Systems Engineering
The particular challenges posed by computer-based systems engineering
have been recognised relatively recently. This course equips students
with an understanding of the key characteristics, problems and
techniques that will underpin a career in systems engineering.
Course Objectives
The course has the following objectives:
- To define systems engineering and to give a general overview of the systems engineering process
- To explain how systems engineering issues affect software engineering
- To provide an introduction to the problems of systems engineering by participating in design exercises for large systems
Syllabus
Computer-based systems engineering is concerned with:
- The process of specifying, designing, implementing and installing computer-based systems to solve some identified problem.
- This process is focused on complex systems involving hardware, software and people.
- It is concerned with wider 'systems issues' rather than details of a system's functionality and implementation.
The key issues addressed in the course are:
- Identifying the real problem which the system is intended to solve
- Taking technological and economic considerations into account in the design process
- Ensuring that all 'stakeholders' are satisfied with the system
- Understanding the interactions between a system and its environment
- Integrating the system with existing systems
Assessment
Assessment is by a single piece of individual coursework where you will
be required to address a number of systems engineering design issues.
Recommended Reading
- Software Engineering. 7th edition. Ian Sommerville, Pearson Education, 2004.
- Systems Engineering: Coping with Complexity. R. Stevens et al. Prentice Hall, 1998.
- Airport 95: Automated Baggage System. ACM Software Engineering Notes, 21, March 1996.
Dates and Details
Lecturers: Dr Pete Sawyer and Dr Simon Lock.