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Blekinge Institute of Technology
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Revision: 2
Reg.no:
Course syllabus
Systems Engineering
Systems Engineering
7.5 credits (7,5 högskolepoäng)
Course code: MT2574
Main field of study: Mechanical Engineering
Disciplinary domain: Technology
Education level: Second-cycle
Specialization: A1N - Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Language of instruction: English
Applies from: 2022-01-17
Approved: 2021-09-01
1. Descision
This course is established by Dean 2021-05-27. The course syllabus is approved by Head of Department of Mechanical Engineering 2021-09-01 and applies from 2022-01-17.
2. Entry requirements
Admission to the course requires at least 180 completed credits of which 90 credits in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Economics or adjacent subject area within the field of Technology, as well as at least 5 credits in Computer Aided Design.
3. Objective and content
3.1 Objective
Systems Engineering as a discipline was originally introduced in response to the need to develop increasingly complex systems in the aerospace industry. The application of methods and tools for systems engineering has largely impacted the development of aircraft or satellites. The increasing socio-economic challenges related to globalization, population growth, economic interdependence, and sustainability are stressing the need for systems engineering competencies to be applied in different domains. Systems Engineering projects require multidisciplinary skills and cross-functional design teams, including a wide set of disciplines, such as design, manufacturing, system analysis, knowledge management, and sustainability analysis. Course participants have the chance to acquire methodological and theoretical knowledge in systems engineering and to apply it in ‘real-life’ systems engineering projects in collaboration with selected partners companies.
3.2 Content
The course addresses topics such as:
- Systems engineering definition and fundamentals
- Stakeholders and needs analysis
- Requirements formulation and management
- Functional modeling
- Reverse engineering
- Systems engineering management
- Failure Mode and Effect Analysis
- Risk assessment and analysis of investment in Systems Engineering
4. Learning outcomes
The following learning outcomes are examined in the course:
4.1. Knowledge and understanding
On completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Identify when the use of systems engineering is desirable
- Recognize what characteristics differentiate systems engineering from traaditional product development
- Describe how systems engineering methods are used in the development of complex systems
- Explain how systems engineering can be applied for the development of sustainable product-service systems solutions.
4.2. Competence and skills
On completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Develop a solution for a systems engineering problem
- Describe the solution of a systems engineering problem by means of established systems engineering methods
- Apply systems engineering methods to the reverse engineering of a system
- Analyze the systems implications of a design modification at subsystem level
- Formulate a list of product and system requirements
- Identify the functions of a system and model their correlations and dependencies
- Identify and illustrate the boundaries of a system
- Analyze and illustrate the relations between the needs of the stakeholders and the engineering characteristics of a system
- Estimate the value and sustainability implications of a subsystem redesign from a multi-stakeholder and environmental perspective
- Identify and estimate the major risks related to a systems engineering project
- Produce an economic impact estimation of a systems design modification
4.3. Judgement and approach
On completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Summarize limits and potential of systems engineering methods.
- Justify the usability of systems engineering methods in different development contexts
- Compare and judge the correct application of systems engineering methods
5. Learning activities
The course features a combination of learning activities.
Frontal lectures on systems engineering theories and methods are combined with short classroom exercises where students actively work in groups on a defined task related to the lecture. The results of the short classroom exercise are then plenary discussed under the moderation of the teacher.
A reverse engineering role-play is organized as a central event of the course in a two days activity to give participants a first-hand experience of the systems engineering methods applied in the context of a reverse engineering exercise. The role-play is run in teams while the participants will ultimately individually reflect on the systems engineering dynamics of the role-play.
A course project is run in teams in collaboration with a selected partner company. The project is run in parallel with the other learning activities all along the period of study and will challenge the student in solving a systems engineering problem. The course project might feature a visit to the industrial facilities of the partner company, the latter could also host the final presentations of the course project, which will happen at the end of the study period.
Team coaching is provided along the course of the project and it is complemented by peer evaluation in the form of class presentations and feedback about both the process and the results. The university educational platform is used as a virtual environment to support knowledge sharing among students’ teams and teachers.
Interactive presentation methods (e.g. Mentimeter) are used to interactively collect feedback, create pool, quizzes and run questions and answers sessions, at specific moments in the course.
6. Assessment and grading
Modes of examinations of the course
| Code | Module | Credit | Grade |
| 2205 | Written assignment | 2.5 credits | AF |
| 2215 | Project report | 5 credits | AF |
The course will be graded A Excellent, B Very good, C Good, D Satisfactory, E Sufficient, FX Failed result, a little more work required, F Fail.
The information before a course occasion states the assessment criteria and make explicit in which modes of examination that the learning outcomes are assessed.
An examiner can, after consulting the Disability Advisor at BTH, decide on a customized examination form for a student with a long-term disability to be provided with an examination equivalent to one given to a student who is not disabled.
7. Course evaluation
The course evaluation should be carried out in line with BTH:s course evaluation template and process.
8. Restrictions regarding degree
The course can form part of a degree but not together with another course the content of which completely or partly corresponds with the contents of this course.
9. Course literature and other materials of instruction
Product and Systems Development : A Value Approach ISBN: 978-1-118-33154-5
This is not a legal document. If you would like a copy of the legal decision regarding this course plan, contact the registrar at Blekinge Institute of Technology.