Course detail
Engineering Thinking
FSI-ZMY Acad. year: 2026/2027 Summer semester
The course provides an overview of selected design tools such as product specifications, test plan development, risk analysis, production validation, failure analysis, and related methods. Emphasis is placed on integrating the theoretical knowledge acquired during the bachelor’s studies with its practical application, particularly through the use of systems-engineering approaches in solving real engineering problems. Graduates will therefore be able to approach the technical part of a project effectively, and thanks to the experience gained from working on real tasks, they will be capable of efficient collaboration with other stakeholders involved in the design process. This ensures they are well prepared for their professional roles within an industrial environment.
Supervisor
Department
Learning outcomes of the course unit
Prerequisites
Knowledge of engineering design, mathematics, statistics, manufacturing technology, experimentation and data analysis, CAD, and CAE.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes
Conditions for obtaining the graded credit:
- active participation in lectures and seminars through consultations (min. 5 out of 10 points),
- preparation of the semester project (min. 25 out of 50 points),
- presentation and defence of the semester project (min. 20 out of 40 points),
- a total of up to 100 points can be earned; the final grade is determined according to the ECTS scale.
Lectures: attendance is mandatory and monitored by the instructor.
Seminars: attendance is mandatory and monitored by the instructor.
A maximum of two absences is permitted. In the case of long-term absence, the possibility of compensating missed classes is at the discretion of the course coordinator.
Language of instruction
Czech
Aims
Graduates will be able to analyse problems individually and in teams, define project objectives, propose solutions, and identify the technical risks associated with the final design, which they will be able to communicate effectively within an industrial environment.
- Ability to recognise a problem and identify weak points.
- Ability to apply an appropriate degree of improvement using knowledge gained during prior studies.
- Ability to analyse technical risks and determine methods for their detection.
- Knowledge of systems-quality tools in development and the connection between manufacturing quality and the functional properties of a product.
- Ability to function effectively within an organisation and contribute to meeting project objectives.
Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences
The study programmes with the given course
Programme B-KSI-P: Mechanical Engineering Design, Bachelor's
branch ---: no specialisation, 3 credits, compulsory
Type of course unit
Lecture
18 hours, compulsory
Syllabus
- Project management and the role of the engineer in the project process.
- Target setting, functional analysis, product or service specification.
- Gap analysis and identification of discrepancies between resources and objectives.
- Risk analysis, FMEA, and risk-mitigation strategies.
- Product validation, mitigation plan, and failed-part analysis.
- Failure analysis and warranty cost evaluation.
- Design for manufacturing, statistics, and tolerancing.
- Product release process for manufacturing.
Laboratory exercise
2 hours, compulsory
Syllabus
Analysis of a failed component, disassembly from the assembly, examination of damaged surfaces, fracture analysis (depending on the available failed part), systematic approach, and selection of optimal procedures.
Computer-assisted exercise
6 hours, compulsory
Syllabus
- Specification of a device and its components (e.g., functional analysis of a bicycle and a chainring).
- FMEA and function verification (e.g., potential failures of a thermostatic valve).
- Statistical analysis of production data (e.g., dimensional analysis of an engine head).