Systems Engineering Undergraduate Application Areas

Introduction

Systems engineering is interdisciplinary in nature with applications to a wide range of decision-making environments. Courses in an application area provide a focus for professional development within the general discipline of systems engineering. With this in mind, you are required to complete a sequence of three courses in a related application area of systems engineering. The following areas are identified with corresponding courses that are approved as application sequences. If not otherwise required in the systems engineering plan of study, prerequisites for the courses are shown in square brackets. Note that the listings reflect undergraduate course offerings described in the University of Virginia Undergraduate Record. The lists do not include new or special-topics courses or relevant graduate course offerings. Your advisor may approve minor changes to your sequence as necessary or appropriate, for example, by substituting a new course or graduate course that is clearly within an approved area. Substantial deviations from the approved sequences will be treated as a student-designed application area. The procedures for establishing a student-designed application area are described in the final section below. For students participating in a study-abroad program, one 3-credit foreign language course in the language of the study abroad location, can be applied as one of the three required courses for any application sequence

Biomedical Systems

Systems engineering is an appropriate major for students who intend to pursue graduate studies in biomedical engineering. Many of our systems engineering faculty and graduate students are currently involved in joint research projects with faculty in the Biomedical Engineering Department and in the Medical School, working on such issues as medical decision-aiding and physiological systems modeling. Because of lengthy course sequences in the physical and biological sciences required for biomedical systems engineering, students concentrating in this area are urged to contact Biomedical Engineering faculty for advice in developing not only application sequences, but also in developing their entire plan of study. Your systems engineering faculty advisor would be happy to help you establish these contacts. If you are considering this application area, you should begin preparing your plan of study in your first year in order to avoid lost time and course overloads. You also may want to learn more about the undergraduate Engineering Science degree program. The following courses are approved both for the application sequence in Biomedical Systems as well as for the Biomedical Systems Minor:

BIOM 201 Physiology I [BIOL 201]
BIOM 204 Cell and Molecular Biology for Engineers [BIOL 201]
BIOM 310 Biomedical Engineering Systems Analysis
BIOM 322 Biomechanics/Biotransport [BIOM 201]
BIOM 406 Biomedical Applications of Genetic Engineering [BIOM 201, BIOM 204]
BIOM 411 Bioinstrumentation [BIOM 310 or ECE 203 or MAE 202]
BIOM 428 Muscle Motion Biomechanics
BIOM 441 Bioelectricity [BIOM 310 or ECE 203 or MAE 202]
BIOM 483 Medical Imaging Modalities [BIOM 310 or ECE 323]
BIOM 484 Medical Imaging Analysis [ECE 323]
BIOM 495 Special Topics: Biomedical Engineering
CHE 347 Biochemical Engineering [CHE 246, CHE 321, co-requisite CHE 322]
MSE 512 Biomaterials [MSE 209, BIOM 301]

Communications Systems

This application area provides a technical background in the "physical layer" of communication systems, as taught in electrical and computer engineering. Courses in electrical and computer engineering, computer science, applied mathematics, or college mathematics may be substituted with your advisor's approval. The courses listed below qualify both for the application sequence and as technical electives.

ECE 309 Electromagnetic Fields [PHYS 241E, APMA 213, and ECE 203]
ECE 323 Signals and Systems I [ECE 203 and APMA 213]
ECE 324 Signals and Systems II [ECE 323]
ECE 409 RF Circuit Design and Wireless Systems [ECE 307, ECE 309, ECE 324]
ECE 420 Communications [APMA 310, ECE 324]
ECE 422 Communication Systems Laboratory [ECE 324, co-req: ECE 420]
ECE 541 Optics and Lasers [ECE 303, ECE 309, and ECE323]
ECE 556 Microwave Engineering I [ECE 309]
ECE 482 Microwave Engineering Lab [co-req: ECE 556]
ECE 576 Digital Signal Processing [ECE 323 and ECE 324]

Computer and Information Systems

As a practicing systems engineer, you will be expected to have good programming skills and a basic understanding of computer systems. Much of the active research of our systems engineering faculty and graduate students is directly or indirectly concerned with the design and implementation of efficient and effective algorithms and software systems for specific optimization, simulation, and problem-solving applications. This application area is an excellent choice if you plan to practice systems engineering, pursue graduate studies in engineering or management, or if you just enjoy hacking. Courses in engineering, applied mathematics, or college mathematics may be substituted with your advisor's approval. The courses listed below qualify both for the application sequence and as technical electives. (NOTE: All CS courses require that prerequisites be completed with a C- grade or better.)

