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William Van Atten
Systems engineering is an interdisciplinary approach to designing, realizing, and managing complex systems. In this course, you will be introduced to principles of systems engineering and its importance to the development of complex systems. You will learn to identify and define systems, manage their complexity, and describe their life cycle. The course uses real-world engineering examples to address how the systems engineering approach can address challenges.
Read more
Systems engineering is an interdisciplinary approach to designing, realizing, and managing complex systems. In this course, you will be introduced to principles of systems engineering and its importance to the development of complex systems. You will learn to identify and define systems, manage their complexity, and describe their life cycle. The course uses real-world engineering examples to address how the systems engineering approach can address challenges.
Read more
Systems engineering is an interdisciplinary approach to designing, realizing, and managing complex systems. In this course, you will be introduced to principles of systems engineering and its importance to the development of complex systems. You will learn to identify and define systems, manage their complexity, and describe their life cycle. The course uses real-world engineering examples to address how the systems engineering approach can address challenges.
This course can be taken for academic credit as part of CU Boulder’s Master of Engineering in Engineering Management (ME-EM) degree offered on the Coursera platform. The ME-EM is designed to help engineers, scientists, and technical professionals move into leadership and management roles in the engineering and technical sectors. With performance-based admissions and no application process, the ME-EM is ideal for individuals with a broad range of undergraduate education and/or professional experience. Learn more about the ME-EM program at https://www.coursera.org/degrees/me-engineering-management-boulder.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/pw5zig/the
What's inside
Syllabus
Systems Engineering: What Is It and Why Is It Important?
Welcome the the first week of "The Need for Systems Engineering". This week, we will define what we mean when we say system, a system of systems, and systems engineering. We will draw from publicly available systems engineering handbooks used by NASA and the Department of Defense (DoD) to identify the role system engineering serves in complex engineering processes, the interdisciplinary role of a systems engineer, and the lifecycle of a system.
Read more
Syllabus
Systems Engineering: What Is It and Why Is It Important?
Welcome the the first week of "The Need for Systems Engineering". This week, we will define what we mean when we say system, a system of systems, and systems engineering. We will draw from publicly available systems engineering handbooks used by NASA and the Department of Defense (DoD) to identify the role system engineering serves in complex engineering processes, the interdisciplinary role of a systems engineer, and the lifecycle of a system.
Read more
Systems Engineering's Role in Defining a System
In this module, we will examine how complex system design program is initiated based on establishing a need. It is best to study how the needed capability is currently provided and why this leaves a capability gap. We will then proceed with defining the system by writing requirements as well as identifying its functions.
Systems Engineering Lessons Learned
In this module, we will examine two space craft accidents and how Systems Engineering could have potentially been used to avoid the mishap.
Test
There is an important symbiotic relationship between Systems Engineering and Test Engineering. Those two disciplines often report to the same functional manager because they are so tightly coupled. This module will introduce some important test considerations.
Modeling & Simulation and MBSE
In this module, we will reflect back on the topics that have been covered during the first Module of this Specialization on Systems Engineering by highlighting a few of the main concepts. I will introduce you to the topic of Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and conclude by explaining how Systems Engineering is put to use in a large, complex design effort.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Introduces engineering students to the fundamentals of systems engineering
Provides a real-world engineering approach, centering on real-world engineering examples to illustrate systems engineering
Taught by William Van Atten, whose work in systems engineering is widely recognized
May require additional software tools and programs, such as test simulation software
Focuses on aerospace and defense systems
Lacks information about its target audience's experience level in systems engineering
Save this course
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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 The Need for Systems Engineering with these
activities:
Refresh foundational math skills
Show steps
Review these math topics as a foundational refresher to prepare for complex systems engineering concepts.
Browse courses on
Calculus
Show steps
-
Review notes from previous math courses.
-
Solve practice problems from textbooks or online resources.
-
Enroll in an online refresher course.
Refresh skills in probability and statistics
Show steps
Probability and statistics are essential skills for systems engineering. Refreshing these skills before starting the course will ensure a solid foundation.
Browse courses on
Probability
Show steps
-
Review the basics of probability theory, including concepts like probability distributions, conditional probability, and Bayesian inference.
-
Brush up on statistical methods like hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and ANOVA.
-
Practice solving problems involving data analysis and statistical modeling.
Follow tutorials on systems engineering methodologies
Show steps
Systems engineering methodologies provide a structured approach to complex systems development. Familiarizing yourself with these methodologies will enhance your understanding of the course material.
Browse courses on
System Development Lifecycle
Show steps
-
Explore online tutorials and resources on systems engineering methodologies.
-
Review case studies and examples to understand how these methodologies are applied in practice.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Solve practice problems on systems engineering principles
Show steps
Systems engineering involves applying fundamental principles to solve complex problems. Solving practice problems will reinforce these principles and improve your problem-solving abilities.
