VCE | SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

Systems Engineering involves the design, creation, operation and evaluation of integrated systems, which mediate and control many aspects of human experiences. It promotes innovative systems and design thinking and problem-solving skills through the Systems Engineering Process, which takes a project-management approach. Students focus on how mechanical, digital and electrotech systems are combined to form a controlled integrated technological systems. Their design ideas utilise processes of increasing complexity and use a variety of materials, tools and equipment. Students develop their engineering knowledge and use appropriate technologies to skilfully and safely produce high quality designed solutions suitable for the intended purpose.

YEAR 10* OR 11

UNIT 1 - Mechanical engineering fundamentals

Students focus on electrotechnology engineering fundamentals. Through the application of their knowledge and the Systems Engineering Process, students produce operational systems that also include mechanical components.

While this unit contains the fundamental physics and theoretical understanding of electrotechnology systems and how they work, the main focus remains on the construction of a system.

The construction process draws heavily upon design and innovation within all the interrelated applied learning activities.

UNIT 2 - Electrotechnology engineering fundamentals

Students focus on building understanding of the fundamental principles of electrical and electronic circuits, commonly referred to as electrotechnology.

Students study fundamental electrotechnology engineering principles. Through the application of their knowledge, students produce basic operational systems.

YEAR 11* OR 12

UNIT 3

- Integrated systems engineering and energy

Students focus on how mechanical and electrotechnical systems are combined to form a controlled integrated technological system. This includes knowledge of sources and types of energy that enable engineered technological systems to function.

Students develop their engineering knowledge and undertake the construction of a substantial system. They also explore contemporary energy issues in relation to powering systems.

UNIT 4 - Systems control and new technologies

Students test and evaluate the integrated controlled system they designed in Unit 3.

They investigate new and emerging technologies, consider reasons for their development and analyse their impacts.

Students use their investigations, design and planning to continue the fabrication of their system. They use project and risk management methods through the construction of the system and a range of materials, tools, equipment and components.

Students test, diagnose and analyse the performance of the system.

* Acceleration is possible in this subject. See page 13 for information on acceleration.

** This subject will incur a levy of $50 per semester.