CS/APMA 202 Discrete Mathematics I [CS 101]
CS 216 Program and Data Representation [CS 201 and CS 202]
CS/ECE 230 Digital Logic Design
CS 302 Discrete Mathematics II [CS 201 and CS 202]
CS/ECE 333 Computer Architecture [CS 201 and CS 230]
CS 340 Advanced Software Development Techniques [CS 216]
CS 414 Operating Systems [CS 216 and CS 333]
CS 415 Programming Languages [CS 216 and CS 333]
CS 432 Algorithms [CS 216 and CS 302]
CS/ECE 434 Fault-tolerant Computing [CS 333, APMA 213, and APMA 310]
CS 445 Introduction to Computer Graphics [CS 216]
CS 453 Electronic Commerce Technologies [CS 340]
CS/ECE 457 Computer Networks [ CS 333]
CS 458 Internet Engineering [CS 457 or ECE 457]
CS 462 Database Systems [CS 202 and CS 216]
CS 587 Security in Information Systems [CS 340 and either CS/ECE 457 or CS 414]
CS 588 Cryptology: Principles and Applications [CS 302]
ECE 435 Computer Organization and Design [ECE 333]
CE 446 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

Knowledge and skills related to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are increasing in popularity and demand both in research, business, and the technical community. These courses qualify for the application sequence, but do not qualify as technical electives.

EVSC 362 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Methods
EVSC 466 GIS and Arc/Info
EVSC 468 Advanced GIS [EVSC 362, EVSC 466, or other introductory GIS course]

Students concentrating in computer and information systems and seeking a specialty in business-oriented information systems may elect the following application courses from the Commerce School. These courses qualify for the application sequence, but do not qualify as technical electives. Note that the availability of COMM courses is not guaranteed.

COMM 420 Project Management
COMM 422 Database Management Systems
COMM 424 Electronic Commerce
COMM 425 Innovation and Technology Management
COMM 427 Information Technology Project Practicum [COMM 420 and COMM 422]
COMM 428 Data Communications
COMM 429 Selected Topics in Management Information Systems

Control Systems

Many practicing systems engineers were formally trained as electrical and mechanical engineers, with concentrations in control theory and control engineering. Concentrations in control systems are required in many undergraduate systems engineering programs at other universities. This application area provides an excellent conceptual framework both for professional practice and advanced study. Courses in engineering, computer science, applied mathematics, or college mathematics may be substituted with your advisor's approval. The courses listed below qualify both for the application sequence and as technical electives.

ECE 323 Signals and Systems I [ECE 203 and APMA 213]
ECE 324 Signals and Systems II [ECE 323]
ECE 402 Linear Control Systems [ECE 323]
ECE 403 Control Laboratory [co-req: ECE 402]
ECE 412 Digital Control Systems [ECE 402]
ECE 525 Introduction to Robotics [ECE 402 or ECE 621]
ECE 576 Digital Signal Processing [ECE 323 and ECE 324]
MAE 231 Strength of Materials [MAE 230]
MAE 232 Dynamics [MAE 230]
MAE 371 Mechanical Systems Modeling [MAE 232 and APMA 213]
MAE 471 Mechatronics [MAE 232 and MAE 381]
MAE 473 Introduction to Automatic Controls [MAE 232 and MAE 371]
MAE 474 Mechanical Vibrations [MAE 232]
MATH 334 Complex Variables [MATH 231]
MATH 522 Partial Differential Equations and Applied Mathematics [MATH 521

Economic Systems

The complexity of economic systems is increasingly being modeled and resolved using systems engineering techniques. Examples of such activity include macroeconomic forecasting and policy analysis, credit scoring by credit agencies and financial institutions, and security analysis on Wall Street. This application area is an excellent choice for those who intend to work in economics and finance-oriented areas, or who intend to pursue graduate studies in engineering- economic systems, business administration and finance, and economics. All courses taught by the Economics Department in the College numbered ECON 3xx and higher qualify for the application sequence, except ECON 371. ECON 201 and 202 should be taken as general education electives. ECON courses do not qualify as technical electives. Courses in engineering, applied mathematics, or college mathematics may be substituted with your advisor's approval. SYS 481, Engineering Economic Systems, qualifies both for the application sequence and as a technical elective.

