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
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The Need for Systems Engineering
This course is part of Introduction to Systems Engineering Specialization
Instructor: William Van Atten
4,222 already enrolled
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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.9
(44 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
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Assessments
9 quizzes
Taught in English
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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.
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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 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 (14 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Leadership and Management
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Colorado Boulder
Coursera Instructor Network
University of Colorado Boulder
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
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