MG2100 Scientific Methodology for Production Engineering 7.5 credits
Engineering is not mere application of rules, design principles or theories. Companies need engineers that are able to discover, analyze and solve relevant problems applying sound methodologies along with the right tools. In order to do so, engineers must be able to create reliable and valid knowledge through a sound research process. This course aims at teaching the student how to design, perform and document personal research work. The activities are tailored on industrial and production engineering students which can use the knowledge and skills acquired hereby, for their final thesis project.
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Application
For course offering
Spring 2025 Start 14 Jan 2025 programme students
Application code
60489
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Scientific theories
Problem formulation and delimitations
Experiments, models and validation methods
Research ethics
Production engineering as a science
Scientific papers and peer review
Intended learning outcomes
After completing the course with a passing grade the student should be able to:
- define and discuss the nature of the research in relation to the two main domains: scientific methodology and engineering design, outlining their importance and use in the context of production engineering
- present and discuss the evolution of thoughts from several aspects of the scientific domain such as definition, nature and progress of knowledge
- analyse a scientific text and review the research question, the method and the conclusions
- structure, carry out and document a research endeavour
- discuss the origin of the scientific method as result of the evolution of the human approach to the main philosophical problems, emphasizing the sociological and economic problems
- gather information and elaborate a strategy to qualify and defend an opinion on a controversial topic, and analyse and summarize the following debate
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Admitted to the Master's programme (two-year) in Production Engineering (TPRMM) or the track Integrated Production Engineering in the Master's programme (two-year) in Industrial Engineering and Management (TIEMM IPIB)
Recommended prerequisites
Equipment
Literature
Can be downloaded from the LMS by registered course participants
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
Examination
- LIT1 - Analysis of a scientific text, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
- SEM1 - Active participiation in seminars, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
- TEN1 - Written exam, 3.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
- ÖVN1 - Debate Exercise, 1.5 credits, grading scale: 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.
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
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 room in Canvas
Offered by
Main field of study
Education cycle
Add-on studies
Master thesis project in production engineering and management