Course detail

Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

FSI-1SI-AAcad. year: 2025/2026

The course introduces students to the basic characteristics of mechanical engineering.
It will guide them through the life cycle of machines. It introduces them to the function of the basic types of machines.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

3

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

prof. Ing. Josef Štětina, Ph.D.

Department

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (FSI)

Entry knowledge

Interest in the mechanical engineering.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Produce a professional essay dealing with a specific product, machine, product that is the result of mechanical engineering. The professional and stylistic quality of the work and the sources used are assessed. The choice of topic should reflect the student's future career interests. The assessment may include a test on the material presented.  


The teaching content is compulsory. The form of substitution of the missed teaching is addressed by the use of video presentations.

Aims

The aim is to understand the essence of the work of mechanical engineer and to realize his professional responsibility. Understanding the process of developing new products or processes typical of mechanical engineering, such as machines, apparatus, equipment and technological processes.

The student will gain a comprehensive understanding of what mechanical engineering is and into what sub-disciplines it is divided. Based on this, he/she will better understand the importance of other subjects of the theoretical basis.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

FISCHER, Ulrich. Základy strojnictví. 1. Praha: Europa-Sobotáles, 2004. ISBN 80-867-0609-5.
KEMKA, Vladislav. Stavba a provoz strojů: stroje a zařízení pro SPŠ strojní. 1. Praha: Informatorium, 2009. ISBN 978-80-7333-075-0.
MOAVENI, Saeed. Engineering fundamentals: an introduction to engineering. 4th ed. United States: Cengage Learning, c2011. ISBN 978-1-4390-6208-1.

Recommended reading

FISCHER, Ulrich. Základy strojnictví. 1. Praha: Europa-Sobotáles, 2004. ISBN 80-867-0609-5.
KEMKA, Vladislav. Stavba a provoz strojů: stroje a zařízení pro SPŠ strojní. 1. Praha: Informatorium, 2009. ISBN 978-80-7333-075-0.
MOAVENI, Saeed. Engineering fundamentals: an introduction to engineering. 4th ed. United States: Cengage Learning, c2011. ISBN 978-1-4390-6208-1.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme B-STI-A Bachelor's 1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. Ing. Josef Štětina, Ph.D.

Syllabus

  1. Science, technology and engineering. Engineering disciplines, mechanical engineering. Engineering ethics.
  2. Methods of engineering work. Teamwork. Communication and presentation skills. Software tools
  3. Conceptual machine development, Formula Student race car design.
  4. Driving machines. Electric motors, internal combustion engines.
  5. Turbines, hydraulic and pneumatic propulsion machines. Hybrid drives.
  6. Compressors, pumps and other driven machines.
  7. Cooperation of driving and driven machines. Importance of gearboxes, clutches.
  8. Production machines (Machines for processing raw materials, materials and semi-finished products)
  9. Machines for transporting substances. Cranes, conveyors, in-house logistics.
  10. Transport machinery, motor vehicles, rolling stock, aircraft, ships.
  11. Energy equipment (electricity generation)
  12. Heating, ventilation, energy storage and environmental engineering.
  13. Control and regulation technology. Mechatronics. Industry 4.0.