TEK4000 ¨C Systems Engineering

Course content

This course will introduce you to the concept and origin of systems engineering, explaining differences with other engineering disciplines. Systems engineering conceptually follows a V-model process, starting with exploring the context and eliciting needs. The needs transform into the set of requirements that enable the realization of successful systems design and development. To achieve this it is important to understand the concept and type of stakeholders and know techniques for eliciting the needs of the stakeholders.

Requirements play major roles and are core in systems engineering. TEK4000 will discuss definitions and types of requirements, high-level requirements versus detailed requirements. Developing functional architecture is an important step in the system development process, transforming detailed requirements into necessary functions, and evolving from functions to system elements and system structure. Systems integration ensures that the elements together function as desired and realize the requirements and fulfill the needs. Verification checks that the realization meets the requirements and validation checks that the system is fit for purpose. Reviews are part of the systems process such as business requirements review, system requirements review, system design review, preliminary design review, critical design review, etc.

The reviews performed across the life cycle are included in the systems engineering management plan, SEMP, an overarching document that governs a systems engineering endeavor. The course will introduce you to the fundamentals of life cycle analysis, the concept of operational effectiveness, and supportability engineering processes. Integrating life-cycle considerations into the system design process is core to systems engineering.

Learning outcome

After completing this course, you will

• have a fundamental knowledge of the field of systems engineering, understand the systems engineering discipline, and be able to use its core principles and processes for designing effective systems
• know how to determine customer needs and distinguish between the needs domain and solutions domains, and be able to transform customer needs into requirements for simple to complicated systems
• be able to describe and understand the concepts of verification and validation, as well as their implications for systems development
• know of, and confidently use, the main systems engineering models, and be able to apply this knowledge to?new areas of systems engineering
• be able to analyse academic problems on the basis of the history, traditions, distinctive character, and place in society of the field of systems engineering
• be able to analyse existing theories, methods and interpretations in the field of systems engineering and work independently on practical and theoretical problems
• be able to use relevant methods for research and scholarly and/or artistic development work in an independent manner
• have conducted an independent, limited research or development project under supervision and in accordance with applicable standards and research ethics
• be able to analyse and make system design decisions with a focus on the usage and life cycle contexts of the system, as well as to analyse the system requirements to make the system reliable, supportable and maintainable throughout the system's life cycle for simple to complicated systems
• be able to analyse relevant academic, professional, and research ethical problems, communicate about extensive independent work, and master the language and terminology of the field of systems engineering
• be able to apply your knowledge and skills in new areas in order to carry out advanced assignments and projects
• be able to disseminate academic issues, analyses, and conclusions in the field of systems engineering, both with specialists and the general public, and?contribute to new thinking and innovation processes

Admission to the course

Students admitted at UiO must?apply for courses?in Studentweb. Students enrolled in other master's degree programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.

Nordic citizens and applicants residing in the Nordic countries may?apply to take this course as a single course student.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about?admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.

The course is limited to 25 students, and is mandatory for students on the programme Space Systems (master's two years). Other students may also take the course, and will be prioritised in the following order:

1. Students in the other master programmes at the Department of Technology Systems (Renewable Energy Systems (master's two years) and Cybernetics and Autonomous Systems (programme option))

2. Master's students at the Faculty for Natural Sciences with the course on their study plan

3. Other students

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Applicants within the first rank category will be admitted before applicants in the second etc. Admission will be decided by drawing lots for students who are ranked equally.

Teaching

The course combines lectures, discussions of papers, and the performance of a project in teams to develop an understanding of key systems engineering concepts and principles. Students are granted access to numerous case studies and illustrative examples. The team project will allow students to integrate their knowledge and apply it in practice. The course is designed to facilitate the sharing of experiences among the students in the program.

There are two mandatory assignments: one individual written assignment and one group presentation conducted during the course. The assignments allow participants to integrate and apply their knowledge, and they must be submitted on schedule and approved to qualify the student to sit the examination.

NB! The course is taught at the Department of Technology Systems located at Kjeller, and will include 3 x 2 intensive course days throughout the semester. Full attendance during the intensive course days is compulsory. Any absence must be cleared in advance with the course responsible and be documented. Students must participate actively in the class discussions and case work.

Examination

• An individual reflective report counts towards 100% of the final grade.

The course has mandatory assignments, as well as mandatory attendance during the semester,?which must be approved in order to take the exam.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English. You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F?is a fail. Read more about?the grading system.

Resit an examination

Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are?offered a postponed examination at the beginning of the next semester.

Re-scheduled examinations are not offered to students who withdraw during, or did not pass the original examination.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.