Why we need to offer a modeling and simulation engineering curriculum

This paper describes some identifiable trends in the manufacturing industry regarding the increased use of simulation tools, especially by small- to medium-sized companies. These trends have resulted in the need for a new type of engineer, namely simulation engineer. This need prompted the University of Skovde to develop a B.Sc. simulation engineering study program. The contents and layout of the program, which started in Autumn 2000, are described. After receiving a firm foundation in manufacturing, logistics and mathematics in the first year, the main focus of the second year is on simulation. In the third year, which includes a substantial examination project, a specialization in manufacturing or in logistics is possible. Although simulation-related examination projects are already now carried out in other study programs, the simulation engineer will be able to cover a larger part of simulation projects and will have a broader overview of available simulation tools.