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Dr Mike Ryan
and
Dr Ian Faulconbridge
"Introduction to Systems Engineering" uses a structured yet flexible approach to provide a holistic, solid foundation to the successful development of complicated systems.
The course takes you step by step through the system life cycle, from design to development, production and management. You will learn how the different components of a system interrelate, and how each contributes to a project’s goals and success.
Read more
"Introduction to Systems Engineering" uses a structured yet flexible approach to provide a holistic, solid foundation to the successful development of complicated systems.
The course takes you step by step through the system life cycle, from design to development, production and management. You will learn how the different components of a system interrelate, and how each contributes to a project’s goals and success.
Read more
"Introduction to Systems Engineering" uses a structured yet flexible approach to provide a holistic, solid foundation to the successful development of complicated systems.
The course takes you step by step through the system life cycle, from design to development, production and management. You will learn how the different components of a system interrelate, and how each contributes to a project’s goals and success.
The discipline’s terminology, which can so often confuse the newcomer, is presented in an easily digestible form. Weekly video lectures introduce and synthesise key concepts, which are then reinforced with quizzes and practical exercises to help you measure your learning.
This course welcomes anyone who wants to find out how complex systems can be developed and implemented successfully. It is relevant to anyone in project management, engineering, QA, logistic support, operations, management, maintenance and other work areas. No specific background is required, and we welcome learners with all levels of interest and experience.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/j4d5ix/introduction
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What's inside
Syllabus
Course Welcome & Module 1 (Introduction to Systems and System Life Cycle)
Welcome to 'Introduction to Systems Engineering'! To help you in getting started with this course, we have a course introduction video that will provide you with an overview of the course syllabus.We then begin the course with this introductory module in which we address the nature of systems and the concept of a system life cycle. We identify what is meant when we say that something is a system and we narrow down the very broad definitions to focus on the human-made or modified systems that are our focus in systems engineering. We then look at the broad phases and activities that a system moves through during its life cycle, from early identification of the need for the system, exploration of options, functional design, physical design, detailed design and development, construction and production, utilization and support and then, finally, retirement. To provide greater detail for this module, we recommend (but do not require) that students refer to pages 1-19 of our textbook "Systems Engineering Practice"--see reading on Course Notes and Text Books.
Read more
Syllabus
Course Welcome & Module 1 (Introduction to Systems and System Life Cycle)
Welcome to 'Introduction to Systems Engineering'! To help you in getting started with this course, we have a course introduction video that will provide you with an overview of the course syllabus.We then begin the course with this introductory module in which we address the nature of systems and the concept of a system life cycle. We identify what is meant when we say that something is a system and we narrow down the very broad definitions to focus on the human-made or modified systems that are our focus in systems engineering. We then look at the broad phases and activities that a system moves through during its life cycle, from early identification of the need for the system, exploration of options, functional design, physical design, detailed design and development, construction and production, utilization and support and then, finally, retirement. To provide greater detail for this module, we recommend (but do not require) that students refer to pages 1-19 of our textbook "Systems Engineering Practice"--see reading on Course Notes and Text Books.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Explores the systems engineering lifecycle, which is standard in industry
Provides a holistic understanding of the development of complex systems
Covers the terminology of systems engineering, which can be confusing for newcomers
No specific background is required, making it accessible to learners with all levels of experience
Relevant to anyone in various work areas, including project management, engineering, and operations
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Reviews summary
Comprehensive systems engineering foundation
According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive and well-structured introduction to Systems Engineering, effectively covering the entire system life cycle from needs analysis through retirement. Students find the video lectures clear and the quizzes helpful for reinforcing understanding of key concepts and terminology. While providing a solid foundational knowledge and a valuable framework for thinking about complex systems, many reviewers highlight that the course is quite theoretical and lacks practical examples or case studies, making it feel more like a survey. Therefore, the recommended textbook is frequently mentioned as essential for gaining deeper insight and practical application skills.
Supplementary textbook is highly useful or needed.
"To really grasp the application, I had to do significant outside reading, including relying heavily on the recommended textbook."
"My main criticism is the lack of depth... The recommended textbook is pretty much mandatory if you want to understand the nuances or practical implementation."
"I felt lost trying to connect the concepts to real-world scenarios without the textbook, which felt less like a recommendation and more like a requirement for understanding."
"You really need the book to get the most out of it..."
Course follows the system life cycle logically.
"The content covers the entire system life cycle effectively."
"It covers the basics of the system life cycle... in a logical flow. The structure is easy to follow."
"The structure, following the life cycle, is very effective."
