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.
The Need for Systems Engineering
This course is part of Introduction to Systems Engineering Specialization
Instructor: William Van Atten
Sponsored by BrightStar Care
4,676 already enrolled
(46 reviews)
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What you'll learn
Define systems engineering and the systems engineering approach
Describe a system and identify the phases of a system’s development life cycle
Assess the application of systems engineering throughout the life cycle of a system
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9 assignments
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There are 5 modules in this course
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.
What's included
9 videos3 readings3 assignments1 discussion prompt
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.
What's included
7 videos4 readings1 assignment2 peer reviews
In this module, we will examine two space craft accidents and how Systems Engineering could have potentially been used to avoid the mishap.
What's included
2 videos2 readings2 assignments
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.
What's included
5 videos3 readings2 assignments
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.
What's included
3 videos3 readings1 assignment
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Reviewed on Feb 4, 2024
Good training. In general, I felt the Assignments and the concept check tests a bit too easy and quick. But perhaps it was appropriate for a first course of 3.
Reviewed on May 14, 2024
one of the best courses i have taken to date. thank you for sharing important use cases of Systems engineering
Reviewed on Jun 19, 2024
Thank you William! I really appreciated your way of presenting, the selected reading and the type of exercises! I definitely recommend this course!
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University of Colorado Boulder
Campus BBVA
University of Colorado Boulder
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