Mechanical Engineering

MTF006 Research Methods 6.0 ECTS credits

DENNA SIDA FINNS OCKSÅ PÅ SVENSKA

General information about studying at Luleå University
TIMEPERIOD: Q I-IV

LANGUAGE: Swedish

EXAMINER
Marie Finnström Univ lekt

PREREQUISITES


COURSE AIM
To train the student in experimental problem-solving techniques and how to construct, analyze and evaluate mathematical models of physical systems. The course also gives the student an introduction to scientific writing, vocal presentation and information retrieval.

CONTENTS
Experimental Method (EM): (45%) Introductory classes; planning of experimental work, dimensional analysis, curve fitting of experimental data, error estimation and error analysis. Laboratory work; Two experiments will be performed, lab1 and lab2. The student will work in a small group. The group will work independently without any direct guidance. The results from one experiment will be presented as a report and the results from the other experiment will be presented at a seminar. An experiment in experimental error handling and analysis will be performed in the same quarter as lab2. Mathematical models (MM): (45%) The concept mathematical model is introduced. Realistic, physical systems are formulated as mathematical models. The models are then analyzed. Some models are computer simulated. Alternative models and the limitations of models are discussed. Presentation techniques: (10%) Lectures in research methods and presentation techniques. There are also classes in the why's and how's of report writing. Information retrieval: The course on information retreival contains an introduction to the university library, the library catalogue BIBDIA and the CD-ROM network. Courses on information retrieval are given regularly through the academic year in the university library. Contact the library information desk to register to the course.

TEACHING
The course includes classroom lectures, lectures, compulsory laboratory work and a compulsory information retrieval course. The lectures contains overwievs of necessary theory and gives training in problem solving. The laboratory work is performed in groups of 3Ð4 students and the results are presented both orally and in writing.

EXAMINATION

COURSE GRADE SCALE: P, F

ITEMS AND CREDITS 
Information retrieval                                       	0.0 ECTS
Mathematic modelling                                        	3.0 ECTS
Experimental Techniques                                     	3.0 ECTS

COURSE LITERATURE
Kjellmert B. et al Experimentell Metodik, 5:e upplagan, Avd. f. Fysik, HLu, 1996. Kjellmert B., Mätfel och Modellfel, Avd. f. Fysik, HLu, 1995. Löfqvist T., Rapportskrivning Ð en introduktion, Avd. f. Fysik, HLu, 1996. Brandell G., Matematisk Modellering. Introduktion till kursen matematiska modeller, Inst. f. Systemteknik och Matematik,HLu, 1995. Dunkels A., Klefsjö B. Några Funderingar Kring Muntlig Presentation. Avd. f. Kvalitetsteknik och Statistik, HLu, 1991.

REMARKS
Last modified 97-03-05
Further information: Marie Finnström
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