Perspectives on Systems - SYS50000

April 20, 2026

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Engineers are frequently asked to solve problems of how to get to operate together in an effective way to achieve a goal. The term "systems engineering" (SE) is often used to refer to several different concepts, disciplines, and technical skills; engineering is both a set of rules and practices for what we do, and the processes of solving problems. However, confusion arises when proponents of one perspective interact with others, without a clear understanding of the variety of SE histories and tools. Each can play an important, complementary role in the development of a robust approach to SE and the role of the human in engineering systems. This course provides an introduction to, and references for, each of 4 distinct approaches to SE concepts/tools.

Credit Hours: 3

Learning Objective:

This course will provide students with an introduction to various quantitative and qualitative approaches to systems engineering, with case studies, concepts, and readings to support interdisciplinary project work.

Description:

Engineers are frequently asked to solve problems of how to get to operate together in an effective way to achieve a goal. The term "systems engineering" (SE) is often used to refer to several different concepts, disciplines, and technical skills; engineering is both a set of rules and practices for what we do, and the processes of solving problems. However, confusion arises when proponents of one perspective interact with others, without a clear understanding of the variety of SE histories and tools. Each can play an important, complementary role in the development of a robust approach to SE and the role of the human in engineering systems. This course provides an introduction to, and references for, each of 4 distinct approaches to SE concepts/tools. Individual assignments and team projects based on readings from multiple approaches and selected case studies. Participants encouraged to bring own prior expertise and examples to discussions/projects. Course will discuss quantitative topics (including cybernetics, feedback control systems, and statistical process control), but the course itself will emphasize a more interdisciplinary conceptual integration rather than detailed implementations of these topics.

Topics Covered:

Systems thinking, systems dynamics and cybernetics, component-whole integration, project management, information architectures, robustness and resilience, distributed expertise, system stability and event response

Prerequisites:

Graduate standing or permission of instructor. Advanced mathematical sophistication is not assumed.

Applied / Theory:

55 / 45

Web Content:

Handouts, lecture notes, and readings posted through Blackboard system.

Homework:

See syllabus link in "Topics" above for specific details about homework.

Projects:

Required. Team-based semester project, with project overview and final paper.

Exams:

No exams.

Textbooks:

Official textbook information is now listed in the Schedule of Classes. NOTE: Textbook information is subject to be changed at any time at the discretion of the faculty member. If you have questions or concerns please contact the academic department.
Tentative: Required texts posted through Brightspace system. Supplemental text: "Thinking in Systems", D. H. Meadows.