Browse courses on
Systems Thinking
Show steps
-
Identify practice problems from textbooks or online resources.
-
Analyze the problems, decompose them into smaller components, and apply relevant systems engineering principles.
-
Develop solutions and evaluate their effectiveness.
Create a system requirements specification document
Show steps
A system requirements specification document is crucial for defining the functional and performance requirements of a system. Creating one will provide hands-on experience in this essential aspect of systems engineering.
Browse courses on
Requirement Analysis
Show steps
-
Gather stakeholder inputs and identify system needs.
-
Translate needs into a structured set of requirements.
-
Document the requirements in a clear and concise specification.
-
Validate and verify the requirements with stakeholders.
Attend industry conferences and meetups related to systems engineering
Show steps
Networking with professionals in the field will provide valuable insights and expand your understanding of systems engineering in practice.
Show steps
-
Research industry conferences and meetups focused on systems engineering.
-
Attend these events, actively participate in discussions, and connect with experts.
Participate in systems engineering workshops or training programs
Show steps
Structured workshops and training programs offer a focused and immersive environment to develop your systems engineering skills.
Show steps
-
Identify and register for workshops or training programs that align with your learning goals.
-
Actively participate in the workshops, engage with instructors, and apply the concepts learned.
Mentor junior students or colleagues in systems engineering
Show steps
Mentoring others will reinforce your understanding of systems engineering concepts and foster effective communication skills.
Show steps
-
Identify opportunities to mentor junior students or colleagues.
-
Provide guidance and support on systems engineering projects or assignments.
-
Facilitate discussions and share your knowledge and experience.
Compile a library of systems engineering resources
Show steps
Organizing and curating resources will provide quick access to valuable information and materials throughout your systems engineering journey.
Show steps
-
Gather resources from various sources, including textbooks, journal articles, online repositories, and industry websites.
-
Organize the resources into a structured and easily accessible format.
Refresh foundational math skills
Show steps
Review these math topics as a foundational refresher to prepare for complex systems engineering concepts.
Browse courses on
Calculus
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review notes from previous math courses.
- Solve practice problems from textbooks or online resources.
- Enroll in an online refresher course.
Refresh skills in probability and statistics
Show steps
Probability and statistics are essential skills for systems engineering. Refreshing these skills before starting the course will ensure a solid foundation.
Browse courses on
Probability
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the basics of probability theory, including concepts like probability distributions, conditional probability, and Bayesian inference.
- Brush up on statistical methods like hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and ANOVA.
- Practice solving problems involving data analysis and statistical modeling.
Follow tutorials on systems engineering methodologies
Show steps
Systems engineering methodologies provide a structured approach to complex systems development. Familiarizing yourself with these methodologies will enhance your understanding of the course material.
Browse courses on
System Development Lifecycle
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Explore online tutorials and resources on systems engineering methodologies.
- Review case studies and examples to understand how these methodologies are applied in practice.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Solve practice problems on systems engineering principles
Show steps
Systems engineering involves applying fundamental principles to solve complex problems. Solving practice problems will reinforce these principles and improve your problem-solving abilities.
Browse courses on
Systems Thinking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify practice problems from textbooks or online resources.
- Analyze the problems, decompose them into smaller components, and apply relevant systems engineering principles.
- Develop solutions and evaluate their effectiveness.
Create a system requirements specification document
Show steps
A system requirements specification document is crucial for defining the functional and performance requirements of a system. Creating one will provide hands-on experience in this essential aspect of systems engineering.
Browse courses on
Requirement Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather stakeholder inputs and identify system needs.
- Translate needs into a structured set of requirements.
- Document the requirements in a clear and concise specification.
- Validate and verify the requirements with stakeholders.
Attend industry conferences and meetups related to systems engineering
Show steps
Networking with professionals in the field will provide valuable insights and expand your understanding of systems engineering in practice.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research industry conferences and meetups focused on systems engineering.
- Attend these events, actively participate in discussions, and connect with experts.
Participate in systems engineering workshops or training programs
Show steps
Structured workshops and training programs offer a focused and immersive environment to develop your systems engineering skills.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify and register for workshops or training programs that align with your learning goals.
- Actively participate in the workshops, engage with instructors, and apply the concepts learned.
Mentor junior students or colleagues in systems engineering
Show steps
Mentoring others will reinforce your understanding of systems engineering concepts and foster effective communication skills.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify opportunities to mentor junior students or colleagues.
- Provide guidance and support on systems engineering projects or assignments.
- Facilitate discussions and share your knowledge and experience.
Compile a library of systems engineering resources
Show steps
Organizing and curating resources will provide quick access to valuable information and materials throughout your systems engineering journey.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather resources from various sources, including textbooks, journal articles, online repositories, and industry websites.
- Organize the resources into a structured and easily accessible format.
