645.782.8VL - Foundations of Digital and Mission Engineering
Description
This course provides an introduction to Digital Engineering and Mission Engineering, both of which are topics of emerging emphasis, particularly in the U.S. Defense community. The course begins with a review of the systems engineering process, with its technical and technical management processes, as it is applied in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition lifecycle. It then provides an overview of the DoD Digital Engineering Strategy, and discusses key competencies needed for Digital Engineering. As Modeling and Simulation (M&S) and Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) are key to the implementation of Digital Engineering, the course discusses fundamental concepts of M&S and how models and simulations are used in the various phases of the systems engineering process. Key MBSE concepts are then presented, along with an overview of the Systems Modeling Language (SysML) and its constituent diagrams, followed by an overview of the Object-Oriented Systems Engineering Method (OOSEM). The course then discusses how to apply these MBSE concepts to analyze several selected real-world case studies. A generic framework for a collaborative environment to support digital engineering is presented, along with how it might be used to support the development of digital twins and digital threads for a system. The underlying concepts and the key methodology elements of Mission Engineering are then described, based on the DoD Mission Engineering Guidebook. Finally, the course examines how and why Digital Engineering supports the implementation of Mission Engineering.
Instructors
James Coolahan
Judith Dahmann
Shannon Dubicki
Sean McGervey
Christopher Olson
Jennifer Rainey
Course Structure
The course materials are divided into modules which can be accessed by clicking Modules on the course menu. A module will have several sections including the overview, content, readings, discussions, and assignments. Most modules run for a period of seven (7) days, exceptions are noted in the Course Outline. You should regularly check the Calendar and Announcements for assignment due dates.
Course Topics
- Review of the Systems Engineering Process
- Overview of the DoD Digital Engineering Strategy
- Key Competencies for Digital Engineering
- Fundamentals of Modeling & Simulation (M&S)
- M&S Use in the Systems Engineering Process
- Introduction to Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
- Systems Modeling Language (SysML) Basics: Overview of SysML
- Methodology: OOSEM Overview, Profile and Metamodel
- Mission Engineering Approaches and Methodologies
- Applying Digital Engineering Concepts to Mission Engineering
Course Goals
The course is intended to provide foundational knowledge on the emerging topics of Digital Engineering and Mission Engineering. With the knowledge gained in this course, students should be able to become engaged in professional work associated with these activities, and will be prepared to take more detailed courses on associated topics such as
Model Based Systems Engineering.
Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
- Discuss the primary activities during each system lifecycle stage.
- Explain the key concepts embedded in the DoD Digital Engineering Strategy and the Digital Engineering Competency Framework (DECF).
- Distinguish key modeling & simulation (M&S) terms, and categories/types of models and simulations.
- Explain how models and simulations can be used in the various phases of the systems engineering process.
- Define the three pillars of Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE): method, language, and tool; and how each contribute to the building of a MBSE model.
- Describe the steps of the Object-Oriented Systems Engineering Method (OOSEM).
- Demonstrate use of the Systems Modeling Language (SysML) in support of systems engineering.
- Demonstrate use of model-based analytical capabilities in the practice of systems engineering.
- Explain how a collaborative environment can be used to support digital twins and digital threads.
- Explain how the application of Digital Engineering differs for systems, systems of systems, and Mission Engineering.
Textbooks
Delligatti, L. (2014). SysML Distilled. A Brief Guide to the Systems Modeling Language. Pearson Education, Inc.
Student Coursework Requirements
- Modules will contain an instructor-graded assignment that students will complete individually. These assignments will be based on these modules’ learning objectives. (48% of total grade)
- Automated quizzes will be given in some modules. Quizzes will be supplemented in several modules by other assessment methods/assignments. The quizzes and assignments will assess students’ achievement of the learning objectives in those modules. (42% of total grade)
- Discussion activities – in most of the modules students will be required to participate in asynchronous weekly discussions on topics related to the module learning objectives. Students will be tasked to create an initial post and to respond to a minimum of one or two of their peers as indicated on the post. These will be the basis for the class participation grade along with active participation during virtual-live sessions. Grading will be based on timely, active participation. (10% of total grade)
Grading Policy
| Score Range | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 100-97 | = A+ |
| 96-93 | = A |
| 92-90 | = A− |
| 89-87 | = B+ |
| 86-83 | = B |
| 82-80 | = B− |
| 79-77 | = C+ |
| 76-73 | = C |
| 72-70 | = C− |
| 69-67 | = D+ |
| 66-63 | = D |
| <63 | = F |
A late penalty of 2% per day will be assessed, up to a maximum of 42% (21 days late), for all late discussion question responses (both initial posts due in the first week and responses to other student posts due in the second week), quizzes, and assignments. Any discussion question responses, quizzes, or assignments not submitted by the last day of the semester will receive a grade of zero.
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.