Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Course Details
This course provides the fundamentals of systems engineering by providing an overview of the discipline and then focusing on the management of system requirements and developing how a system will provide them. We will discuss the definition of systems, the system development life cycle, and the systems engineering method. Topics include defining systems, conceptual system design, detail design and development, test and validation, and design for operational feasibility. In these topics we will examine requirements analysis and decomposition, system architecting, and engineering approaches. The tools and methods used in systems engineering discussed include risk analysis, configuration management, design trade-offs, modeling and simulation, and interface management, as well as how these subjects are linked to project management activities.
Course Prerequisites
Graduate standing, ISE 5293 Cost Engineering, ISE 5543 Decision Analysis, and ISE 5763 Project Management Methods or permission of the instructor in lieu of these courses.
Course Materials
Required textbooks:
- Systems Engineering and Analysis, 5th edition, Benjamin S. Blanchard and Wolter J. Fabrycky, © 2010, Print ISBN: 9780132217354.
- INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook: A Guide for System Life Cycle Processes and Activities, 4th Edition, INCOSE, © 2015, Print ISBN:
Required software:
- Microsoft office or equivalent including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Required hardware:
- Students must be able to access Canvas
- Students must be able to prepare homework and project submissions using Microsoft office or equivalent software
Optional textbooks:
These are excellent textbooks which you will find helpful if you want additional discussion of the topics in the course.
- The Engineering Design of Systems: Models and Methods, 3rd Edition, Dennis M. Buede and William D. Miller, © 2016, Print ISBN: 9781119027904.
- Systems Engineering Principles and Practice, 3rd Edition, Alexander Kossiakoff, Steven M. Biemer, Samuel J. Seymour, David A. Flanigan, © 2020, Print ISBN: 9781118999400
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Exams | There will be two exams in this course, a midterm and a final. Each exam is worth 20% each | 40% |
| Project | Undertake a project exercising the application of Systems Engineering. | 30% |
| Assignments | There will be six assignments that will be tied to specific topics. Each assignment is worth 5% each. | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | A |
| 80–89% | B |
| 70–79% | C |
| 60–69% | D |
| Below 60% | F |
Course Components
Exams
There will be a midterm examination in Week 8, the week of October 10th, which will cover all material through Week 7. The final will cover all material with an emphasis on material in the second half of the semester. The final will be during finals week, the week of December 12th. Both exams will be take-home, and you will have approximately a week to complete each exam.
Project
A project will be distributed in Week 5. A written technical report on the analysis of the project is due December 4th. You may turn in the technical report early if you prefer.
Assignments
There will be six assignments issued roughly every two weeks, in Weeks 2, 4, 6, 9, 11 and 13 of the semester. The assignments are due a week after the material was covered. Each assignment carries equal credit of five points each.
Course Policies
Communication
Email is the primary means of communication between students and the instructor. Messages will be answered promptly and responded to in the order in which they are received and processed. Include the course number in the subject line of all emails.
Canvas has an internal email-like system. The instructor will not monitor this on a routine basis. Use the regular email address provided at the top of this syllabus.
Late Policy
As many students work full time and their schedules may abruptly change, there is flexibility in due dates during the semester if needed. Students are encouraged to keep pace with the course as it progresses. Approval for late work must be requested from, and received by, the faculty coordinator prior to submission.
Course Expectations
Graduate students in the course are expected to engage in discussions, learning groups, experiential activities, and programming constraints. Each of these will be structured and you will be notified via Canvas.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Copyright Statement
Sessions of this course may be recorded or live-streamed. These recordings are the intellectual property of the individual faculty member and may not be shared or reproduced without the explicit, written consent of the faculty member. In addition, privacy rights of others such as students, guest lecturers, and providers of copyrighted material displayed in the recording may be of concern. Students may not share any course recordings with individuals not enrolled in the class or upload them to any other online environment.
Academic Integrity
As a member of the OU community, it is your responsibility to protect your educational investment by knowing and following the rules. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
Academic honesty is incredibly important within this course. Cheating is strictly prohibited at the University of Oklahoma, because it devalues the degree you are working hard to get. Should you know of someone else engaging in academic misconduct, please report it to your instructor or directly to the Office of Academic Integrity. Your instructor has a professional obligation to report academic misconduct.
