Introductory description

The module details the fundamental principles pertinent to Systems Engineering, Systems thinking and Functional Safety. Beginning with Systems Engineering the module covers the principles and concepts of complexity and systems thinking, Lean engineering, system architecture and model based systems engineering. Moving on to functional safety, and incorporating the systems engineering principles the student covers the safety lifecycle, hazard and risk analysis, system/hardware/software development, and the associated processes including safety and change management, confidence levels and ultimately verification. Learning is reinforced via case studies and practical exercises.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The module details the fundamental principles pertinent to Systems Engineering, Systems thinking and Functional Safety. Beginning with Systems Engineering the module covers the principles and concepts of complexity and systems thinking, Lean engineering, system architecture and model based systems engineering. Moving on to functional safety, and incorporating the systems engineering principles the student covers the safety lifecycle, hazard and risk analysis, system/hardware/software development, and the associated processes including safety and change management, confidence levels and ultimately verification. Learning is reinforced via case studies and practical exercises.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Critically Evaluate the Systems Engineering approach and its practical application in Automotive Engineering
• Evaluate customer need and interpret requirements in advanced complex systems
• Systematically define, decompose and cascade requirements throughout complex systems
• Comprehensively apply functional safety principles in the design of complex automotive applications
• Critically evaluate the safety life cycle and it's application to automotive systems

Indicative reading list

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

The student will be able to apply systems thinking to complex engineering problems, following a structured, methodical process. Gaining the ability to understand interactions and integration across multiple disciplines and across mechanical, electronic and software domains. The student will understand safety requirements, hazard and risk analysis and management processes in order to deliver safe, functional product that meets the customer requirements.

Core Skills:
| Understand systems architecture, design installations, including material applications and systems methodology as applicable |
| Understand the principles of risk management and how lessons learnt can be implemented to ensure project risk is recognised and minimised through the project life cycle |
| Gain an understanding of safe working practices, an understanding of technical governance and quality management |
| Gain an understanding of technical responsibility for complex engineering systems |
| Ability to validate that the design will satisfy the requirements of the product or service |
| Ability to ensure that engineering integrity is achieved, engineering procedures are complied with |
| Ability to insure rigorous application of risk management and lessons learnt to ensure project risk is understood and minimised through the project life cycle |
| Knowledge to ensure all internal process, regulatory and customer requirements are met |

Transferable skills

The module develops problem solving and troubleshooting capabilities, in addition to team working and lateral thinking. The ability to get into the "customer mindset" and work through issues in a thorough and methodical manner whilst working with different teams is essential in todays work force.

Core Behaviours
| Professional commitment
Demonstrating a personal, ethical and professional commitment to society, their profession and the environment, adopting a set of values and behaviours that will maintain and enhance the reputation of the profession as well as their organisation and fulfilling requirements with respect to maintenance of personal records for Professional Registration.|