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Systems Engineering

MathWorks Instructors

Systems Engineering provides a broad overview of how systems engineering helps you develop complex projects that meet program objectives in an efficient way. You will learn how system architectures are developed and described, how to communicate the needs, requirements, and constraints throughout the project, how to optimize the design through trade studies, and how to know the system does what it’s supposed to in the end. By the end of this short course, you will have a high-level understanding of important systems engineering concepts that you can use as a foundation for future learning.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Examines systems engineering methods for developing complex projects efficiently and effectively
Led by MathWorks instructors with expertise in systems engineering
Provides a foundation for understanding essential concepts in systems engineering
Short and accessible, allowing learners to gain introductory knowledge in a timely manner

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Reviews summary

Foundational systems engineering overview

According to students, this course is widely regarded as a broad overview and foundational course in Systems Engineering. Learners particularly praise the clear explanations by the instructor and the well-structured modules, finding the lectures engaging and the insights into trade studies valuable. However, a significant number of reviews highlight a lack of practical application or hands-on examples, with some learners expressing a desire for more integration of MathWorks tools. While it serves as an excellent primer for beginners, it may be too high-level for those seeking advanced practical skills.
Ideal for beginners or those needing conceptual understanding, not for advanced practitioners.
"Great foundation for anyone new to the field or looking to refresh their knowledge."
"Good for pure beginners, perhaps, but not for someone looking for practical skills."
"Exactly what I needed as a non-engineer getting into a systems-heavy role."
"Not for me... I already knew most of this from my basic engineering curriculum."
"Useful for career changers or those needing to understand the framework."
The instructor explains complex concepts with remarkable clarity.
"The instructor explains complex concepts clearly and the modules are well-structured."
"The lectures were engaging, and the pacing was just right."
"The instructor's explanations are superb. It's an excellent primer."
"The instructor is very clear and precise. I enjoyed the pace and the way concepts were broken down."
Provides an excellent high-level introduction to Systems Engineering.
"This course provides an excellent high-level overview of Systems Engineering."
"A good introduction to Systems Engineering principles... very solid for foundational knowledge."
"Exactly what I needed... clarifies the role of SE and its importance... an excellent primer."
"Brilliant course for an overview. It covers the fundamentals very well and is suitable for all levels."
Some learners expected more usage or teaching of MathWorks-specific tools.
"MathWorks' tools were briefly mentioned, which was helpful context."
"I was hoping for more hands-on examples or case studies, especially coming from MathWorks, I expected some use of their tools."
"The only minor point is the lack of deeper dives into specific tools, which would have been beneficial for a MathWorks course."
"Felt like a sales pitch for MathWorks tools without actually teaching how to use them."
Lacks hands-on examples and real-world case studies for direct application.
"I felt some topics could have been explored deeper, especially practical application examples."
"Too high-level for my taste. I was hoping for more hands-on examples or case studies..."
"I wish there were more interactive elements or real-world problems to solve. For someone looking for practical application, this might be a bit too academic."
"Honestly, quite disappointing. It's just a lot of definitions... Very little on *how* to do systems engineering."

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 Systems Engineering with these activities:
Create a systems engineering resource library
Gathering relevant resources in one place will provide you with easy access to valuable information.
Browse courses on Compilation
Show steps
  • Identify and collect resources
  • Organize resources
  • Review and update resources regularly
Review foundational mathematical concepts
Establish a solid understanding of prerequisite mathematical concepts will equip you to better grasp the content of this course.
Browse courses on Mathematical Concepts
Show steps
  • Review trigonometry
  • Review calculus
  • Review college algebra
Participate in peer study groups
Engaging in discussions with peers will help you clarify concepts, share insights, and improve your understanding of systems engineering.
Browse courses on Collaborative Learning
Show steps
  • Find or join a study group
  • Prepare for study sessions
  • Participate in discussions
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Systems Engineering Resource Collection
Gather and organize valuable resources such as articles, books, videos, and websites related to Systems Engineering to enhance your learning.
Show steps
  • Create a folder or online repository for your collection
  • Search for and add relevant resources
  • Annotate and categorize the resources for easy reference
Follow tutorials on systems engineering principles
Supplementing the course material with guided tutorials will reinforce your understanding of systems engineering fundamentals.
Browse courses on System Requirements
Show steps
  • Identify relevant tutorials
  • Review tutorials
  • Practice applying concepts
Create a systems engineering case study
Developing a case study will allow you to apply your knowledge of systems engineering to a real-world scenario.
Browse courses on Project Management
Show steps
  • Identify a project
  • Define the project scope
  • Apply systems engineering principles
  • Analyze and present results
Volunteer as a systems engineering tutor
Mentoring others will reinforce your understanding of systems engineering and enable you to contribute to the community.
Browse courses on Mentoring
Show steps
  • Find opportunities to mentor
  • Prepare for tutoring sessions
  • Provide guidance and support to learners
Contribute to open-source systems engineering projects
Participating in open-source projects will expose you to diverse systems engineering practices and technologies.
Show steps
  • Identify open-source projects
  • Review project documentation
  • Contribute to the project

