Applied mechanics, MSc

120 credits (2 years)

Learn how to solve problems and optimize the design of products within a broad spectrum of different engineering applications.​ The master’s programme Applied mechanics at Chalmers University of Technology will give you an internationally competitive education in modelling, computational and experimental techniques.

Applied mechanics master’s programme at Chalmers

The importance of the programme is manifested by the role that simulation tools play in engineering practice as of today. The development of computers and algorithms will continue to increase the possibilities and accuracy of simulations as part of designing competitive, reliable and sustainable products. 

The master’s programme in Applied mechanics at Chalmers will train you to solve solid, structural and fluid mechanics problems in a broad spectrum of different application areas. You will gain core competences for becoming a key player for both large and small enterprises working with the mechanical design of sustainable and competitive products, while considering aspects like reliability, robustness, weight as well as energy efficiency. 

The teaching in the programme mainly consists of lectures, tutorial classes, computer classes and physical experiments. But the interconnection and collaboration with industry is significant which is manifested by guest lectures, study visits as well as tasks in the project course. Most students carry out their master thesis project in the industry, but it can also be carried out at research groups at Chalmers or internationally. 

According to the programme goals you will be able to utilize the professional skills gained to:

• critically evaluate results from simulations and experiments
• analyze and isolate errors and risks in complex engineering problems
• use simplified assumptions to validate results from complex models

Topics covered

The fundamental subjects of the programme are solid mechanics, fluid dynamics and structural dynamics. The courses handle topics such as: mathematical modelling in mechanics: simulation techniques such as the finite element method (FEM) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD); and experimental techniques in mechanics. 

A main idea of the programme is to integrate modelling (formulation of mathematical models based on fundamental laws and experimental knowledge), algorithmic formulations, implementations (in e.g. Matlab and/or Python), analyses of simulation results (from own code and/or commercial software) and experimental results. The numerical simulation tools are then often used in the courses to increase the understanding of the model itself and what it predicts for various industrial applications.​

Master’s programme structure

The master’s programme runs for a duration of two years, leading to a Master of Science (MSc) degree​. During each year, students can earn 60 credits (ECTS) and complete the programme by accumulating a total of 120 credits. Credits are earned by completing courses where each course is usually 7.5 credits. The programme consists of compulsory courses and elective courses.​

Compulsory courses year 1

Applied mechanics starts with two compulsory courses: Mechanics of fluids and Mechanics of solids. The purpose of these courses is to provide a common foundation of mathematical modelling and simulations in solid and fluid mechanics. The third compulsory course is Project in applied mechanics where you can select among topics and work together in a team. In this course you will gain skills in project work, including communication, teamwork and project management. The Chalmers Formula student project is an alternative option to the course Project in applied mechanics.

• Mechanics of fluids
• Mechanics of solids
• Project in applied mechanics
• Chalmers Formula student (If this course is selected then “Project in applied mechanics” is not compulsory)

Compulsory courses year 2

In the second year you must complete a master’s thesis in order to graduate. The thesis may be worth 30 credits or 60 credits depending on your choice.​

• Master’s thesis

Elective courses

Besides the compulsory courses you will need to select at least five out of the elective courses within the programme. These courses are organized in the profiles: Computational solid mechanics, Structural dynamics and Fluid dynamics. You will also have the possibility to select courses outside of your programme plan and design your own profile depending on the combination of courses you select.​

Profile track: Computational solid mechanics
The courses in this profile will train you to understand and analyse the mechanical behaviour and failure in structures and materials. An important tool in the courses of this profile is the Finite element method (FEM) and you will get a thorough understanding of its possibilities and limitations.

• FEM-structures
• Composite mechanics
• Material mechanics
• Fatigue and fracture
• FEM-solids

Profile track:​ Structural dynamics

The courses in this profile will train you to understand and analyse the dynamic behaviour of rigid bodies and deformable structures. Both simulations and experimental techniques are exploited, developed and used in the predictions and analysis.

• Structural dynamics
• Rigid body dynamics
• Structural dynamics model validation
• Structural dynamics control

Profile track:Fluid dynamics

The courses in this profile will train you to understand and analyse fluid flow and heat transfer arising in applications such as cars, trains, water turbines and jet engines. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and experimental fluid mechanics are used and developed for various problem areas and applications.

• Computational fluid dynamics
• Compressible flow
• Turbulence modeling
• Turbo machinery
• Multiphase flow
• Gas turbine technology

Other master’s programmes that might interest you:

Engin​eering mathematics and computational science, MSc
Mobility engineering, MSc
Product development, MSc
Production engineering, MSc
Sustainable energy systems, MSc​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Structural engineering and building technology, MSc

chalmers university of technology fees

For studies at Chalmers, application and tuition fees are required for some students

Do I have to pay tuition fees at Chalmers?

No tuition fees for EU/EEA students
Higher education in Sweden is free for students coming from countries within the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students
Students who are citizens of a country outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees for higher education in Sweden. However, there are certain exceptions.

No tuition fees for exchange students
Exchange students are exempted from tuition fees in accordance with their agreements.

No tuition fees for Foundation year students
The foundation year at Chalmers is taught in Swedish only and is called Tekniskt basår. The foundation year is at upper-secondary education level and there is no tuition fee.

Price categories

• Programmes at both Bachelor’s and Master’s level within all subject areas, with the exception of Architecture, cost SEK 70 000/semester (SEK 280 000 total programme fee, four semesters).
• The tuition fee for Bachelor’s and Master’s Programmes within the field of Architecture is SEK 95 000 per semester (SEK 380 000 total programme fee, four semesters). Consequently, students admitted to Chalmers’ Master’s Programmes within the field of Architecture, namely Architecture and Urban Design and Architecture and Planning Beyond Sustainability, are incurred the aforementioned fee of SEK 95 000 per semester.
• Single subject courses cost SEK 2 333/credit, with the exception of courses within the field of Architecture, which cost SEK 3 167/credit.

What does the tuition fee include?

For students who are admitted to a degree programme the tuition fee includes:

• Full-time Bachelor’s or Master’s-level studies; 30 credits/semester
• One offer of accommodation but not rent
• One introductory course on the Swedish language for newly admitted students during the first semester
• Student union fee (no more than five semesters)

​For students who are admitted to single subject courses the tuition fee includes:

• Single subject course studies
• The student union membership fee

Note!
Students who are enrolled in courses that amount to more than 60 credits per annum will be liable to pay for the surplus credits. Students who complete their courses quicker than the prescribed duration of the Master’s programme (i.e. two academic years) will not be entitled to any tuition fee reduction.