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Blekinge Institute of Technology
Department of Mechanical Engineering

Revision: 1
Reg.no: BTH-4.1.14-0987-2024


Course syllabus

Future Tech: Navigating Tomorrow's Technologies

Future Tech: Navigating Tomorrow's Technologies

2 credits (2 högskolepoäng)

Course code: MT1581
Main field of study: Mechanical Engineering
Disciplinary domain: Technology
Education level: First-cycle
Specialization: G1N - First cycle, has only upper-secondary level entry requirements

Language of instruction: English
Applies from: 2024-10-08
Approved: 2024-10-08

1. Descision

This course is established by Dean 2024-04-22. The course syllabus is approved by Head of Department of Mechanical Engineering 2024-10-08 and applies from 2024-10-08.

2. Entry requirements

General entry requirements.

3. Objective and content

3.1 Objective

Before there is an emerging technology, there is future technology. Forward-thinking managers, innovators, and decision-makers need to be able to explore the uncharted territories of tomorrow’s technology landscape. The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop an understanding of various future technology that lie at the edge of R&D (horizons 4 into 3 or TRL 0). The course delves into speculative realms from quantum computing to neural augmentation to sentient AI, discussing their potential impact on industries, societies, and human existence.

3.2 Content

· Four Horizons model of innovation.
· Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) and industry variations.
· Various speculative future technology areas.
· Concepts of ”bleeding edge” versus ”leading edge”.

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 apply the Four Horizons model of innovation.
  • Analyze the application and limits of the TRL scale and its industry variations.

4.2. Competence and skills

On completion of the course, the student will be able to:

  • Apply the TRL scale to identify various speculative technology on the cusp of emerging.
  • Imagine and model a future state where one benchmarked future technology has progressed from emerging technology through nascent technology to scaled solution.
  • Build a well-researched benchmark and roadmap for converting a speculative technology into a viable, testable technology.
  • Develop and communicate a plan to advance a future technology area.
  • Demonstrate how to convert a speculative future technology into a viable set of milestones to attain a breakthrough.

4.3. Judgement and approach

On completion of the course, the student will be able to:

  • Discuss the importance of capturing outcomes from experiments and reflections.
  • Critically discuss the application of future technology benchmarking and invention as an industry tool.

5. Learning activities

The course features a combination of applied learning activities. Students are required to attend every course session to discuss their work and participate in critique. Speculative future technology areas included in the course will be identified from top science and technology news sources. Course assignments are performed individually and critiqued in small teams outside of class and during class sessions.

6. Assessment and grading

Modes of examinations of the course

Code Module Credit Grade
2505 PBL Group Work 1 credits GU
2515 Project Assignment 1 credits GU

The course will be graded G Pass, UX Failed result, a little more work required, U Fail.

The information before a course occasion 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

The course is based on advanced industry practice (tools, models, cases) that is distributed to students during the course, and which will be created through student work.

This is not a legal document. If you would like a copy of the legal decision regarding this course plan, contact the registrar at Blekinge Institute of Technology.