ENG 4020 - Complex Systems Engineering
North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2025
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code ENG 4020 Course Complex Systems Engineering Coordinating Unit Centre for STEM Education and Innovation Term Semester 2 Level Undergraduate Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 3 Contact Up to 4 hrs per week Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N Prerequisites ENG 3004 Incompatible ENG 7020 Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Dr David Harvey
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.
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Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course students will be able to:- Classify a system of interest and use this information to identify appropriate systems engineering approaches, processes, methods, tools, and techniques
- Tailor a system engineering approach to suit a system of interest
- Apply the systems engineering tools and analysis methods presented in the course to systems design problems
- Construct models of the system of interest that can support systems engineering design and analysis processes
- Demonstrate professional skills including effective team participation, oral communication, and written communication
The above course learning outcomes are aligned with the Engineers Australia Entry to Practice Competency Standard for the Professional Engineer. The course develops the following EA Elements of Competency to levels of introductory (A), intermediate (B), advanced (C):
1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 — — — — C — C C C C — C B C — C University Graduate Attributes
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:
University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s) Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.
1-4 Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.
3 and 4 Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills
Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.
3 and 5 Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness
Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.
3 and 5 Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency
Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.
5 Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.
No specific outcomes Attribute 7: Digital capabilities
Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.
1, 3 and 4 Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.
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Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
This course consists of a mixture of online video theory and practice focused content, active participation workshops, advanced modelling computer exercises and industry guest speakers.
The course is structured around different types of assessments:
• Engagement and active participation assessments for the video content and workshops
• Structured computer exercises that guide students through advanced systems modelling
• Individual written assessments and case studies to explore student understanding of content in more depth
• A group systems design and modelling project, starting with an unstructured problem and working through to the high-level definition of a solution, using model supported design
This is a hands-on, participation focused course and students will need to plan their schedule around attendance at the in-person or remote sessions depending on their circumstances.Workload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
It is expected that students spend:
• Up to nine hours per week on lectures, online material and assignments over the course of the semester
• Four hours per week attending the active workshops and computer exercise sessionsLearning Activities Summary
The course works to connect underpinning theory with methodology, processes and practices, while introducing advanced methods, tools and techniques. It covers the following topics:
• Systems Engineering background
• Introduction to Model Based Systems Engineering
• Design Using Systems Thinking
• Introduction to SysML
• Generic Architectural Design Approach
• Design Process and Representing the System of Interest
• System Problem Definition
• Requirements Engineering
• Understanding System Behaviour
• Representing System Behaviour
• Synthesising Candidate Solutions
• Representing Structure
• Measurement
• Representing Measures
• Systems Engineering in Context
• Systems Engineering Analysis
• Analysis in SysML
• Tailoring
• The Future of Model Based Systems Engineering
• Dealing with Complexity
• The Future of Systems Engineering -
Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
Assessment Task Task Type Individual / Group Due (week)* Weighting Learning Outcome On-line Quizzes associated with each lecture module Summative Individual Throughout the course 10% 1, 2, 3 Active learning assessments during workshops Formative & Summative Individual Throughout the course 10% 1 - 5 Computer exercises x 5 Summative Individual 3 - 7 20% 3, 4 Case Study written assessments x 2 Summative Individual 4 & 9 20% 1, 2 Group project design model Summative Group 12 30% 3, 4 Group project design report Summative Group 12 10% 3, 4, 5
* The specific due date for each assessment task will be available on MyUni.
This assessment breakdown is being registered as an exemption to the University's Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy. The exemption is related to the Procedures clause(s): 1. a. iAssessment Detail
On-line quizzes associated with each lecture module (Weighting 10%): Quizzes to see what students understand from the video content released throughout the semester.
Active learning assessments during workshops (Weighting 10%): Assessments measuring student engagement and participation in workshops throughout the semester.
Computer exercises (Weighting 20%): Students will be guided through aspects of systems design modelling during computer exercise sessions, then will need to complete and submit a model fragment as evidence of their understanding of the content.
Case study written assessments (Weighting 20%): Written assessments addressing short answer questions and case study exercises that explore aspects of the course content.
Group project design model (Weighting 30%): Students will complete a group design project in the second half of semester. One output of this design work is a systems design model (in a SysML tool).
Group project design report (Weighting 10%): Students will complete a group design project in the second half of semester. One output of this design work is a short document that explains the design process and guides the reviewer through the associated model.Submission
Work will be submitted mostly through MyUni through quiz and assignment submission options. Other work will be demonstrated through active participation within workshop sessions.Course Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme) Grade Mark Description FNS Fail No Submission F 1-49 Fail P 50-64 Pass C 65-74 Credit D 75-84 Distinction HD 85-100 High Distinction CN Continuing NFE No Formal Examination RP Result Pending Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.
Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.
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Student Feedback
The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
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Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
- International Student Support
- Library Services for Students
- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
- YouX Student Care - Advocacy, confidential counselling, welfare support and advice
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Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Elder Conservatorium of Music Noise Management Plan
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
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Fraud Awareness
Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.
The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.