Energy and Environmental Systems

The efficient utilization and sustainable development of the earth's natural resources is the subject matter of this sequence. The optimal production and consumption affecting energy, minerals, land, air and water, and the analysis of firm and industry behavior, market structure and regulation are amongst the many complex issues to be studied in the sequence. This application area is recommended for those who intend to follow a career in public policy, research and development or consulting with emphasis on energy & environmental issues. The courses listed below will give you applied knowledge of natural resources management, as well as the economic and political implications of different policy prescriptions. Courses in engineering, applied mathematics, or college mathematics may be substituted with your advisor's approval. The courses listed below qualify both for the application sequence and as technical electives.

CE 205 Intro to Environmental Engineering
CE 315 Fluid Mechanics [CE 230]
CE 336 Water Resources Engineering [CE 315]
CE 365 Fluid Mechanics Lab.[CE 315 co-requisite]
CE 430 Environmental Engineering [CE 315]
CE 435 Groundwater Hydrology [CE 315]
ECE 310 Electromechanical Energy Conversion [ECE 203]
MAE 210 Thermodynamics
MAE 312 Thermal Systems Analysis [MAE 210]
MAE 314 Elements of Heat and Mass Transfer [MAE 321]
MAE 463 Energy Systems Design [MAE 314]

The following courses qualify for the application sequence, but do not qualify as technical electives:
ECON 418 Economics of Regulation
ECON 419 Industrial Organization
ECON 443 Environmental Economics [ECON 301 or 311]

Students concentrating in environmental systems and seeking a broader understanding of environmental concepts may elect courses from the Department of Environmental Sciences in the College. All courses EVSC 3xx and higher qualify for the application sequence, but do not qualify as technical electives.

Financial Systems

Systems engineers are increasingly making important contributions to the successful operation of financial institutions such as credit card companies and Wall Street investment houses. This application area is an excellent choice for those who intend to work in finance- oriented areas such as credit scoring or investment banking, or intend to pursue graduate studies in engineering-economic systems, business administration and finance, and economics. Courses in economics, engineering, applied mathematics, or college mathematics may be substituted with your advisor's approval.

The following course qualifies as both for the application sequence 
and as a technical elective:
SYS 444 Economics of Engineering Systems

The courses listed below qualify for the application sequence, but do not qualify as technical electives. Note that the availability of 
COMM courses is not guaranteed.

COMM 201 - Introduction to Financial Accounting
COMM 273 - Personal Finance
COMM 303 - Quantitative and Financial Analysis
COMM 371N - Managerial Finance I
COMM 372 - Intermediate Corporate Finance
COMM 373 - Investment Banking
COMM 379 - Venture Capital and the Emerging Firm
COMM 472 - International Financial Analysis
COMM 473 - Advanced Investments
COMM 474 - International Finance and Accounting
COMM 475 - Intermediate Investments
COMM 478 - Advanced Corporate Finance
COMM 479 - Real Estate Investment and Finance
COMM 531 - Advanced Financial Accounting
COMM 570 - Financial Trading

ECON 303 Money and Banking
ECON 402 Auction Theory and Practice
ECON 422 International Finance and Macroeconomics
ECON 434 Theory of Financial Markets
ECON 435 Corporate Finance
ECON 436 Topics in Quantitative Finance

MATH 514 Mathematics of Derivative Securities

Human Factors

The goal of human factors is to promote productive interaction between people and the systems they use. Students need to understand how human cognitive and sensory abilities impact system operation. Given knowledge of the human, students learn to design and construct tools (user interfaces, physical equipment, and training interventions) to support human performance. Such tools may be designed to leverage the strengths of both humans and machines for control of semi-automated processes.

