Principles of Systems Engineering (UniSA)

Postgraduate | 2026

Course page banner
Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
ENGI 5040
Course ID icon
Course ID
206680
Campus icon
Campus
Adelaide City Campus
Level of study
Level of study
Postgraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
Adelaide University
Course level icon
Course level
5
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No

Course overview

In this course, students will understand and appreciate the principles of systems engineering and their application in the creation of complex, technologically intensive systems. Content includes: Systems thinking; Theoretical foundations: development and philosophy of science and engineering design; System lifecycle from concept to disposal; Systems engineering standards including ISO 15288, EIA 632, Systems Engineering Body of Knowledge (SEBOK); Systems engineering process; Systems lifecycle models and processes; Model-based systems engineering (MBSE); COTS and MOTS elements in systems engineering; Constraints in the defence and commercial systems engineering process.

Course learning outcomes

  • Apply core elements of systems thinking in an integrated manner in the execution of large, complex socio-technical projects.
  • Critically evaluate the methods and standards constituting current best practice in the field of systems engineering and their role in adding value to defence and commercial objectives.
  • Work in teams on a complex systems engineering project.
  • Critically analyse the relationships between engineering disciplines and with other disciplines (commercial, procurement, legal, finance, marketing, HR) required to achieve a successful systems engineering outcome.
  • Critically evaluate the role of systems engineering in the total system lifecycle by applying holistic systems thinking to engineering design and practice.
  • Appraise the value of model-based systems engineering.
  • Critically investigate the impact of COTS (Commercial off the Shelf) and MOTS (Military off the Shelf) elements on systems engineering design and practice.

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A

Assumed knowledge

N/A

Textbook(s)

N/A

Inherent requirements

N/A

Other resources

N/A

Assessment

N/A

Fee calculator

To display course fees, please select your status and program below:

We’re updating this Fee Calculator. It currently shows fees for programs only. Please check the relevant program for full fee details.

Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.

Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.

The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.