Interdisciplinary Programs
SYS 501. CONCEPTS OF SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Systems Engineering is a multifaceted discipline, involving human, organizational, and various technical variables that work together to create complex systems. This course is an introduction and overview of the methods and disciplines that systems engineers use to define, develop, and deploy systems. It includes specific integrated examples, projects, and team building exercises to aid in understanding and appreciating fundamental principles. Topics covered include; Introduction to Systems Engineering; Requirements Development; Functional Analysis and Requirements Allocation; System Architecture and System Design; Integration, Verification and Validation; Trade Studies; Systems Analysis, Modeling and Simulation; Specialty Engineering; Risk Management; and Technical Planning and Management. (Prerequisite: an undergraduate degree in engineering or science, or permission of the instructor.)
SYS 510. SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN
This course will study and contrast various important architectural frameworks, representations, tools, and methodologies in order to provide scalable and flexible approaches for enterprises operating in dynamic and complex environments. Enterprise-level system architecting tools will be discussed and demonstrated. At a minimum, the DoDAF, FEAF, Zachman, and TOGAF architectural frameworks will be discussed in depth. Other topics will include analysis of architectural alternatives to meet physical and logical objectives and providing information and systems assurance in an environment that takes people, processes, and technology into account. Modeling tools such as UML/SysML and the use of model-driven architectures will be presented. Validation of the architecture with stakeholders will be discussed. Methods of identifying risks and opportunities associated with the architectural choice will be explored. Practical examples will be included for illustration.
SYS 511. SYSTEMS INTEGRATION AND TEST
This course examines the use of Systems Engineering principles and best practices in integrating components into systems and systems-of-systems from concept inception through system test. The use of modeling and simulation in system integration and test is explored. Developmental and operational test planning, organization and execution of commercial and government systems is discussed. Some course topics include: How early systems engineering activities and solution sets impact integration and test, The importance of configuration, risk and requirements management to system integration and test, Specialty engineering impacts, Developmental and Operational testing for commercial and government systems, Test planning, execution and reporting documentation
SYS 579. SP TOP: SYSTEM OPTIMIZATION
SYS 585. SYSTEMS ENGINEERING CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE
One of the central priorities in WPI?s educational philosophy is the application of academic skills and knowledge to real-world problems. The capstone project represents a substantive evaluation and application of coursework covered in the program. Students are encouraged to select projects with practical significance for the advancement of their company?s competitive position as well as their own personal development. The project is administered, advised, and evaluated by WPI as part of the learning experience, but students are encouraged to seek mentorship from experienced colleagues in the Systems Engineering profession. The presence of or degree of participation from a mentor is made at the discretion of the student or the organization sponsoring the program.
