic facts and skills in physics. 2011, Dept. of Physics, KTH.
Literature on gender aspects for engineers, distributed.
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
P, F
Examination
- ANNA - Assignments, 4,5 hp, betygsskala: P, F
- ANNB - Assignments, 1,5 hp, betygsskala: P, F
- ANNC - Assignments, 1,5 hp, betygsskala: P, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
Grades P/F.
Other requirements for final grade
Weekly hand in exercises, participation in seminars and lectures as well as oral presentation.
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
No information inserted
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
No information inserted
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.
Further information
Course web
Further information about the course can be found on the Course web at the link below. Information on the Course web will later be moved to this site.
Course web ED1100Offered by
Main field of study
Electrical Engineering, Technology
Education cycle
First cycle
Add-on studies
No information inserted
Contact
Jan Scheffel
Supplementary information
In this course, the EECS code of honor applies, see:
http://www.kth.se/en/eecs/utbildning/hederskodex.