Course syllabus

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EEN130 Systems and mechatronics for mobility engineering 2026, Sp1 (7.5 hp)

The course is offered by the Department of Electrical Engineering

Contact details

Examiner and Lecturer: 
Jonas Fredriksson, Examiner and lecturer, tel: 772 1359, jonas.fredriksson@chalmers.se, EDIT-building room 5414

Becky Bergman, Lecturer, rebecca.bergman@chalmers.se

Dag Henrik Bergsjö, Lecturer, dagb@chalmers.se

Teaching assistants:

Nrupathunga Ashok, ashokn@chalmers.se

Mohamed Abrash, abrash@chalmers.se

Course purpose

Modeling, control design, and simulation are essential tools that support engineers in developing mobility systems, from the early study of system concepts to the optimization of system performance. The course aims to provide a theoretical basis for model-based design for mobility engineering. The course will cover mathematical modeling based on fundamental physical laws and use the developed models in design processes, with a specific focus on mobility applications.

Schedule

TimeEdit

Course literature

Karl J. Åström and Richard M. Murray, Feedback Systems: An Introduction for Scientists and Engineers, Second Edition,
available online: https://fbswiki.org/wiki/index.php/Feedback_Systems:_An_Introduction_for_Scientists_and_Engineers

Other material (on Canvas):
EEN130 - Problem Collection
EEN130 – Textbook supplement
Assignments

Course design

The course will teach the basics of mathematical modeling with a special focus on modeling for vehicles of various kinds, such as vessels, trains, aircraft, and cars. Based on the models, various control methods will be introduced and applied, ranging from simple state-feedback controllers to optimal control methods. Methods for estimating non-measurable system quantities will also be introduced and discussed in the course. Exercises play an important role throughout the course.

The knowledge developed during the course will not only serve as a foundation for mobility systems engineering but can also be applied to various other fields. 

Lectures:
The lectures are designed to motivate and introduce the course literature, incorporating references to real-world applications. The course is defined by the lectures together with the chapters mentioned below in the course book. The course literature is followed relatively well during the lectures.

Tutorials:
Tutorials include a summary of theory and methods, as well as a demonstration of how to solve problems. To get the most out of the tutorials, you should prepare by reading up on the problems to be solved during the session. The teaching assistants are also available for consultation. Note that you will need to set aside additional time to work through the problems (exercises) on your own!
Consultation hours:
In addition to the tutorials, consultation hour sessions will also be offered. The sessions can be used to discuss the hand-in assignments. The sessions are based on self-directed work, with opportunities to seek help from a teaching assistant. The sessions will be held twice per week. 
Examination - assignment:
The assignments are either individual or group work and must be completed according to the instructions provided in the assignments and on the Canvas page. Individual parameters are provided for each student. 

Changes made since the last occasion

New assignment(s) + additional lectures + new exercises + new structures for assignments

Learning objectives and syllabus

Learning objectives:

  • Apply knowledge of basic mechanics on vehicular modeling in the longitudinal, lateral and vertical directions.
  • Use methods and tools to develop mathematical models of dynamical systems by using basic physical laws.
  • Become familiar with the concept of state-space terminology.
  • Linearize nonlinear continuous-time models.
  • Have knowledge of deriving discrete-time models by sampling.
  • Analyze system models from controllability, observability and stability point of view.
  • Explain, design, and analyze feedback controllers to meet a design specification.
  • Explain, design, and analyze observers and apply them for state estimation.
  • Detail the importance of adhering to the code of ethics in the engineering profession.
  • Reflect on opportunities and challenges of working in a diverse team.

Link to the syllabus on Studieportalen.

Study plan

Examination form

To pass the course, you must complete all mandatory course components and achieve the required number of points. The course is based on continuous assessment, with points accumulated throughout the course.

The points are distributed as follows:

  • Four hand-in assignments (mandatory): 50 points in total (you need a minimum of 5 points/assignment). You will be randomly selected for an individual oral examination of your submitted work.
  • Final project:
    • Standard project: 15 points, or
    • Advanced project: 30 points (including oral examination).
  • Knowledge Quiz (Dugga): 20 points in total (you need at least 12 points).
  • Ethics quiz and Internationalization and Cultural Diversity Workshops (mandatory attendance): 10 points in total.
  • Discussion sessions: Up to 5 points in total based on attendance and participation.

The maximum achievable score is 100 points with the standard project and 115 points with the advanced project.

Grading                                                   

To obtain a passing grade, all mandatory course components must be completed.

 Grade 3 (Pass)

  • All mandatory course components completed.
  • Minimum 65 points in total.

 Grade 4 (Pass with Distinction)

  • All requirements for Grade 3 fulfilled.
  • Minimum 80 points in total.

 Grade 5 (Pass with High Distinction)

  • All requirements for Grade 4 fulfilled.
  • The advanced final project completed and approved.

Minimum 95 points in total.

Course summary:

Course Summary
Date Details Due