VCE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

Systems Engineering Study Design (2013 – 2017)

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. The Cross study specification of the Systems Engineering Process is shown on page 12 of the study design. What is the significance of the factors that influence the design, planning, production and use of a system?

An elaboration of the factors that influence the design, planning, production and use of the system that the students will develop in each of Units 1, 2 and over Units 3 and 4 is on page 39 of the Advice for teachers. A representation of the Systems Engineering Process that incorporates these factors is provided in the VCE Systems Engineering Implementation Workshop Presentation on the Systems Engineering page of the VCAA website

The factors need to be considered and integrated throughout the development of their system. They provide a focus for reflection and re-evaluation of the objectives for the system.

  1. Are students required to identify Australian standards related to the integrated controlled system they make in Units 3 and 4?

Unit 4, Outcome 1 key knowledge includes the role of standards, specifications, data sheets and technical data manuals. However, unlike the previous study, students do not need to apply relevant Australian Standards related to the system being manufactured, unless the system has some inherent safety considerations that would be subject to meeting particular Australian Standards.

  1. Should the integrated system students make in Units 3 and 4 have a closed loop or open loop control system?

It can be either.

  1. Unit 3 requires students to identify and represent mechanical and electrotechnology systems in diagrammatic and symbolic form. What symbols do students need to know?

Teachers should refer to the Table of electronic symbols on Systems Engineering page of the VCAA website.

Symbols for hydraulics and pneumatics are available in the Australian Standard Graphic symbols for general engineering, 1101.1 – 2007l; ISO1219-1:2006. Students should be familiar with at least the basic hydraulic and pneumatic symbols for the following components: cylinders, pistons, valves, piston and rod, pump, and solenoid.

  1. Key knowledge in the study design includes SI units and engineering notation. Which SI units should students be familiar with?

What is being measured? / SI unit
Current / Amperes
Capacitance / Farad
Distance / Meters
Force / Newtons
Frequency / Hertz
Light (level) Intensity / Lumens
Mass / Kilograms
Power / Watts
Pressure / Pascals
Resistance / Ohms
Sound Level / Decibels
Time / Seconds/minutes
Torque / Newton metres
Voltage / Volts
Work done / Joules

VCAA January 2013