SYS/SDOE 750 Advanced System and Software Architecture Modeling and Assessment

This course presents the fundamentals of complex systems architecting using the Object Modeling Group's (OMG) SysML. It addresses the differences between functional decomposition and object oriented decomposition while architecting complex systems. Emphasis is placed on modeling mission objectives to the definition of the system level architecture. Topics include identification of system level architecture alternatives and considerations, including definition of objectives for physical (hardware) and logical (software) structure, information and system assurance, behavior, cost, performance and human integration based on the system concept at every level of system decomposition. System of System (SoS) architecture is examined, addressing composition of multiple systems and engineering new, emergent behavior in the SoS. Examples used will come from a variety of operational environments (e.g. communications systems, space systems, weapon systems, etc) Special consideration is given to the importance of effective construction and transitioning of the SysML models to software engineering for software intensive systems projects. Prerequisite: SYS 625 and 650.

The Systems Engineering degree is a multidisciplinary program that includes a blend of engineering, systems thinking, and management subjects. Graduates from this program will be prepared to work effectively at the interface between engineering and management and to assume professional positions of increasing responsibility. The Master's program consists of ten courses (six core and four advisor directed elective

• SYS/SDOE  625 Fundamentals of Systems Engineering
• SYS/SDOE 650 System Architecture and Design
• EM/SDOE 612 Project Management of Complex Systems
• SYS/SDOE 605 Systems Integration
• SYS/SDOE 800 Special Problems in Systems Engineering

One SYS Elective in a quantitative course to include SYS/SDOE 611, SYS/SDOE 660, SYS 670, or other as approved by your advisor.

Students wishing to pursue the thesis option will take 6 credit hours of SYS 900 and not take SYS 800 and the SYS elective.  Only full time, resident students have the option to NOT take either a 3 or 6-hour projects class or a thesis.  These students may take two SYS/EM/ES electives with the approval of their advisor.  All part-time students admitted to the Systems Engineering program at SSE starting Summer 07 will be required to complete the SDOE 800 course.

Student Project Guidelines (SYS800)

Students are encouraged to take an integrated four-course sequence leading to a Graduate Certificate for the four advisor-approved electives or four additional courses in Systems Engineering, Engineering Management, or Enterprise Systems. Most of these certificates are offered on-line via web-based instruction. Approved four-course sequences include:

• Advanced Systems Architecting
• Engineering Management
• Enterprise Architecture and Governance
• Financial Engineering
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Practices
• Project Management
• Space Systems Engineering
• Systems Engineering Management
• Systems and Supportability Engineering or
• Logistics and Supply Chain Analysis

The Doctoral Program requires 90 credits of graduate work in an approved program of study beyond the bachelor's degree and 60 credits of graduate work in an approved program of study beyond the master's degree.  Of the 60 credits required beyond a master's degree, a minimum of 30 credits must be dissertation/research credit hours.

Doctoral Candidates are encouraged to take

• Mgt 719: Research Methods, and
• Comm  501: Foundations of Technical Communication, which can be substituted for 3 credit hours of dissertation research  

The SSE Graduate Admissions Committee is:

• Dr. John Farr, Associate Dean for Academics
• Dr. Art Pyster, Distinguished Service Professor
• Dr. Roshanak Nilchiani, Research Assistant Professor