Systems engineering
Undergraduate · Engineering
Syllabus focus
Topics typically covered
Standard syllabus
Systems engineering fundamentals
- Systems thinking and holistic problem framing
- Stakeholder needs analysis and CONOPS
- Requirements elicitation, writing, and traceability
- Functional decomposition and architecture
- Interface definition and control
- Trade studies and decision analysis methods
- Verification versus validation planning
- System V-model and lifecycle phases
- Risk management in complex programs
- Configuration management and baselines
Modeling and integration
- SysML diagrams at introductory level
- Simulation and digital thread concepts
- Integration and test planning
- Human factors and operability considerations
- Reliability, maintainability, and availability (RM&A)
- Safety analysis: FMEA and fault trees (intro)
- Systems of systems and interoperability
- MBSE tools overview (Cameo, Rhapsody survey)
- Technical reviews: SRR, PDR, CDR roles
- Documentation: specs, ICDs, and test reports
STEM / applied
Domain applications
- Aerospace mission design case studies
- Automotive E/E architecture overview
- Medical device systems engineering constraints
- Defense acquisition lifecycle awareness
- Infrastructure megaproject coordination
- Software-heavy systems and DevSecOps interface
- Supply chain resilience in system design
- Sustainability requirements in systems specs
- Capstone: requirements doc for a team project
- INCOSE handbook references and career paths
Advanced practice survey
- Model-based verification and digital twins
- Agile systems engineering hybrids
- Cyber-physical security requirements
- Cost-as-an-independent-variable (CAIV)
- Modularity and platform strategies
- Operational test and evaluation planning
- Disposal and end-of-life system considerations
- International standards: ISO/IEC 15288
- Guest lectures from systems engineers in industry
- Ethics in complex system failures (case studies)
Study units
Each unit includes a study guide, worksheets, review, practice test, and answer key. One unit is free; subscribe for the full class.
- Systems engineering fundamentals
Systems thinking and holistic problem framing
Coming soon - Modeling and integration
SysML diagrams at introductory level
Coming soon
Notes
Topics reflect common engineering syllabi at US colleges and universities. Exact order, depth, and applied emphasis vary by institution, department, and instructor.