VCE Systems Engineering is for students interested in innovative systems thinking and problem-solving skills by applying the Systems Engineering Process.
VCE Systems Engineering integrates mechanical (systems that utilise all forms of mechanical components) and electrotechnological (systems that utilise electrical/electronic circuitry) engineered systems.
Students will be provided opportunities to learn and engage with systems from a practical and purposeful perspective. Students also gain knowledge and understanding about technological systems and their applications. Five key concepts underpin the four-unit VCE course: designing, planning, producing, testing, and evaluating in a project-management process.
In Unit 1, students are introduced to electrotechnological engineering concepts such as feedback systems, sensors, circuit diagrams, microcontrollers, and programming, and engage in hands-on creation of operational electrotechnological systems using the iterative Systems Engineering Process. They investigate cultural and historical influences on electrotechnology, and critically evaluate system design's social, environmental and economic impacts.
Students develop project-management skills and apply sustainable design principles by researching and defining a design brief, generating and modelling multiple solution options, and planning a work schedule. They also examine how electrotechnological systems use and convert energy, comparing renewable and non-renewable sources, and document their findings via reports, simulations and multimedia presentations.
In Unit 2, students explore the evolution of mechanical systems engineering by examining the six simple machines (lever, inclined plane, pulley, screw, wedge and wheel and axle), gears and linkages, and recognising engineering innovations from both historical and Indigenous perspectives.
Applying the Systems Engineering Process, they investigate inclusive design challenges, generate and model mechanical solutions, and plan fabrication processes. Students build their understanding of fundamental physics and mathematical calculations to quantify system parameters such as force, speed, mechanical advantage and energy conversions.
Through prototyping, risk assessment and iterative testing, they fabricate operational mechanical systems and evaluate performance against defined criteria, compiling a multimedia folio of evidence
Assessment will be based on internally set and corrected school-assessed coursework. Assessment tasks may include:
Documentation of the systems engineering process using one or more of:
research investigations
maintaining a workbook of practical and class based activities
preparation of reports and assignments
analyses of data
problem solving tasks
production work to create an electrotechnological/mechanical system
an oral presentation
end of semester examination
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The textbook will be ordered from the booklist