Career center

Learners who complete Systems Engineering will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Systems Architect
Systems Architects design and develop system architectures. This course will provide you with a foundation in systems engineering that will help you to design and develop system architectures more effectively. You will learn how to develop system architecture diagrams, analyze system architectures, and evaluate system architectures.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Architect
Systems Engineer
As a Systems Engineer, you will develop and manage complex systems engineering projects. This course will provide you with foundational knowledge about how systems engineering can help you meet program objectives in an efficient way. You will learn how system architectures help, how to describe system architectures, and how to communicate the needs, requirements, and constraints throughout the project. You will also learn how to optimize design through trade studies and how to know what the system is supposed to do in the end.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer
Chief Systems Engineer
Chief Systems Engineers oversee the systems engineering function for an organization. This course will provide you with a foundation in systems engineering that will help you to oversee the systems engineering function for your organization more effectively. You will learn how to develop systems engineering policies, procedures, and processes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Systems Engineer
Systems Engineer Manager
Systems Engineer Managers lead teams of systems engineers. This course will provide you with a foundation in systems engineering that will help you to lead teams of systems engineers more effectively. You will learn how to develop systems engineering plans, manage systems engineering budgets, and track systems engineering progress.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer Manager
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts study existing systems and design new systems to meet the needs of their clients. This course will provide you with a foundation in systems engineering that will help you to analyze systems more effectively. You will learn how to gather requirements, develop system specifications, and design system architectures.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate systems to ensure that they meet quality standards. This course will provide you with a foundation in systems engineering that will help you to test and evaluate systems more effectively. You will learn how to develop test plans, conduct tests, and analyze test results.
See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. This course will provide you with a foundation in systems engineering that will help you to manage complex projects more effectively. You will learn how to develop project plans, manage project budgets, and track project progress.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Engineering Manager
Engineering Managers lead teams of engineers. This course will provide you with a foundation in systems engineering that will help you to lead engineering teams more effectively. You will learn how to develop engineering plans, manage engineering budgets, and track engineering progress.
See salaries and explore the career path for Engineering Manager
Business Analyst
Business Analysts study business processes and design new processes to improve efficiency. This course will provide you with a foundation in systems engineering that will help you to analyze business processes more effectively. You will learn how to gather requirements, develop process specifications, and design process architectures.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
Risk Manager
Risk Managers identify, assess, and mitigate risks. This course may be useful in helping you to understand the systems engineering process and how it can help you to identify, assess, and mitigate risks more effectively.
See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager
Software Engineer
Software Engineers develop, maintain, and test software systems. This course may be useful in helping you to understand the systems engineering process and how it can help you to develop software systems that meet the needs of your users.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
Hardware Engineer
Hardware Engineers design, develop, and test hardware systems. This course may be useful in helping you to understand the systems engineering process and how it can help you to develop hardware systems that meet the needs of your users.
See salaries and explore the career path for Hardware Engineer
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and analytical techniques to solve problems. This course may be useful in helping you to understand the systems engineering process and how it can help you to solve problems more effectively.
See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use data to solve problems. This course may be useful in helping you to understand the systems engineering process and how it can help you to use data to solve problems more effectively.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create technical documentation. This course may be useful in helping you to understand the systems engineering process and how it can help you to create technical documentation that is clear and concise.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Reading list

We've selected six 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 Systems Engineering.
Cover image
Systems Engineering Principles and Practice
Save
The book covers systems engineering concepts and practices in detail, provides numerous examples and case studies, and is considered a standard reference in the field. It would be valuable as a primary or supplemental textbook for the course.
Systems Engineering Principles and Practice (Wiley...
Hardcover
$$$
Systems Engineering Principles and Practice (Wiley...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Systems Engineering and Analysis
Save
Presents a comprehensive overview of engineering systems and their design, analysis, and management. It would be useful as a supplemental or reference text for the course.
Systems Engineering and Analysis
Paperback
Check
Systems Engineering and Analysis
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
System Engineering Management
Save
Focuses on the management aspects of systems engineering, providing practical guidance on project planning, execution, and control. It would be useful for those interested in the managerial aspects of systems engineering.
System Engineering Management (Wiley Series in...
Hardcover
$$$$
System Engineering Management (Wiley Series in...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
System Analysis, Design, and Development
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of systems engineering principles and practices, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration. It would be useful as a supplemental or reference text for the course.
System Analysis, Design, and Development
Paperback
Check
System Analysis, Design, and Development
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Systems Thinking
Save
Explores the fundamentals of systems thinking and its application in various fields, providing a broader perspective on systems engineering. It would be helpful as background reading for the course.
Systems Thinking for Curious Managers: With 40 New...
Paperback
$$
Systems Thinking: Managing Chaos and Complexity: A...
Paperback
$$
Systems Thinking, Second Edition: Managing Chaos...
Paperback
$$
(中文) Systems Thinking: design of complex business...
Paperback
$$
Systems Thinking for Curious Managers
Kindle Edition
$$
Systems Thinking: Managing Chaos and Complexity: A...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Inventory of Marriage and Family Literature
Save
Provides a practical guide to testing and evaluation in systems engineering, covering topics such as test planning, execution, and analysis. It would be useful for those interested in ensuring the quality and performance of systems.
Inventory of Marriage and Family Literature
Paperback
Check
Inventory of Marriage and Family Literature
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Effort
1 hour to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
MathWorks
Instructor
MathWorks Instructors
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Examines systems engineering methods for developing complex projects efficiently and effectively
Led by MathWorks instructors with expertise in systems engineering
Provides a foundation for understanding essential concepts in systems engineering
Short and accessible, allowing learners to gain introductory knowledge in a timely manner
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