Dynamic Systems Engineering

Stage II, Course 5 · 4 credits · 14 weeks · Decomposition and systematic engineering

Course Purpose

Students learn systematic decomposition — the engineering discipline that turns complex, messy real systems into manageable, formally specifiable components. This course bridges Stage I (thinking about systems) and Stage II (formalizing systems).

By end: Students can take any complex real system, systematically decompose it into components, map relationships, identify interfaces, specify constraints, document assumptions, and iterate to refinement.

Learning Outcomes

1. Decompose complex systems systematically — philosophy and method
2. Identify components and interfaces — what's inside, what's outside, what communicates across boundaries
3. Map relationships and dependencies — how components interact
4. Understand hierarchical structure — components within components within systems
5. Specify constraints and trade-offs — what's negotiable, what isn't
6. Document assumptions explicitly — what the decomposition takes for granted
7. Iterate and refine decomposition — find the right level of granularity
8. Connect to formal verification — prepare for mathematical proof that decomposition is valid

Core Concepts

decomposition, component, subsystem, interface, boundary, hierarchy, relationship, dependency, modularity, constraint, trade-off, assumption, specification, refinement

Course Structure (14 weeks)

Prerequisites for Subsequent Courses

This course provides the foundational engineering method needed for all subsequent Stage II courses, especially Causal Structure & Dynamic Matrices, and for all Stage III network courses.

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