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
The Need for Systems Engineering
This course is part of Introduction to Systems Engineering Specialization
Instructor: William Van Atten
4,081 already enrolled
Included with
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.9
(41 reviews)
Beginner level
Recommended experience
Flexible schedule
Approx. 22 hours
Learn at your own pace
Build toward a degree
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
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Earn a career certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
9 quizzes
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
This course is part of the Introduction to Systems Engineering Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
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 quizzes1 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 quiz2 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 quizzes
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 quizzes
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 quiz
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.8 (12 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Leadership and Management
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Colorado Boulder
MathWorks
UNSW Sydney (The University of New South Wales)
Build toward a degree
This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by University of Colorado Boulder. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
Showing 3 of 41
4.9
41 reviews
- 5 stars
92.85%
- 4 stars
4.76%
- 3 stars
2.38%
- 2 stars
0%
- 1 star
0%
New to Leadership and Management? Start here.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.