645.766.1127 - Systems Engineering Advanced Technology

Course Structure

The course materials are divided into modules which can be accessed by clicking Modules on the left menu. A module will have one or more sections including the overview, readings, assignments, etc. You are encouraged to preview all sections of the module before starting. You should regularly check the Calendar and Announcements for assignment due dates.

Course Topics

Course Goals

By the end of the course, you will be able to:
 Differentiate the major distinguishing characteristics of science and technology.
 Evaluate and discuss the importance of why Systems Engineers must recognize the differences between science and technology.
 Analyze and compare a sampling of advanced technologies and their implications to Systems Engineers.
 Identify and utilize techniques available to managers and system engineers to keep up with new technologies.
 Develop an ability to judge which developments are most likely to have a major impact on industry and society.
 Evaluate and explain the essential features, program and technical management, and systems engineering aspects of technologies likely to significantly change industry and society.
 Develop an estimate of the future importance and impact of potential advanced technology applications from a systems engineer's / technical
manager’s perspective.
 Create an original, coherent, logical, professionally-cited, and technically sound paper on a new and emerging technology that fully describes its potential applications, the technical and non-technical barriers to its development, and the systems engineering mitigations that can overcome the barriers.

Textbooks

Society, Ethics and Technology, 5th Edition, Morton E. Winston, Ralph D. Edelbach, Wadsworth Publishing, 2014, ISBN-978-1-133-94355-6.

Required Software

Students are expected to be reasonably proficient with word processing and multimedia presentation software (such as Microsoft Word and PowerPoint). An Internet connection is required. Virtual attendance will be via Zoom and students must be able to participate using both the audio and video capabilities. A webcam is strongly encouraged, but not required.

Student Coursework Requirements

• All assignments are due by the dates as highlighted in the Assignments section of Canvas.
• All external sources of information used to support students’ submitted work must be appropriately referenced.
• We will usually take either two short breaks (5-10 minutes) or one longer break (10-15 minutes) part way through each class period depending upon the specific lectures for that class.
• Regular attendance is expected. If there is an unavoidable absence (we understand that each student has a full-time job and may be required to take business trips during the semester), please discuss with (or email) the instructors prior to your absence. Class material will be posted on the JHU Canvas website.

 Additional information about each Assignment is provided in the Course Introduction lecture presented during the first class.

 Class Discussions and participation (10% of Final Grade Calculation)

          Active participation during each Class Session is expected. 

 Homework Assignments (15% of Final Grade Calculation) 

         The Mid-Term Examination is an “open book, open notes” examination. The only sources you cannot use are other humans, with the exception of the instructors for this class.  Do not plagiarize.  Do not copy and paste large sections of the Web or other published material into your response:  use your own words.  Unless explicitly directed otherwise, be certain to cite all sources you use.  Detailed instructions for completing the exam are provided in the exam, itself.

 Term Paper and Presentation (50% of Final Grade Calculation) 

Grading Policy

Assignments are due according to the dates in the Course Outline spreadsheet, the Calendar, and the Course Introduction lecture. Grades will be posted within one week after assignment due dates.

We generally do not directly grade spelling and grammar. However, violations of the rules of the English language will be noted. Consistently poor performance in either spelling or grammar is taken as an indication of poor written communication ability that may detract from your grade.

A grade of A indicates achievement of consistent excellence and distinction throughout the course—that is, conspicuous excellence in all aspects of assignments and discussion in every week.

A grade of B indicates work that meets all course requirements on a level appropriate for graduate academic work.

Grading Criteria

A+  98-100

A    94-97.9

A-   90-93.9

B+  87-89.9

B    83-86.9

B-   80-82.9

C    70-79.9

D    60-69.9

F     < 60

Academic Policies

Deadlines for Adding, Dropping and Withdrawing from Courses

Students may add a course up to one week after the start of the term for that particular course. Students may drop courses according to the drop deadlines outlined in the EP academic calendar (https://ep.jhu.edu/student-services/academic-calendar/). Between the 6th week of the class and prior to the final withdrawal deadline, a student may withdraw from a course with a W on their academic record. A record of the course will remain on the academic record with a W appearing in the grade column to indicate that the student registered and withdrew from the course.

Academic Misconduct Policy

All students are required to read, know, and comply with the Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS) / Whiting School of Engineering (WSE) Procedures for Handling Allegations of Misconduct by Full-Time and Part-Time Graduate Students.

This policy prohibits academic misconduct, including but not limited to the following: cheating or facilitating cheating; plagiarism; reuse of assignments; unauthorized collaboration; alteration of graded assignments; and unfair competition. Course materials (old assignments, texts, or examinations, etc.) should not be shared unless authorized by the course instructor. Any questions related to this policy should be directed to EP’s academic integrity officer at ep-academic-integrity@jhu.edu.

Students with Disabilities - Accommodations and Accessibility

Johns Hopkins University values diversity and inclusion. We are committed to providing welcoming, equitable, and accessible educational experiences for all students. Students with disabilities (including those with psychological conditions, medical conditions and temporary disabilities) can request accommodations for this course by providing an Accommodation Letter issued by Student Disability Services (SDS). Please request accommodations for this course as early as possible to provide time for effective communication and arrangements.

For further information or to start the process of requesting accommodations, please contact Student Disability Services at Engineering for Professionals, ep-disability-svcs@jhu.edu.

Student Conduct Code

The fundamental purpose of the JHU regulation of student conduct is to promote and to protect the health, safety, welfare, property, and rights of all members of the University community as well as to promote the orderly operation of the University and to safeguard its property and facilities. As members of the University community, students accept certain responsibilities which support the educational mission and create an environment in which all students are afforded the same opportunity to succeed academically. 

For a full description of the code please visit the following website: https://studentaffairs.jhu.edu/policies-guidelines/student-code/

Classroom Climate

JHU is committed to creating a classroom environment that values the diversity of experiences and perspectives that all students bring. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Fostering an inclusive climate is important. Research and experience show that students who interact with peers who are different from themselves learn new things and experience tangible educational outcomes. At no time in this learning process should someone be singled out or treated unequally on the basis of any seen or unseen part of their identity. 
 
If you have concerns in this course about harassment, discrimination, or any unequal treatment, or if you seek accommodations or resources, please reach out to the course instructor directly. Reporting will never impact your course grade. You may also share concerns with your program chair, the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, or the Office of Institutional Equity. In handling reports, people will protect your privacy as much as possible, but faculty and staff are required to officially report information for some cases (e.g. sexual harassment).

Course Auditing

When a student enrolls in an EP course with “audit” status, the student must reach an understanding with the instructor as to what is required to earn the “audit.” If the student does not meet those expectations, the instructor must notify the EP Registration Team [EP-Registration@exchange.johnshopkins.edu] in order for the student to be retroactively dropped or withdrawn from the course (depending on when the "audit" was requested and in accordance with EP registration deadlines). All lecture content will remain accessible to auditing students, but access to all other course material is left to the discretion of the instructor.