Entry requirements

180 credits in physics, mathematics and technology.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course the student should be able to

• solve a complex scientific and technical problem in project form together with several other persons
• present the solution using adequate scientific and technical terminology both orally and in writing
• describe space activites including special conditions associated with such activities

Content

The course starts with a short introduction to the scientific goal of an imaginary space mission. Economic restrictions and time-limits for the project are specified at the same time, and the participants in the course are then supposed to investigate the prospects for the imaginary space mission, within the given restrictions and time-limits. The fictitious space mission is based on real plans and is similar to existing, real projects within international space agencies. The main part of the course consists of project meetings with oral and written contributions from the participants, prepared in advance, with some initial lectures on the particular bounday conditions, problems and methods of space missions at the course start. A large part of the work is carried out in the form of group discussions. The participants are themselves supposed to find the information necessary to accomplish the project. The final examination of the project consists of a written report where each participant has contributed with some part. The report should also be presented to representatives of the Swedish space industry at the end of the course.

Instruction

Lectures, project meetings and written and oral reports. Presence at the oral reports and project meetings is compulsory.

Assessment

The grade given is based on the quality of the oral and written reports. The ability to finish assignments within the given time-limits is of importance for the grade given.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.