MEK1200 Introduction to IT for Engineers Course description

The students will develop knowledge about and understanding of how digital tools are used in the engineering professions, and how they influence the society in which these professions are carried out. The students are to gain insight into programming, IT security, and other ethical problems relating to IT. Practical cases and exercises are used to acquire the relevant knowledge.

No requirements over and above the admission requirements.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and competence:

Knowledge

The student

• is capable of explaining fundamental principles of programming and describing the ways in which program code works
• is familiar with fundamental security ideas and understands the end goal of risk analysis
• understands GDPR and ethical problems relating to personal data protection
• understands the role information technology has in a broader sense (including questions of economic growth, the environment, and democracy)

Skills

The student is capable of

• transforming loose problem formulations via program design to functioning program code
• identifying points of attack that can be exploited using technical software and explaining how certification and encryption takes place
• discussing ethical problems relating to the use of digital tools, for instance inclusion, universal design, influence on the environment and society

General competence

The student

• is capable of working systematically, purposefully, and in a structured manner in order to solve a problem
• understands social engineering and the risk this entails
• is familiar with regulations concerning data processing and anonymity
• understand changes in technology and how these influence people’s work and daily life

Lectures and work on cases and practical assignments.

The following coursework is compulsory and must be approved before the student can take the exam:

Three written project assignments in groups of four to five students. Scope of approx. twenty pages for each assignment.

A supervised three-hour individual written exam.

None.

Grade scale A–F.

Two examiners. External examiners are used regularly.