645.662.81 - Introduction to Systems Engineering

Course Structure

The course materials are divided into 12 modules which can be accessed by clicking modules on the menu on the course Canvas page. A module will have several sections including the overview, content, reading assignment, article review summary, and assignment. You are encouraged to preview all sections of the module before starting. Most modules run for a period of seven (7) days, exceptions are noted on the Course Outline page (also accessed from the Syllabus & Course Information link on the left). You should regularly check the Calendar and Announcements for assignment due dates.

Course Topics

Topics include defining Systems, the System Development Life Cycle and the Systems Engineering Method. These primary topics are decomposed into Requirements Analysis, Functional Design, Physical Design, Design Validation, Concept Development, Engineering Development and Post Development. In addition, the tools and methods at the Systems Engineer’s disposal are also covered. These include Risk Analysis, Configuration Management, Design Trade Offs, Modeling & Simulation, Interface Management, and how these subjects are linked to Systems Program Management activities.

Course Goals

To identify, describe and practice the methods and principles of systems engineering - and then apply that knowledge to develop a system concept.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

• Define what a system is, as well as the various levels that comprise a System's hierarchy.
• Describe the Systems Engineering (SE) activities, which include Requirements Analysis, Functional Definition, Physical Definition, and Design Validation.
• Identify and describe the technical management tools used to assist the systems engineer, which include the Systems Engineering Management Plan (SEMP), Risk & Configuration Management, Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), Trade Studies, Modeling & Simulation and the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).
• Define the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and how the SE process is applied across the SDLC.
• Describe the alternative life cycle models and how to choose among them.
• Identify and describe the relationship between specialist engineering, project management and specialist engineering areas.
• Differentiate between the types of requirements and apply techniques for writing good requirements.
• Identify and create the functional and physical domains of a system concept.
• Identify, analyze, assess, and write risks and their mitigations.
• Identify and differentiate among the types of trade studies and demonstrate performing a formal trade study using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method.
• Describe the application of the SE process for a complex system development effort.
• Define a system concept and capture that concept in the form of a partial, preliminary conceptual architecture.

Textbooks

Required Textbook

Kossiakoff, A., Seymour, S. J., Flanigan, D, A, & Biemer, S. M. (2020). Systems Engineering Principles and Practice (3rd Ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. zyBook edition.

1. Sign in or create an account at learn.zybooks.com
2. Enter the zyBook code found on the Course Textbook page on Canvas.
3. Subscribe

International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE). (2023). INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook: A Guide for System Life Cycle Processes and Activities (5th Ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Optional Materials

• Delligatti, Lenny. SysML Distilled: A Brief Guide to the Systems Modeling Language (2013). Addison-Wesley Professional. ISBN-10: 0-321-92786-9. ISBN-13: 978-0-321-92786-6.
• NASA Systems Engineering Handbook (2016). NASA/SP-2016-6105 Rev2. Available electronically for free at this link.

• Systems Engineering Handbook v4, International Council of Systems Engineering (INCOSE). To access, use the same process described above or purchase through the INCOSE.org bookstore.
• Defense Acquisition Guidebook, May-Sept 2019: https://dag.dau.mil/.

Other Materials & Online Resources

Vitech CORE or Vitech Genesys or NoMagic Cameo Enterprise Architect

Our JHU Systems Engineering Program has setup a Community site on Canvas to give you access to Systems Engineering and Project Management tools.  These tools can be used in your courses throughout the program. To access this site, you can self-enroll.  Instructions can be found at this link. Search for:  JHU SE Tool Community. To access the software listed on the site, follow the directions provided.

Student Coursework Requirements

It is expected that each module will take approximately 6-15 hours per week to complete. Here is an approximate breakdown:

• Reading assignments / ayBook PAs: approximately 1–3 hours per week.
• Watching lecture videos: approximately 2-4 hours per week.
• Discussion board: approximately 1–2 hours per week.
• Homework assignment: approximately 2-4 hours per week.

This course will consist of five basic student requirements:

• Homework assignments,
• Discussion board questions,
• zyBook participation activities,
• Team project

Homework (30% of final grade)

The homework assignments are designed to progressively deepen your understanding of Systems Engineering, starting from the initial modules that build a foundation in system structure and engineering processes. Each homework task is crafted to reinforce the module's primary topics, allowing you to work through conceptual system solutions that evolve from a basic need to a comprehensive set of requirements supported by architectural elements.

Discussion board questions (20% of final grade)

zyBook Participation Activities (10% of final grade)

The zyBook participation activities, including quiz questions, are mandatory and directly tied to the grade center on Canvas, ensuring that your interactive learning experience is reflected in your overall course assessment.

Team project (40% of final grade)

In the latter part of the course, starting with Module 7, the focus shifts to a team assignment. This team project requires you to formulate a more in-depth conceptual solution, building on the individual assignments from earlier modules. You'll develop a functional architecture, identify key system requirements, create a requirements traceability matrix, and work through the stages of physical definition and design validation.

By engaging with these various instructional activities and assessments, you will develop a robust set of skills in Systems Engineering, preparing you to apply these principles in real-world scenarios and collaborative environments. The team project, in particular, is an opportunity for you to bring together all the knowledge and skills you've acquired throughout the course to practice and hone our systems engineering skills.

Grading Policy

EP uses a +/- grading system (see “Grading System”, Graduate Programs catalog, p. 10).

Late assignments will be deducted 5% for every day they are late. If you know that you will be late, either attempt to submit the assignment prior to the due date or request permission from your section instructor for an extension with justification. The instructor may grant an extension at their discretion.

Instructors generally do not directly grade spelling and grammar. However, egregious violations of the rules of the English language will be noted without comment. 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.

Course Evaluation

Course Evaluations are provided near the Mid Term and again near the end of the semester.

Course Policies

Assignments are due according to the dates in the calendar and assignments items in the corresponding modules. Instructors will post grades typically within two weeks after assignment due dates.

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.