Systems Engineering

Faculty

Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science

Version

Version 1 of 23.01.2026.

Module identifier

11B1870

Module level

Bachelor

Language of instruction

German

ECTS credit points and grading

5.0

Module frequency

only winter term

Duration

1 semester

 

 

Brief description

Systems engineering is an interdisciplinary approach to developing and implementing complex technical systems in large projects. It is a systematic approach to solving complex problems, taking into account all aspects of the system and its environment. Systems engineering methods are taught in technical computer science courses to prepare students for the demands of the professional world. Systems engineering is widely used in many industries, particularly in construction and real estate, large electronics and technology corporations, e-commerce and financial services companies. The role of the systems engineer is to monitor, manage and improve complex IT systems. A systems engineer does not view complex IT systems merely as the sum of their parts, but ensures the optimisation of the overall system. Systems engineering can help avoid typical problems such as inadequate integration, lack of collaboration and inefficient development processes. Systems engineering for computer scientists addresses the following aspects: 

  • Fundamentals of Systems Engineering: Introduction to the concepts, methods and tools of systems engineering. This course teaches the basic principles of systems engineering, such as system definition, requirements analysis, system architecture, system integration and system validation.
  • System Modelling: Introduction to the various modelling techniques used in systems engineering. The most important modelling languages, such as UML, SysML and BPMN, are presented and explained using examples.
  • System Analysis and Design: In-depth study of the concepts and methods used to analyse and design complex technical systems. The various phases of systems engineering, such as requirements analysis, system design, implementation and testing, are covered.

Teaching and learning outcomes

  1. Motivation
  2. Introduction
  3. System architectures
  4. Methods, techniques and tools
  5. Regulation
  6. Special topics in SE

Overall workload

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

Teaching and learning methods
Lecturer based learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
45LecturePresence-
15Laboratory activityPresence-
Lecturer independent learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
75Creation of examinations-
15Preparation/follow-up for course work-
Graded examination
  • Project Report, written or
  • Written examination
Ungraded exam
  • Field work / Experimental work
Knowledge deepening

Students at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences who have successfully completed this module will have a sound knowledge of how to handle the complexity of technical computing systems. Students at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences who have successfully completed this module will be able to critically analyse different systems. Students at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences who have successfully completed this module represent systems using model representations with the aid of standardised description languages.

Communication and Cooperation

Students at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences who have successfully completed this module are able to communicate even complex technical computing systems in a well-structured and coherent manner. Students at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences who have successfully completed this module are able to apply systems engineering methods, techniques and tools in a professional manner.

Literature

  • Weilkiens, Tim: Systems Engineering mit SysML/UML, dpunkt-Verlag, 2014
  • Alt, Oliver: Modellbasierte System-Entwicklung mit SysML, Hanser, 2012
  • Haberfellner, Reinhard et.al. : Systems Engineering: Grundlagen und Anwendung, Orell Füssli, 2015
  • Friedenthal, Sanford et. al.: A Practical Guide to SysML, Morgan Kaufmann, 2014 Holt, Jon, Perry, Simon: SysML for Systems Engineering, IET, 2013

Applicability in study programs

  • Computer Science and Computer Engineering
    • Computer Science and Computer Engineering B.Sc. (01.09.2025)

    Person responsible for the module
    • Uelschen, Michael
    Teachers
    • Uelschen, Michael
    • Westerkamp, Clemens