Systems Engineering
Subject Guide
VCE Systems Engineering develops students’ ability to design, create and evaluate solutions using the systems engineering process. The study focuses on solving real-world problems through integrated mechanical and electrotechnological systems, combining practical skills with critical and creative thinking.
Students engage in a project-managed, iterative design process, where they investigate problems, generate and test ideas, and refine solutions. This hands-on approach builds strong capabilities in problem-solving, collaboration and project management, preparing students for future pathways in engineering, manufacturing, technology and design. A key focus of the study is ethical and sustainable design. Students consider the environmental, social and economic impacts of their solutions, as well as the factors that influence how systems are created and used. They learn to make informed design decisions that balance performance, efficiency and responsibility.
Throughout the course, students develop a deep understanding of how systems are controlled, integrated and improved through feedback, while applying engineering principles to produce functional, innovative solutions.
kerrie.ardley@haileybury.com.au
Unit focus areas
Unit 1 – Electrotechnological systems design
This unit introduces students to the systems engineering process through the design and creation of electrotechnological systems. Students explore how electrical and electronic components function within systems, including inputs, processes, outputs, control and feedback.
Students investigate the social, environmental and economic impacts of engineering solutions, with a focus on sustainable and ethical design. They apply design thinking and project management skills to design, produce, test and evaluate an operational system that addresses a real-world problem
Key knowledge includes:
the systems engineering process (investigate, design, plan, produce, evaluate)
electrotechnological components, circuits, microcontrollers and programming control and feedback systems
factors influencing system design (user needs, cost, safety, sustainability)
ethical design, including environmental, social and economic impacts
testing, diagnostics and evaluation of system performance.
Unit 2 – Mechanical Systems Design
This unit focuses on the design and production of mechanical systems using the systems engineering process. Students explore mechanical principles, components and simple machines, and how these are used to create functional systems.
Students investigate historical, cultural and contemporary developments in mechanical engineering, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, and apply inclusive design principles to create systems that meet diverse user needs.
Through hands-on projects, students design, produce and evaluate a mechanical system, considering performance, safety and usability.
Key knowledge includes:
the systems engineering process applied to mechanical systems mechanical components and principles (forces, motion, energy, simple machines, gears, linkages)
inclusive design and designing for diverse users
factors influencing system creation and use (materials, environment, safety, cost)
modelling, testing and performance analysis risk assessment and safe production practices.
Unit focus areas continued
Unit 3 – Ethical Systems Design
This unit focuses on the design and planning of an integrated and controlled system that combines mechanical and electrotechnological elements. Students apply the systems engineering process to investigate, design and begin production of a solution that responds to a real-world problem.
A key emphasis is on ethical design, where students consider environmental, social and economic impacts. Students explore energy systems, including renewable and non-renewable sources, and analyse the technologies used to generate, store and use energy.
Key knowledge includes: applying the systems engineering process to design and plan integrated systems
integration, control and feedback systems in mechanical and electrotechnological contexts
engineering principles and calculations underpinning system performance
ethical design and sustainability, including environmental, social and economic considerations
energy sources and technologies, including renewable and nonrenewable systems
analysing and evaluating energy generation, storage and efficiency.
Unit 4 – Systems production and innovative technologies
In this unit, students complete the production, testing and evaluation of their integrated and controlled system developed in Unit 3. They apply the systems engineering process to refine, troubleshoot and optimise system performance.
Students also investigate new and emerging technologies, considering how innovation influences engineered solutions and their potential future impacts.
Key knowledge includes: applying the systems engineering process to produce, test, diagnose and evaluate a system testing, diagnostics and performance analysis of systems and subsystems evaluating the system and the effectiveness of the design and production process analysing factors influencing system creation and use investigating emerging and innovative technologies and their impacts.
Pre-requisites
Students are strongly advised to complete Systems Engineering Units 1 and 2 before commencing Systems Engineering Units 3 and 4.
Assessment
Outcomes in the Units 1 and 2 course are assessed using a variety of formats, including topic tests, assignments and reports. There is an examination at the end of each semester.
For Units 3 and 4, students complete School-Assessed Task (50%), SchoolAssessed Coursework (20%), and a one-and-a-half-hour end-of-year external examination (30%).
