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Module

CSC8701 : Model-Based Systems Engineering

  • Offered for Year: 2025/26
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Leo Freitas
  • Owning School: Computing
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

• To introduce the concepts and principles of model-based systems engineering (MBSE), through examples such as
smart cities, self-healing power grids, intelligent transport systems, renewable energy.

• To introduce concepts of traditional systems engineering to enable students to understand the challenges of
working at the level of whole systems, rather than individual components.

• To introduce competencies and skills required of systems engineering and to help students assess their own
skills.

• To introduce model-based design, including modelling paradigms, tools and analysis techniques, and how they
are applied in MBSE using languages like SysML or Kapture.

Outline Of Syllabus

• Principles of Systems Engineering (systems thinking; skills and competencies, professional and ethical
issues).

• Model-based techniques (pros and cons of modelling, paradigms, tools, and techniques, SysML and/or Kapture
languages).

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture42:008:00Lectures (in person).
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion120:0020:00Completion of model and writing report.
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion120:0020:00Modelling of case study.
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading120:0020:00Directed reading of training materials, textbooks.
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading41:004:00Guided tutorials outside class.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical42:008:00Weekly practicals (in person).
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading120:0020:00General background reading, revision of teaching materials. Can be done outside of the block.
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lecture materials will cover core concepts and develop knowledge in systems engineering, model-based design and professional issues. Experience with model-based techniques will be provided by guided reading and tool tutorials.

Weekly seminars Q&As will support students in their studies and reinforce skills and knowledge, while online discussion will help students learn from each other and practice giving and receiving constructive feedback.

General background reading and revision of materials can be done outside of the block.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Report1M100Application of SysML/Kapture to a Case Study with Report (2000 words).
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Case study1MApplication of SySML/Kapture to a Case Study.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The application of SysML/Kapture to a case study and accompanying report demonstrates that the students can apply both systems thinking and model-based design techniques to a case study.

The formative component will allow them to submit a first draft of their SysML/Kapture model for formative feedback.

Reading Lists

Timetable