Course syllabus for Introduction to marine engineering

The course syllabus contains changes
See changes

Course syllabus adopted 2025-02-18 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameIngenjörsmetodik
  • CodeSJO559
  • Credits12 Credits
  • OwnerTISJL
  • Education cycleFirst-cycle
  • Main field of studyShipping and Marine Technology
  • DepartmentMECHANICS AND MARITIME SCIENCES
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language Swedish
  • Application code 76158
  • Maximum participants50
  • Open for exchange studentsNo

Credit distribution

0125 Examination, part A 3 c
Grading: TH		3 c
  • 27 Okt 2025 pm L
  • 05 Jan 2026 am L
  • 25 Aug 2026 pm L
0225 Written and oral assignments, part B 1.5 c
Grading: UG		1.5 c
0325 Written and oral assignments, part C 1.5 c
Grading: UG		1.5 c
0425 Written and oral assignments, part D 1.5 c
Grading: UG		1.5 c
0525 Examination, part E 1.5 c
Grading: TH		 1.5 c
  • 16 Jan 2026 pm L DIG
  • 08 Apr 2026 pm L DIG
  • 20 Aug 2026 pm L DIG
0625 Examination, part F 1.5 c
Grading: TH		 1.5 c
  • 16 Jan 2026 pm L DIG
  • 08 Apr 2026 pm L DIG
  • 20 Aug 2026 pm L DIG
0725 Laboratory, part G 1.5 c
Grading: UG		 1.5 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.

Aim

The aim of the course is to develop basic skills in the application of engineering methods along with fundamental knowledge of ship engine systems, materials technology and drawing. After completing the course, the student in group should be able to solve mechanical engineering problems in a structured way, and be able to present the results both orally and in writing.

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

Mechanical engineering part A
-Describe the function and operational operation of main engines and auxiliary engines on board ships
-Calculate efficiencies for different heat engines (diesel, gas turbine)
-Explain what each system in the ship needs to be able to function under normal operating conditions with regard to propulsion and control system
-Explain the basic design of a diesel engine with its bypass system.
-Describe different types of pumps and valves, cargo systems, deck machines and other technical deck systems on board ships.
-Event the basics of steam technology with regard to boilers, burners and the structure of the steam system on a ship

Communication part B
-Use basic security terminology in English.
-Explain basic ship terms in English

Electrical engineering and safety part C
-Explain the damage that can occur from incorrect handling of electrical systems and how to avoid them from an electrical safety perspective.
-Describe how earth fault circuit breakers work.
-Explain different types of electric and electric hybrid propulsion systems
-Be able to compare different perspectives on the propulsion of electricity and electric hybrid systems, including the environmental impact of charging through shore power supply.
-Describe the main components of a ship's electrical system

Cad/drawing technology part D
- Produce and dimension drawing of objects in different views in AutoCAD according to rollover method
- Producing and starting from a drawing template
- Determine and define different types of dimensional tolerances
- Explain and use drawing to scale
- Master basic handling in AutoCAD

Mechanical Engineering Part E
-Explain how the ship's resistance in water and how the ship's machinery can create vibrations and what consequences this can have.
-Explain the forces that affect a ship and its energy consumption.
-Explain environmental aspects that arise around a ship's propulsion.
-Explain how the flag state, classification society, IMO, and other actors in the shipping industry relate to each other
-Use the basics of safe cargo handling of oil and chemical products

Materials Engineering Part F
-Explain how different materials are constructed and interact with each other
-Based on the basis of corrosion, assess the risk of different types of corrosion
-Explain how different types of transmissions (gears) are structured


Ethics Sustainable development and the professional role of the engineer
-Relate to some ethical concepts based on the upcoming professional role
-Describe and explain the concept of sustainable development and its connection to ship engine systems
-Describe gender equality, equality and diversity based on the professional role of engineer
-Explain the content of the Swedish Engineers' Code of Honor

Content

Mechanical engineering part A
- Overview of different types of diesel engines
- Basic design for diesel engines and hybrid systems
- Efficiency and losses of a diesel engine
- Fuel system
- Lubricating oil system
- Cooling system for heat engine 
- Starting system
- Monitoring and control systems

Communication part B
- Teaching in a language studio
- Oral communication training
- Marine engineering and nautical vocabulary
- Safety terminology for shipping

Electrical engineering and safety part C
- Security risks
- Electrical safety
- Propulsion of hybrid systems

Cad/drawing technology part D
- Basic exercises in CAD
- Measurement
- Cad program

Mechanical engineering part E
- The basics fundamentals of ship propulsion 
- Laboratory work in engine room simulator

Material engineering part F
- Materials science and materials technology on ships
- Metals and their basic properties and composition
- Polymers and their basic properties and composition


Ethics Sustainable development and the professional role of the engineer
- The Engineer's Code of Honor
- Ethics
- Sustainable Development

Organisation

The course includes lectures and exercises. The knowledge acquired must be used in a report that summarizes the different parts of the course.

The course contains several different laboratory work in simulators and in a mechanical workshop as well as with internal combustion engines. Mandatory exercises are also included in the language studio.

The course is covered by an exam / Inspera and a written report that is presented orally.

Literature

Mechanical engineering
-Marine Engineering
-The pump manual
-Material on the course website

Communication
-IMO, IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP), 2002. ISBN 978 92 801 42112 (available via the course website)

Drawing technique CAD
-Material on the course website

Examination including compulsory elements

Module Part A Mechanical Engineering. Exam Grades 3-5
Written exam with grades 3-5

Module Part B Communication Assignment U-G
Written assignment and approved oral examination

Module Part C Electrical Engineering and Safety Assignment Task U-G
Pre examination and assignment with grades U-G

Module Part D CAD Assignment grade U-G
Assignment in drawing technique and quiz

Module Part E Mechanical Engineering. Exam Grades 3-5
Written exam / Inspera with grades 3-5

Module Part F Material Engineering. Exam Grades 3-5
Written exam / Digital examination with grades 3-5

Module Part G Engine simulations, presentations Laboratories U-G
Approved laboratory work in engine simulator, engine laboratory, and oral presentation

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.

STCW

  • A-III/1 Operate fuel, lubrication, ballast and other pumping systems and associated control systems
    Also in course:SJO547,
  • A-III/1 Use English in written and oral form
    Also in course:MMS040,SJO571,
  • A-III/1 Use internal communication systems
    Also in course:SJO708,
  • A-III/2 Ensure safe working practices
    Also in course:SJO710,
  • A-III/2 Plan and schedule operation: Theoretical knowledge
    Also in course:LNB728,MMS040,SJO169,SJO547,SJO845,
  • A-III/6 Contribute to safety of the personnel and ship
    Also in course:SJO114,
  • A-III/6 Operate generators and distribution systems
    Also in course:LNB728,
  • A-III/6 Use English in written and oral form
    Also in course:MMS040,
  • A-III/6 Use internal communications systems
    Also in course:
  • A-III/7 Contribute to monitoring the operation of electrical systems and machinery
    Also in course:LNB728,SJO114,SSY033,SSY036,
  • A-III/7 Safe use of electrical equipment
    Also in course:LET685,SSY033,

The course syllabus contains changes

  • Changes to module:
    • 2025-04-04: Digital exam Changed to digital exam by Exam.
      [0625 Examination 1,5 credit] Changed to digital examination inspera
    • 2025-04-04: Digital exam Changed to digital exam by Exam.
      [0525 Examination 1,5 credit] Changed to digital examination inspera