Career center
Learners who complete The Need for Systems Engineering will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Systems Engineer
Systems Engineer
A Systems Engineer designs, develops, and manages complex systems. The principles of systems engineering learned in this course will help someone in this role understand the underlying structure of the systems they are building, and identify key factors that affect the success of a system design. This course may be particularly useful for someone in this role who is specifically working with large-scale engineering projects.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analyst
A Systems Analyst studies and designs systems to meet the needs of an organization. This course can help aspiring Systems Analysts build a foundation in systems engineering principles that will allow them to better understand the systems they are working with.
Project Manager
Project Manager
A Project Manager plans, executes, and closes projects. This course can help aspiring Project Managers understand how systems engineering principles can be applied to project management. This course may be particularly useful for those interested in managing large-scale projects.
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software systems. This course can help aspiring Software Engineers understand how systems engineering principles can be applied to software development. This course may be particularly useful for those interested in working on large-scale software projects.
Test Manager
Test Manager
A Test Manager plans, executes, and reports on software testing. This course can help aspiring Test Managers understand how systems engineering principles can be applied to software testing. This course may be particularly useful for those interested in managing software testing for complex systems.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer creates and maintains documentation for technical products and services. This course can help aspiring Technical Writers understand how systems engineering principles can be applied to technical writing. This course may be particularly useful for those interested in writing documentation for complex systems.
Quality Assurance Engineer
Quality Assurance Engineer
A Quality Assurance Engineer ensures that products and services meet quality standards. This course can help aspiring Quality Assurance Engineers understand how systems engineering principles can be applied to quality assurance. This course may be particularly useful for those interested in working on complex systems.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to help organizations make better decisions. This course can help aspiring Data Analysts understand how systems engineering principles can be applied to data analysis. This course may be particularly useful for those interested in working with large datasets.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analyst
An Operations Research Analyst uses mathematical and analytical techniques to solve complex problems in a variety of industries. This course can help aspiring Operations Research Analysts understand how systems engineering principles can be applied to operations research. This course may be particularly useful for those interested in working on large-scale operations research problems.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst analyzes business needs and develops solutions to meet those needs. This course can help aspiring Business Analysts understand how systems engineering principles can be applied to business analysis. This course may be particularly useful for those interested in working on complex business systems.
Human Factors Engineer
Human Factors Engineer
A Human Factors Engineer designs and evaluates systems to ensure that they are safe and easy to use. This course can help aspiring Human Factors Engineers understand how systems engineering principles can be applied to human factors engineering. This course may be particularly useful for those interested in working on complex systems that involve human interaction.
Systems Dynamics Modeler
Systems Dynamics Modeler
A Systems Dynamics Modeler creates and uses computer models to simulate complex systems. This course can help aspiring Systems Dynamics Modelers understand how systems engineering principles can be applied to systems dynamics modeling. This course may be particularly useful for those interested in working on complex systems that involve feedback loops and non-linear relationships.
Safety Engineer
Safety Engineer
A Safety Engineer identifies and mitigates hazards in order to protect people and property. This course can help aspiring Safety Engineers understand how systems engineering principles can be applied to safety engineering. This course may be particularly useful for those interested in working on complex systems that involve safety risks.
Reliability Engineer
Reliability Engineer
A Reliability Engineer ensures that systems are reliable and meet performance requirements. This course can help aspiring Reliability Engineers understand how systems engineering principles can be applied to reliability engineering. This course may be particularly useful for those interested in working on complex systems that require high levels of reliability.
Risk Manager
Risk Manager
A Risk Manager identifies and manages risks to organizations. This course can help aspiring Risk Managers understand how systems engineering principles can be applied to risk management. This course may be particularly useful for those interested in working on complex systems that involve significant risks.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/pw5zig/the
Reading list
We've selected seven 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
The Need for Systems Engineering.
Comprehensive introduction to the principles and practice of systems engineering. It covers the entire systems engineering process, from requirements definition to system design, implementation, and deployment.
Provides a collection of case studies on the application of systems engineering in real-world projects.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the systems engineering tools and methods.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the analysis and design of engineering systems.
Provides a comprehensive guide to functional safety, a critical aspect of the design and development of complex systems.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to embedded systems, with a focus on the cyber-physical systems approach.
Provides a concise and easy-to-understand introduction to the systems engineering process.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/pw5zig/the
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Effort
5 weeks, 4-5 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Colorado Boulder
Instructor
William Van Atten
Language
English
Transcript
tiếng Việt
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Introduction to Systems Engineering. It's comprised of three courses:
- Applying Systems Engineering to the Design Process
- The Need for Systems Engineering (viewing)
- Systems Engineering and Program Management
Good to know
Introduces engineering students to the fundamentals of systems engineering
Provides a real-world engineering approach, centering on real-world engineering examples to illustrate systems engineering
Taught by William Van Atten, whose work in systems engineering is widely recognized
May require additional software tools and programs, such as test simulation software
Focuses on aerospace and defense systems
Lacks information about its target audience's experience level in systems engineering
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