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
Religious Observance
It is the policy of the University to excuse the absences of students that result from religious observances and to reschedule examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays, without penalty. [See Faculty Handbook 3.15.2].
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is committed to supporting students with disabilities to ensure that they are able to enjoy equal access to all components of their education. This includes your academics, housing, and community events.
If you are experiencing a disability, a mental/medical health condition that has a significant impact on one or more life functions, you can receive accommodations to provide equal access. Possible disabilities include but are not limited to learning disabilities, AD(H)D, mental health, and chronic health. Additionally, we support students with temporary medical conditions (broken wrist, shoulder surgery, etc.) and pregnancy.
To discuss potential accommodations, please contact the ADRC at 730 College Avenue, (phone) 405-325-3852, or adrc@ou.edu.
Title IX Resources
Anyone who has been impacted by gender-based violence, including dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, harassment, and sexual assault, deserves access to resources so that they are supported personally and academically.
The University of Oklahoma is committed to offering resources to those impacted, including: speaking with someone confidentially about your options, medical attention, counseling, reporting, academic support, and safety plans. If you would like to speak with someone confidentially, please contact OU Advocates (available 24/7 at 405-615-0013) or another confidential resource (see "Can I make an anonymous report?").
You may also choose to report gender-based violence and discrimination through other means, including by contacting the Institutional Equity Office (ieo@ou.edu, 405-325-3546) or the police (911).
Because the University of Oklahoma is committed to the safety of you and other students, I, as well as other faculty, Graduate Assistants, and Teaching Assistants, are mandatory reporters. This means that we are obligated to report gender-based violence that has been disclosed to us to the Institutional Equity Office. This includes disclosures that occur in class discussions, writing assignments, discussion boards, emails, and during Student/Office Hours.
For more information, please visit the Institutional Equity Office.
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Mental Health Support Services
If you are experiencing any mental health issues that are impacting your academic performance, counseling is available at the University Counseling Center (UCC). The Center is located on the second floor of the Goddard Health Center, at 620 Elm Rm. 201, Norman, OK 73019. To schedule an appointment, call 405-325-2911. For more information, please visit the University Counseling Center.
Final Exam Preparation Period
Pre-finals week will be defined as the seven calendar days before the first day of finals. Faculty may cover new course material throughout this week. For specific provisions of the policy please refer to OU's Final Exam Preparation Period policy.
Required Policies for Students On Campus
Emergency Protocol
During an emergency, there are official university procedures that will maximize your safety.
Severe Weather: If you receive an OU Alert to seek refuge or hear a tornado siren that signals severe weather:
- Look for severe weather refuge location maps located inside most OU buildings near the entrances
- Seek refuge inside a building. Do not leave one building to seek shelter in another building that you deem safer. If outside, get into the nearest building.
- Go to the building’s severe weather refuge location. If you do not know where that is, go to the lowest level possible and seek refuge in an innermost room. Avoid outside doors and windows.
- Get in, Get Down, Cover Up.
- Wait for official notice to resume normal activities.
Additional Weather Safety Information is available through the Department of Campus Safety.
Severe Weather Preparedness Video
Armed Subject/Campus Intruder
If you receive an OU Alert to shelter-in-place due to an active shooter or armed intruder situation or you hear what you perceive to be gunshots:
- Avoid: If you believe you can get out of the area without encountering the armed individual, move quickly towards the nearest building exit, move away from the building, and call 911.
- Deny: If you cannot flee, move to an area that can be locked or barricaded, turn off lights, silence devices, spread out, and formulate a plan of attack if the shooter enters the room.
- Defend: As a last resort fight to defend yourself. For more information, visit:
OU's Emergency Preparedness site
Shots Fire on Campus Procedure
Fire Alarm/General Emergency
If you receive an OU Alert that there is danger inside or near the building, or the fire alarm inside the building activates:
- Leave the building. Do not use the elevators.
- Know at least two building exits
- Assist those that may need help
- Proceed to the emergency assembly area
- Once safely outside, Notify first responders of anyone that may still be inside the building due to mobility issues.
- Wait for official notice before attempting to re-enter the building.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|