Course

Introduction to Systems Engineering

University of Colorado Boulder

Introduction to Systems Engineering offers a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to designing, realizing, and managing complex systems. Through this specialization, you will learn to evolve projects from concept to fielded hardware that meets customer requirements while effectively managing costs, timescales, and risks. The course empowers you to identify and define systems and their components, model system life cycles, and apply systems engineering methods using real-world engineering examples.

The content is designed to help engineers, scientists, and technical professionals transition into leadership and management roles within the engineering and technical sectors. The course is part of the Master of Engineering in Engineering Management (ME-EM) degree offered by the University of Colorado Boulder on the Coursera platform. The program features performance-based admissions, making it suitable for individuals with diverse undergraduate education and professional experience.

  • Understand industry-standard systems engineering methods, practices, and processes
  • Identify the phases of a complete system lifecycle, from initial customer contact to product retirement
  • Apply program control methods to achieve defined scope of work within budget and schedule constraints

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Introduction to Systems Engineering
Course Modules

This course consists of three modules covering the fundamentals of systems engineering, the design process, and program management.

The Need for Systems Engineering

Module 1: The Need for Systems Engineering

  • Define systems engineering and its approach
  • Describe a system and its development life cycle phases
  • Assess the application of systems engineering throughout a system's life cycle

Applying Systems Engineering to the Design Process

Module 2: Applying Systems Engineering to the Design Process

  • Describe the core roles and responsibilities of a systems engineer
  • Define a system, including its specifications, requirements, and functions
  • Identify decision support approaches

Systems Engineering and Program Management

Module 3: Systems Engineering and Program Management

  • Describe the relationship between systems engineering and project management
  • Identify risks and risk mitigation strategies
  • Describe the three basic types of governmental contracts and their impact on program execution
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