Units 3 & 4 Systems Engineering

Systems Engineering promotes innovative systems thinking and problem-solving skills through the Systems Engineering Process, which takes a project-management approach. Students design and plan an operational, mechanical and electrotechnological integrated and controlled system.

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The study provides opportunities for students to learn about and engage with systems from a practical and purposeful perspective. Students gain knowledge and understanding about, and learn to appreciate and apply technological systems. It prepares students for careers in engineering, manufacturing and design through either a university or TAFE vocational study pathway, employment, apprenticeships and traineeships.

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Unit 3

In this unit students study the engineering principles that are used to explain the physical properties of integrated systems and how they work. Through the application of their knowledge, students design and plan an operational, mechanical-electrotechnology integrated and controlled system. This project has a strong emphasis on designing, manufacturing, testing and innovation. Students learn about sources and types of energy that enable engineered technological systems to function. Students learn about the technological systems developed to capture and store renewable energy and technological developments to improve the credentials of non-renewables.   

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Unit 4

In this unit students complete the production work and test and evaluate the integrated controlled system they designed in Unit 3. Students investigate new and emerging technologies, consider reasons for their development and analyse their impacts. They use project and risk management methods through the construction of the system and use a range of materials, tools, equipment, and components. In the final stages of the Systems Engineering Process, students test, diagnose and analyse the performance of the system. They evaluate their processes and the system.

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Learning Activities

• Commencement and development of a student negotiated long term project involving the investigation, design, and production of an integrated mechanical/electrotechnology system - eg. A complex robot or CNC machine 
• Theoretical course work including tests, case studies, investigations, and presentations.   

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Key skills achieved 

• Systems thinking 
• Critical thinking & problem solving 
• Electrical and mechanical design 
• Computer design, modelling, simulation and programming
• Workshop tool manipulation and handling 
• Project management 
• Testing and evaluating systems
• Communication and information presentation 

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Assessment

• Unit 3 School Assessed Coursework (10%)
• Unit 4 School Assessed Coursework (10%)
• Units 3 and 4 School Assessed Task (50%)
• End of year examination (30%)

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Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites to study Systems engineering however it is not recommended that students attempt Unit 3 and 4 Systems Engineering without first having completed Unit 1 and 2. 

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‍‍Recommendations:

This area of study is suited to students with a good understanding of mathematical principles and an understanding of fundamental Physics.