The following courses qualify for the application sequence:

ARCH 305 Introduction to Digital Analysis and Representation
BIOM 201 Physiology I
BIOM 202 Physiology II
BIOM 310 Biomedical Engineering Systems Analysis
BIOM 315 Computational BME
BIOM 322 Biomechanics / Biotransport
BIOM 411 Bioinstrumentation
BIOM 428 Muscle Motion Biomechanics
COMM 302 Behavioral Issues in Marketing and Management
CS 305 Usability Engineering
CS 416 Artificial Intelligence
CS 445 Intro to Computer Graphics
EDHS 353 Human Anatomy
EDHS 354 Neuromuscular Bases of Human Behavior I
EDIS 302 The Exceptional Learner
PHIL 233 Computers, Minds and Brains
PHIL 242 Intro To Symbolic Logic
PHIL 332 Epistemology
PHYS 304 Physics of the Human Body
PSYC 210 Introduction to Learning
PSYC 215 Introduction to Cognition
PSYC 220 A Survey of the Neural Basis of Behavior
PSYC 222 Principles of Psychobiology
PSYC 230 Introduction to Perception
PSYC 305/306 Research Methods and Data Analysis
PSYC 415 Cognitive Processes
PSYC 418 Invention and Design
PSYC 420 Neural Mechanisms of Behavior
PSYC 469 Industrial and Organizational Psychology
STAT 313 Design and Analysis of Sample Surveys
STS 315 Invention and Design

The following courses will be accepted for SIE majors who have 3rd or 4th year standing as of Fall 2007. These courses will not be accepted after Spring 2009.

ANTH 317 Visual Anthropology
ARTS 222 Digital Media I
ARTS 223 Intro to Digital Art II
ARTS 322 Digital Media II
ARTS 323 Int. Digital Art II
ARTS 422 Adv. Digital Art I
ARTS 423 Adv. Digital Art II
ARTS 432 Digital Media Projects
BIOM 206 Physiology I
BIOM 207 Physiology II
BIOM 422 Biomechanics
COMM 427 Systems Analysis and Design
EDLF 561 Production of Instructional Materials
EDLF 562 Educational Video Production
PHIL 245 Philosophy Of Science
PSYC 240 Personality Psychology
SOC 273 Computers and Society
STAT 516 Experimental Design
TMP 351 Technology and Product Development Life Cycle

Transportation Systems
Most transportation professionals agree that we cannot simply build our way out of urban congestion problems. Intelligent transportation systems provide the technology to enable efficient congestion management by directly or indirectly helping people to make smart travel choices. Careers in Transportation Systems require skills in engineering, electronics, communications, and systems integration. The courses listed below qualify both for the application sequence and as technical electives.

CE 344 Transportation Engineering I
CE 441 Construction Engineering and Economics
CE 444 Transportation Engineering II
CE445 Intro to Trans Planning
CE 461 Computer App. in Civil Engineering
CE 535 Transportation Sys. Plan. and Anal. I [CE 344, 444]
CE 446 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
SYS 444 Economics of Engineering Systems

Students concentrating in transportation systems and seeking a broader understanding of urban systems, land-use planning and management, and community development may elect the following courses offered in the College. These courses qualify for the application sequence, but do not qualify as technical electives.

EVSC 462 Land Use Management
PLAN 306 Land, Law and the Environment
PLAN 404 Planning in Government: Decisions and Alternatives
PLAN 560 Land Use Policy and Planning
PLAN 574 - Transportation Planning and Policy

Management Systems

In technology-oriented societies, engineers have an increasing role to play as managers, decision-makers, and entrepreneurs in technical areas. Many of our past graduates are currently employed in management and administrative positions. A strong technical education represents one of the very best ways to prepare yourself for graduate studies and a future career in engineering management or technical administration. For this reason, engineering management applications should build on courses in engineering, computer science, and applied or college mathematics. The courses listed below qualify both for the application sequence and as technical electives.

CE 441 Construction Engineering and Economics
ENGR 488 Business & Technical Leadership in Engineering
SYS 257 Management of E-Commerce Systems
SYS 444 - Economics of Engineering Systems

The following courses in the Commerce School qualify for the application sequence, but do not qualify as technical electives. Note that the availability of COMM courses is not guaranteed.

