Systems Engineering

Unit 1-4

Rationale

VCE Systems Engineering involves the design, creation, operation and evaluation of integrated systems, which mediate and control many aspects of human experience. Integral to Systems Engineering is: the identification and quantification of systems goals, the development of alternative systems design concepts, trial and error, design trade-offs, selection and implementation of the best design, testing and verifying that the system is well built and integrated, and evaluating how well the completed system meets the intended goals.

This study can be applied to a diverse range of engineering fields such as land, water, air and space transportation, manufacturing, automation, control technologies, mechanisms and mechatronics, electrotechnology, robotics, pneumatics, hydraulics and energy management. Systems Engineering considers the interactions of these systems with society and natural ecosystems. The rate and scale of human impact on the global ecology and environment demands that systems design and engineering takes a holistic approach by considering the overall sustainability of the systems throughout their life cycle. Key engineering goals include using a project-management approach to attain efficiency and optimisation of systems through innovation. Lean engineering and lean manufacturing concepts and systems thinking are integral to this study.

Aims

This study enables students to:

• Develop an understanding of the Systems Engineering Process and the range of factors that influence the design, planning, production, evaluation and use of a system

• Understand the concepts of and develop skills in the design, construction, fault-finding, diagnosis, performance analysis, maintenance, modification and control of technological systems

• Acquire knowledge of mechanical, electrical/electronic and control systems and apply this knowledge to solve technological problems

• Develop an understanding of how technologies have transformed people’s lives and can be used to solve challenges associated with climate change, efficient energy use, security, health, education and transport

• Acquire knowledge of new developments and innovations in technological systems

• Develop skills in the safe use of tools, measuring equipment, materials, machines and processes - including using relevant information and communications technologies - and understand the risk management processes

• Acquire knowledge of project management and develop problem-solving and analytical skills

• Gain an awareness of quality and standards, including systems reliability, safety and fitness for the intended purpose

Structure

The study is made up of four units.

ENTRY

There are no prerequisites for entry to Units 1 & 2. Preliminary subjects that can lead to Systems include Design Technology elective, Electronics, and Pre VCE Physics. These subjects will develop a strong foundation of skills leading into the VCE subject. Students should be aware that Systems Engineering is a portfolio based subject and 50 % of the grade is based on developing and documenting the progress on a user designed systems project.