"It lays out the framework of Systems Engineering logically, from needs analysis through retirement."
Provides a strong foundation in Systems Engineering basics.
"Overall, this course provides a comprehensive and well-structured introduction to Systems Engineering."
"Excellent introductory course! It demystifies Systems Engineering terminology and processes."
"This course gave me a solid grounding in SE principles that I can immediately see applying to my work projects."
"It provides a great starting point for understanding Systems Engineering."
Leans heavily on theory, less on practical application.
"However, I felt it stayed very high-level and lacked practical examples or case studies. It felt very theoretical at times."
"Honestly, I was disappointed. This course is almost entirely theoretical, explaining *what* SE is... but not really *how* to do it."
"It feels very academic and doesn't provide many examples of how these principles are applied in practice."
"Could use more practical examples or case studies."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Introduction to Systems Engineering with these
activities:
Review systems engineering terminology
Show steps
By reviewing the terminology of systems engineering, you will establish a strong foundation for understanding the concepts of the course.
Browse courses on
Systems Engineering
Show steps
-
Review the course syllabus
-
Read the introduction to any recommended textbook
-
Create a glossary of the key terms
-
Take a practice quiz on systems engineering terminology
Review Systems Engineering Practice
Show steps
By reviewing Systems Engineering Practice, you will gain a deeper understanding of the systems engineering process and its application to real-world projects.
View
Systems Engineering Principles and Practice...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book's introduction and overview chapters
-
Review the sections relevant to the course material
-
Take notes and highlight key concepts
Complete practice problems
Show steps
By completing practice problems, you will reinforce your understanding of the systems engineering life cycle.
Show steps
-
Find practice problems on the course website or in the textbook
-
Solve the problems independently
-
Check your answers with the solutions and learn from any mistakes
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Explore online resources
Show steps
By exploring online resources, you will gain access to additional materials and support that can enhance your understanding of the course material.
Show steps
-
Visit the course website for additional resources
-
Search for online tutorials and videos
-
Join online forums and discussion groups
Attend a study group
Show steps
By attending a study group, you will have the opportunity to discuss the course material with your peers and receive support from your classmates.
Show steps
-
Find a study group or form your own
-
Meet regularly to discuss the course material
-
Work together on practice problems and projects
Create a project proposal
Show steps
By creating a project proposal, you will apply the systems engineering process to the development of a real-world project.
Show steps
-
Identify a problem or opportunity
-
Define the project scope and goals
-
Develop a project plan
-
Prepare a budget and timeline
Start a personal project
Show steps
By starting a personal project, you will have the opportunity to apply the systems engineering process to a project of your own choosing.
Show steps
-
Identify a problem or opportunity
-
Define the project scope and goals
-
Develop a project plan
-
Implement the project
-
Evaluate the project's success
Review systems engineering terminology
Show steps
By reviewing the terminology of systems engineering, you will establish a strong foundation for understanding the concepts of the course.
Browse courses on
Systems Engineering
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the course syllabus
- Read the introduction to any recommended textbook
- Create a glossary of the key terms
- Take a practice quiz on systems engineering terminology
Review Systems Engineering Practice
Show steps
By reviewing Systems Engineering Practice, you will gain a deeper understanding of the systems engineering process and its application to real-world projects.
View
Systems Engineering Principles and Practice...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book's introduction and overview chapters
- Review the sections relevant to the course material
- Take notes and highlight key concepts
Complete practice problems
Show steps
By completing practice problems, you will reinforce your understanding of the systems engineering life cycle.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find practice problems on the course website or in the textbook
- Solve the problems independently
- Check your answers with the solutions and learn from any mistakes
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Explore online resources
Show steps
By exploring online resources, you will gain access to additional materials and support that can enhance your understanding of the course material.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Visit the course website for additional resources
- Search for online tutorials and videos
- Join online forums and discussion groups
Attend a study group
Show steps
By attending a study group, you will have the opportunity to discuss the course material with your peers and receive support from your classmates.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a study group or form your own
- Meet regularly to discuss the course material
- Work together on practice problems and projects
Create a project proposal
Show steps
By creating a project proposal, you will apply the systems engineering process to the development of a real-world project.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a problem or opportunity
- Define the project scope and goals
- Develop a project plan
- Prepare a budget and timeline
Start a personal project
Show steps
By starting a personal project, you will have the opportunity to apply the systems engineering process to a project of your own choosing.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a problem or opportunity
- Define the project scope and goals
- Develop a project plan
- Implement the project
- Evaluate the project's success
Career center
Learners who complete Introduction to Systems Engineering will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Systems Engineer
Systems Engineer
A Systems Engineer applies engineering principles and technology to the design, development, integration, and management of complex systems. Courses like Introduction to Systems Engineering can help build a foundation for this role by providing an understanding of the systems engineering process, from concept development through deployment and sustainment.