COMM 201 Intro to Financial Accounting
COMM 341 Commercial Law I
COMM 342 Commercial Law II [COMM 341]
COMM 351N Fundamentals of Marketing—Non-Comm [ECON 201, ECON 202]
COMM 380 Business, Government, and Society
COMM 381 Business Ethics
COMM 382 History of International Business
COMM 384N Foundations of International Business—Non-Comm
COMM 444 Tax Factors in Business Decisions
COMM 460 Selected Topics in Management
COMM 462 Topics in Organizational Behavior
COMM 463 Human Resource Management
COMM 464 Advanced Managerial Communication
COMM 465 Business, Politics, and Culture in the European Union
COMM 466 - Strategic Management Consulting
COMM 467 Organizational Change and Development
COMM 468 Entrepreneurship

Mathematical Systems

A background in applied mathematics is perhaps the best asset a
systems engineer can acquire as an undergraduate. Applied mathematics
in many ways is the core of systems science and methodology. This
application area will give you great range in your choice of career
paths. This is an excellent choice for all systems engineers,
especially if you are interested in a career in research and
development or if you consider graduate studies in engineering or
management. The courses listed below qualify for the Mathematical
Systems application sequence. Mathematically-focused courses in
engineering, computer science, economics, or the sciences may be
substituted with your advisor's approval. Note that all of the
courses in the list below also qualify as technical electives.

APMA 314 Vector Calculus and Partial Differential Equations

CS 202 Discrete Mathematics I
CS 302 Discrete Mathematics II

MATH 331 - Basic Real Analysis
MATH 334 - Complex Variables with Applications
MATH 351 - Elementary Linear Algebra
MATH 354 - Survey of Algebra
MATH 404 - Discrete Mathematics
MATH 430 - Elementary Numerical Analysis
MATH 452 - Algebraic Coding Theory
MATH 453 - Number Theory
MATH 475 - Introduction to Knot Theory
MATH 511 - Stochastic Processes
MATH 514 - Mathematics of Derivative Securities
MATH 521 - Advanced Calculus with Applied Mathematics
MATH 522 - Partial Differential Equations and Applied Mathematics
MATH 525 - Advanced Ordinary Differential Equations
MATH 531 - Introduction to Real Analysis
MATH 533 - Advanced Multivariate Calculus
MATH 534 - Complex Variables with Applications
MATH 551 - Advanced Linear Algebra
MATH 552 - Introduction to Abstract Algebra
MATH 554 - Survey of Algebra
MATH 570 - Introduction to Geometry

Student-Designed Applications Areas

As an alternative to selecting an approved area listed in the previous section, qualified students may choose to design their own application areas. Student-designed application areas must be approved formally by the systems engineering department Undergraduate Committee. If you want to design your own application area, these are the steps you should follow:

1. Prepare a preliminary proposal. This proposal should be approximately one page long and should include
   
   

   A brief narrative defining the application area and describing its importance and relevance to systems engineering. A list of primary and alternate courses which constitute your planned program of study, including the application sequence, in this application area. A brief description of your educational objectives and career plans and how these are related to the proposed application area. Indicate any special background or preparation that may motivate your choice.

   
   
2. Discuss the preliminary proposal with your faculty advisor. If your faculty advisor approves of the application area, he/she will work with you in preparing your final proposal.
3. Prepare a final proposal. This proposal should include each of the items required in preliminary proposal (see item 1, above), plus a recommendation from your faculty advisor.
4. Submit your final proposal to the department Director of Undergraduate Studies. Your petition for a student-designed application area will be reviewed by the department Undergraduate Committee and you will be informed of the decision of the Committee in writing.

In making its decision, the Undergraduate Committee will address the following points:

• The appropriateness of the application area as a plan of professional study that builds upon the methodological foundations of systems engineering.
• Its furtherance of the student's individual educational goals and career objectives.
• The rigor and merit of the proposed application sequence and the rigor and coherence of the student's program of study as a whole.

• The maturity, motivation, and academic ability of the individual student.

Note: for students participating in a study-abroad program, one 3-credit foreign language course in the language of the study abroad location can be applied as one of the three required courses for any application sequence.