CSC8701 : Model-Based Systems Engineering
CSC8701 : Model-Based Systems Engineering
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Leo Freitas
- Owning School: Computing
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
• To introduce the concepts and principles of model-based systems engineering (MBSE), through examples such as
smart cities, self-healing power grids, intelligent transport systems, renewable energy.
• To introduce concepts of traditional systems engineering to enable students to understand the challenges of
working at the level of whole systems, rather than individual components.
• To introduce competencies and skills required of systems engineering and to help students assess their own
skills.
• To introduce model-based design, including modelling paradigms, tools and analysis techniques, and how they
are applied in MBSE using languages like SysML or Kapture.
Outline Of Syllabus
• Principles of Systems Engineering (systems thinking; skills and competencies, professional and ethical
issues).
• Model-based techniques (pros and cons of modelling, paradigms, tools, and techniques, SysML and/or Kapture
languages).
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
To be able to describe and discuss:
• Systems engineering concepts.
• Challenges facing development of modern systems.
• Professional and ethical issues associated with systems engineering.
• A range of modelling paradigms, tools and analysis techniques.
Intended Skill Outcomes
The ability to:
• Apply systems engineering to a range of systems.
• Select and apply appropriate model-based techniques (SysML, Kapture, formal specification to specify systems.
• Critically evaluate a range of sources.
• Give constructive feedback to colleagues.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Completion of model and writing report. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Modelling of case study. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 4 | 2:00 | 8:00 | Lectures (in person). |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Directed reading of training materials, textbooks. |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | Guided tutorials outside class. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 4 | 2:00 | 8:00 | Weekly practicals (in person). |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | General background reading, revision of teaching materials. Can be done outside of the block. |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The lecture materials will cover core concepts and develop knowledge in systems engineering, model-based design and professional issues. Experience with model-based techniques will be provided by guided reading and tool tutorials.
Weekly seminars Q&As will support students in their studies and reinforce skills and knowledge, while online discussion will help students learn from each other and practice giving and receiving constructive feedback.
General background reading and revision of materials can be done outside of the block.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 1 | M | 100 | Application of SysML/Kapture to a Case Study with Report (2000 words). |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case study | 1 | M | Application of SySML/Kapture to a Case Study. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The application of SysML/Kapture to a case study and accompanying report demonstrates that the students can apply both systems thinking and model-based design techniques to a case study.
The formative component will allow them to submit a first draft of their SysML/Kapture model for formative feedback.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CSC8701's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- CSC8701's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2025 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2026/27 entry will be published here in early-April 2026. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.