🔧 Course Title: Introduction to Systems Engineering
Level: Undergraduate – 3rd & Final Year
Duration: 12–14 Weeks (One Semester)
Credits: 3 (2 Lectures + 1 Lab/Workshop per week)
Prerequisites: Basic engineering knowledge, project-based learning exposure
🧩 Course Objectives
Understand the principles and lifecycle of systems engineering (SE)
Learn to design, analyze, and manage complex interdisciplinary systems
Gain skills in requirements analysis, modeling, and trade-off studies
Apply systems thinking to real-world projects and case studies
Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams
📚 Course Modules
Module 1: Introduction to Systems Thinking & SE
Definition and scope of Systems Engineering
Historical evolution & relevance in modern engineering
Systems vs. Components mindset
Examples from aerospace, automotive, healthcare, IT, infrastructure
Module 2: System Lifecycle Models
V-model, Waterfall, Spiral, Agile-SE
Concept development, design, implementation, verification, operation
Stakeholder engagement across lifecycle
Module 3: Requirements Engineering
Stakeholder analysis
Eliciting, documenting, and validating requirements
Functional vs. non-functional requirements
Tools (e.g., DOORS, Jama Connect - introduction only)
Module 4: Architecture & Design
Functional analysis and allocation
System architecture & interface design
Use of block diagrams, SysML basics
Trade-off analysis & design optimization
Module 5: Risk, Verification & Validation
Risk identification and mitigation
Verification vs. Validation
Test planning and system integration
Quality assurance and compliance
Module 6: Project Management & Collaboration in SE
Work breakdown structure (WBS), Gantt charts
SE documentation & reporting
Change management
Cross-functional team dynamics and communication
Module 7: Tools & Digital Engineering
Introduction to tools like MBSE, MATLAB/Simulink, IBM Rhapsody, or Cameo
Systems simulation & prototyping basics
Use of collaborative platforms (Trello, GitHub, etc.)
Module 8: Case Studies & Industry Perspectives
SE in ISRO missions, metro rail projects, electric vehicles, medical devices
Guest lectures from alumni or industry experts
Career opportunities in Systems Engineering
🧪 Labs / Workshops
Requirement gathering & use-case analysis
System modeling using SysML/Simulink
Group project: design and simulate a multidisciplinary system (e.g., Smart Home,
EV Subsystem, Campus IoT Network)
Poster presentation or technical paper
🎯 Assessment & Deliverables
Component Weightage
Mid-term Exam 20%
Group Project 30%
Lab Exercises 15%
Quizzes & Assignments 15%
Final Presentation 20%
📘 Recommended Reading
“Systems Engineering Principles and Practice” – Alexander Kossiakoff
INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook
NASA SE Handbook
MIT OpenCourseWare (SE modules)
🧭 Outcomes
Upon completion, students will be able to:
Apply systems thinking to real-world problems
Collaborate across disciplines using structured methods
Build and simulate basic system-level models
Understand the importance of requirements, integration, and risk management
Course Title: Introduction to Systems Engineering Audience: MARVEL Students
(3rd & Final Year UVCE Engineering Students) Duration: 14 Weeks
Course Overview:
This course introduces Systems Engineering (SE) principles to enable multidisciplinary
UVCE students at the MARVEL Innovation Lab to approach real-world problems with a
structured, systems-driven mindset. Students will work in teams on hands-on projects
aligned with innovation and entrepreneurship objectives of MARVEL 2.0.
Course Goals:
Develop systems thinking skills
Understand system lifecycle processes
Apply MBSE and project management principles
Enable collaborative, innovation-driven project execution
Weekly Schedule:
Week 1: Introduction to Systems Engineering
Overview of SE principles and applications
Industry case studies (Aerospace, Automotive, Startups)
Project Kickoff: Group formation, domain interest selection
Week 2: Systems Thinking & Problem Framing
Concept of systems, subsystems, interfaces
System boundary, context diagram, stakeholder mapping
Deliverable: Problem Statement and Stakeholder Map
Week 3: Lifecycle Models & Project Planning
V-Model, Agile-SE hybrid, Spiral models
Defining system lifecycle for projects
Deliverable: Lifecycle approach document
Week 4: Requirements Engineering
Functional vs Non-functional Requirements
Use Cases, Scenarios, User Stories
Deliverable: Requirements Specification Document (RSD)
Week 5: Functional Decomposition & Architecture
Block diagrams, functional flows, system interfaces
Intro to SysML, tools like Lucidchart
Deliverable: System Architecture and Functional Flow
Week 6: Trade-off Analysis & Design Decisions
Cost-benefit, technical feasibility, risk assessment
Deliverable: Trade-off Matrix and Design Justification
Week 7: MBSE & Simulation Tools
Intro to modeling using SysML, MATLAB/Simulink basics
Deliverable: System modeling draft diagrams
Week 8: Mid-Semester Review
Peer presentations & feedback
Progress checkpoints and scope validation
Week 9: Verification & Validation
Test case design, verification plans
Requirement traceability matrix
Deliverable: Test Plan and V&V Framework
Week 10: Risk & Reliability Engineering
FMEA, risk register, mitigation strategies
Deliverable: Risk Assessment Report
Week 11: Project & Change Management
Task breakdown, Gantt charts, version control (GitHub)
Deliverable: WBS, Timeline & Change Management Log
Week 12: Digital Tools in SE
Jira, Trello, Git, Google Workspace, communication logs
Building dashboards and documentation templates
Week 13: Guest Lecture + MVP Demo
Industry talk from practicing Systems Engineers
Deliverable: MVP Simulation or Prototype Demo
Week 14: Final Presentation & Reflection
Final report, system documentation, and team presentation
Course debrief and feedback
Sample Projects for MARVEL Students:
1. Campus Smart Waste Management System
o Subsystems: Smart bins, data dashboards, route optimization
2. IoT-based Laboratory Access Control
o Sensors, RFID, server interface, mobile alerts
3. Low-cost Prosthetic Design (with Sensor Feedback)
o Mechanical limb, pressure sensors, Arduino-based feedback
4. Electric Bike Monitoring System (EV Dashboard)
o Power metrics, display dashboard, app integration
5. Digital Queue Management System for UVCE Admin
o Web-based system with token, appointment & SMS alerts
6. Campus Navigation System (for new students/visitors)
o QR-based maps, multilingual audio navigation
7. Air Quality Monitoring Station for UVCE
o Sensors, cloud logging, and live dashboard
Project Milestone Timeline:
Week Milestone
2 Problem Definition + Stakeholders
4 Requirements Specification
5 System Architecture
6 Design & Trade-off Matrix
8 Mid-Term Review Presentation
9 V&V Plan + Traceability Matrix
10 Risk Assessment + Mitigation
13 MVP / Simulation Demo
14 Final Report + Project Presentation
Assessment Criteria:
30% – Project Deliverables & Documentation
20% – Peer Reviews & Presentations
20% – Final Report & Demo
15% – Attendance & Participation
15% – Innovation, Teamwork, and Execution Discipline
