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Blekinge Institute of Technology
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Revision: 1
Reg.no: BTH-4.1.14-0725-2026
Course syllabus
Knowledge-Based Engineering
Knowledge-Based Engineering
7.5 credits (7,5 högskolepoäng)
Course code: MT2603
Main field of study: Mechanical Engineering
Disciplinary domain: Technology
Education level: Second-cycle
Specialization: A1F - Second cycle, has second-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Language of instruction: English
Applies from: 2026-08-20
Approved: 2026-08-20
1. Decision
This course is established by Dean 2025-01-21. The course syllabus is approved by Head of Department of Mechanical Engineering 2026-08-20 and applies from 2026-08-20.
2. Prior knowledge
2.1 Entry requirements
Admission to the course requires 2 completed credits in Model-Driven Design
3. Objective and content
3.1 Objective
The course introduces knowledge-based technology by presenting tools and methods that improve the ability to predict, describe, assess, and enhance the characteristics of the envisioned product-service system. The aim of the course is to provide a basic theoretical understanding and an associated toolbox that enables effective exploration and search of the design space.
3.2 Content
The course provides an introduction to knowledge-based engineering, model-driven design automation and methods for design space exploration and optimisation. Emphasis is placed on the underlying theoretical foundations and their application in practical engineering design and decision-making contexts through real-life case examples.
4. Learning outcomes
The following learning outcomes are examined in the course:
4.1. Knowledge and understanding
On completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Describe and explain the principles of design automation.
4.2. Competence and skills
On completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Conduct design space exploration to generate, evaluate, and compare alternative design solutions in support of engineering decision-making.
- Apply model-driven design automation methods and tools to identify, develop, and implement automation opportunities in engineering design processes.
4.3. Judgement and approach
On completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Analyse design trade-offs and interpret optimisation results in support of decision-making.
- Assess the suitability of design automation in a given engineering context by balancing expected benefits against the resources required for knowledge capture, model development, implementation, and maintenance.
5. Learning activities
The course is structured around lectures, exercises, project work, written assignments, oral presentations, and seminars. These learning activities are designed to help students create experiences that support understanding and develop the ability to carry out product development projects using a model-driven approach. During the course, the student reports on his/her knowledge, skills, and approaches both individually and in groups, and reflects on his/her learning. Written documentation in the form of reports gives the student the opportunity to develop the ability to give a written account of the work carried out and its value.
6. Assessment and grading
Modes of examinations of the course
| Code | Module | Credit | Grade |
| 2705 | Written Assignment 1 | 2 credits | GU |
| 2715 | Written Assignment 2 | 2 credits | GU |
| 2725 | Project | 3.5 credits | AF |
The course will be graded A Excellent, B Very good, C Good, D Satisfactory, E Sufficient, FX Failed result, a little more work required, F Fail.
The examiner may carry out oral follow-up of written examinations.
The information before the start of the course states the assessment criteria and make explicit in which modes of examination that the learning outcomes are assessed.
An examiner can, after consulting the Disability Advisor at BTH, decide on a customized examination form for a student with a long-term disability to be provided with an examination equivalent to one given to a student who is not disabled.
7. Course evaluation
The course evaluation should be carried out in line with BTH:s course evaluation template and process.
8. Restrictions regarding degree
The course can form part of a degree but not together with another course the content of which completely or partly corresponds with the contents of this course.
9. Course literature and other materials of instruction
Materials from the department.