Text

Course syllabus - Smart Factories

Scope

5.0 credits

Course code

INS207

Valid from

Autumn semester 2026

Education level

First cycle

Progressive Specialisation

G1F (First cycle, has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements)

Main area(s)

Industrial Systems

Organisation

Department of Engineering Sciences

Ratified

2025-12-19

Literature lists

Course literature is preliminary up to 8 weeks before course start. Course literature can be valid over several semesters.

Objectives

The course introduces the concept of a sustainable smart factory, where advanced digital technologies are integrated to achieve efficient, resilient, and environmentally responsible production systems. Students will learn how digital technologies, including IIoT, MES, digital twins, AI, and data analytics, can support energy efficiency, waste minimization, and sustainable decision-making in manufacturing environments. The course emphasizes conceptual understanding, critical information analysis, and hands-on exploration of smart factory tools.

Learning outcomes

After completion of the course, the student should be able to:

  1. Explain the principles of sustainable manufacturing and the role of digital technologies in achieving environmental and operational efficiency.
  2. Model and simulate a smart factory with attention to energy use and resource efficiency.
  3. Analyze and interpret data from smart factories to assess sustainability performance and identify improvement opportunities.
  4. Evaluate safety, ethical, and human-centered design principles in sustainable and resilient factory operations.
  5. Reflect on how digital technologies contribute to sustainable industrial transformation.

Course content

  • Sustainability fundamentals
  • Smart factory technologies and their applications
  • Trust and responsibility in smart factories

Specific requirements

Completed courses of 30 credits within industrial systems, or equivalent.

Examination

LAB1, Laboratory work, 2 credits, examines learning outcomes 2-3, marks Fail (U) or Pass (G) 
TEN1, Written on-campus examination, 3 credits, examines learning outcomes 1 and 3-5, marks Fail (U), 3, 4 or 5

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding disability study support, can request adaptions for the examination. It is the examiner who takes decisions on any adaptions, based on the certificate and other conditions.

Grade

Grading scale: 5, 4, 3

Interim Regulations and Other Regulations

The course overlaps 5 credits with PPU400 Smart Factories, 5 credits with PPU445 Smart Factories, 5 credits with PPU441 Industry 4.0 - Realisation and 5 credits with PPU477 Smart Factories.