This module is designed to develop the student's ability to apply a systems engineering approach to the analysis of aerospace systems. This will enable them to develop systems that are robust and able to respond to customer's needs. It will also ensure that they understand the full life cycle of aerospace systems and the associated costs.
This module emphasises a variety of systems engineering techniques which are explored through case studies. These techniques can also be used in the group project module.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. Identify and quantify system goals
2. Create alternative design concepts
3. Analyse design trade offs
4. Select and implement the best design
5. Evaluate system performance
6. Evaluate and manage risk
Introduction to Systems Engineering
Systems Engineering Process
System Design Requirements
Design Methodology
Design Review and Evaluation
Risk Evaluation and Management
This module is delivered through a series of keynote lectures, system design and evaluation workshops and independent study. Since the module is only taken by final year MEng students in the School of Aerospace and Aircraft Engineering, the class size will be small and the formal lectures will be highly interactive. The lectures will be primarily used to introduce new concepts and techniques and the workshops will be less structured.
The workshops will reinforce the material delivered in the lectures.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | 24 hours keynote lectures 46 hours supervised tutorials | 70 |
| Guided independent study | Self directed study (210 hours) | 230 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Formative assessment will provided through small system design and evaluation tasks undertaken in the tutorials and through independent student. The small group size will facilitate effective verbal feedback and discussion. Summative assesment will be provided through two systems design and evaluation group projects. The three hour final examination will enable students to demonstrate their broad understanding of the principles and techniques used in systems engineering.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1. Identify and quantify system goals | Assignment 1, Exam |
| 2. Create alternative design concepts | Assignment 1, Exam |
| 3. Analyse design trade offs | Assignment 1, Exam |
| 4. Select and implement the best design | Assignment 2, Exam |
| 5. Evaluate system performance | Assignment 2, Exam |
| 6. Evaluate and manage risk | Exam |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Written Exam | 3 hour unseen exam | 50% |
| Coursework | Assignment 1 25% Assignment 2 25% | 50% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any major assessment category is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Blanchard, B.S. Systems Engineering Management, 3rd ed, Wiley 2004
A detailed reading list will be provided in the module guide.