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.