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
Software Engineers apply engineering principles and technology to the design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance of software systems. Courses like Introduction to Systems Engineering can help build a foundation for this role by providing an understanding of the systems engineering process, which can be applied to the development of software systems.
Hardware Engineer
Hardware Engineer
Hardware Engineers apply engineering principles and technology to the design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance of hardware systems. Courses like Introduction to Systems Engineering can help build a foundation for this role by providing an understanding of the systems engineering process, which can be applied to the development of hardware systems.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, organize, and manage projects from start to finish. Courses like Introduction to Systems Engineering can help build a foundation for this role by providing an understanding of the systems engineering process, which can be applied to the management of projects.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Analysts work with stakeholders to define and document business requirements. Courses like Introduction to Systems Engineering can help build a foundation for this role by providing an understanding of the requirements engineering process, which is an essential part of business analysis.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts work with stakeholders to define and document system requirements. Courses like Introduction to Systems Engineering can help build a foundation for this role by providing an understanding of the requirements engineering process, which is an essential part of systems analysis.
Quality Assurance Manager
Quality Assurance Manager
Quality Assurance Managers plan and execute quality assurance programs to ensure that products and services meet customer requirements. Courses like Introduction to Systems Engineering can help build a foundation for this role by providing an understanding of the systems engineering process, which can be applied to the development of quality assurance programs.
Configuration Manager
Configuration Manager
Configuration Managers ensure that products and services are configured correctly and meet customer requirements. Courses like Introduction to Systems Engineering can help build a foundation for this role by providing an understanding of the systems engineering process, which can be applied to the development of configuration management programs.
Risk Manager
Risk Manager
Risk Managers identify, assess, and manage risks to organizations. Courses like Introduction to Systems Engineering can help build a foundation for this role by providing an understanding of the systems engineering process, which can be applied to the development of risk management programs.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation for products and services. Courses like Introduction to Systems Engineering can help build a foundation for this role by providing an understanding of the systems engineering process, which can be applied to the development of technical documentation.
Trainer
Trainer
Trainers develop and deliver training programs to employees. Courses like Introduction to Systems Engineering can help build a foundation for this role by providing an understanding of the systems engineering process, which can be applied to the development of training programs.
Consultant
Consultant
Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on a variety of topics. Courses like Introduction to Systems Engineering can help build a foundation for this role by providing an understanding of the systems engineering process, which can be applied to the development of consulting services.
Sales Engineer
Sales Engineer
Sales Engineers work with customers to identify and solve technical problems. Courses like Introduction to Systems Engineering can help build a foundation for this role by providing an understanding of the systems engineering process, which can be applied to the development of sales strategies.
Quality Engineer
Quality Engineer
Quality Engineers ensure that products and services meet customer requirements. Courses like Introduction to Systems Engineering may be useful by providing an understanding of the systems engineering process, which can be applied to the development of quality assurance programs.
Manufacturing Engineer
Manufacturing Engineer
Manufacturing Engineers plan and manage the production of products and services. Courses like Introduction to Systems Engineering may be useful by providing an understanding of the systems engineering process, which can be applied to the development of manufacturing processes.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/j4d5ix/introduction
Reading list
We've selected ten books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Introduction to Systems Engineering.
Is the textbook for the course and provides a detailed and practical guide to systems engineering.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of systems engineering, covering the entire system life cycle from concept development through disposal.
Provides a comprehensive and practical guide to systems engineering, covering the entire system life cycle from concept development through disposal.
Comprehensive reference guide to systems engineering, covering all aspects of the discipline.
Provides a comprehensive guide to systems architecture, covering the principles, practices, and tools needed to design and develop complex systems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of systems engineering, covering the entire system life cycle from concept development through disposal.
Provides a comprehensive overview of requirements engineering, covering the principles, practices, and tools needed to elicit, analyze, and manage requirements.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of complex systems engineering, covering the principles, practices, and tools needed to design and develop complex systems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of software systems architecture, covering the principles, practices, and tools needed to design and develop complex software systems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of model-based systems engineering, covering the principles, practices, and tools needed to develop models of complex systems.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/j4d5ix/introduction
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Effort
4-5 hours/week
Via
Coursera
Institution
UNSW Sydney (The University of New South Wales)
Instructors
Dr Mike Ryan
Dr Ian Faulconbridge
Language
English
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