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Module

CSC8701 : Model-Based Systems Engineering

  • Offered for Year: 2022/23
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Ken Pierce
  • Owning School: Computing
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0

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 the SysML language.

Outline Of Syllabus

1. Principles of Systems Engineering (systems thinking; skills and competencies, professional and ethical issues)
2. Model-based techniques (pros and cons of modelling, paradigms, tools and techniques, SysML language)

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion130:0030:00Completion of model and writing report
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion110:0010:00Modelling of case study
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture62:0012:00Lecture (Present-in-Person)
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical31:003:00Weekly practicals (Present-in-Person)
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading110:0010:00Paper review
Structured Guided LearningStructured non-synchronous discussion60:303:00Videos including interviews with industry experts (Asynchronous)
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops31:003:00Report writing clinics (Present-in-Person)
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study120:0020:00General background reading, revision of teaching materials. Can be done outside of the block.
Guided Independent StudyOnline Discussion16:006:00Peer feedback on paper review (Asynchronous)
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesModule talk31:003:00Weekly seminars (Present-in-Person)
Total100:00
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.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Report1M100Application of SysML to a Case Study with Report (2000 words)
Formative Assessments
Description Semester When Set Comment
Case study1MApplication of SySML to a Case Study
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The application of SysML 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 model for formative feedback.

Reading Lists

Timetable