Year 11 Systems Engineering Units 1 and 2
Overview
Systems Engineering is only available to school-based students.
Welcome to the dynamic and hands-on world of engineering design and systems thinking!
In this subject, you’ll dive into the fascinating principles, concepts, and components that power mechanical and electrotechnological systems. You’ll uncover how these systems are imagined, built, and improved—using the powerful systems engineering process to solve real-world problems.
Get ready to roll up your sleeves with creative projects, problem-solving challenges, and teamwork that will see you designing, building, testing, and refining fully functional systems. Along the way, you’ll consider sustainability, safety, and inclusive design, ensuring your solutions don’t just work, but work for everyone.
You’ll discover how mechanics and electronics come together in the world around us, and how engineers turn ideas into innovations that shape the way we live, work, and play.
Unit 1: Electrotechnological Systems Design
- Explore the evolution of electrotechnology and its historical and cultural influences, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engineering solutions.
- Learn the fundamental principles of electrotechnology, including electrical circuits, components, and control systems.
- Design and produce operational electrotechnological systems, potentially incorporating mechanical elements, using the systems engineering process.
- Apply physics and mathematical calculations (such as Ohm’s Law, resistance, voltage, current, and power) to explain and optimise system performance.
- Use industry-standard tools and simulation software to model, test, and refine your designs with a focus on sustainability.
Unit 2: Mechanical Systems Design
- Investigate the history, development, and innovation of mechanical systems, including inclusive design solutions such as assistive devices.
- Learn the principles and operation of simple machines, gears, linkages, and other mechanical components.
- Design and create operational mechanical systems—potentially incorporating electrotechnological components—using the systems engineering process.
- Use physics and mathematics to explain forces, motion, energy transfer, and mechanical advantage.
- Test, evaluate, and refine your system to meet inclusive design goals.
Who is it for?
VCE Systems Engineering is for students who are curious about how things work and how to design and build solutions to real-world problems. It’s ideal for those interested in engineering, robotics, electronics, manufacturing, product design, or mechanics. The subject builds systems thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing students for further VCE study (Units 3–4) and pathways in engineering, design, trades, manufacturing, and STEM careers.
What do you do?
You will research, design, plan, and build systems that respond to sustainability (Unit 1) and inclusive design (Unit 2) challenges. You’ll learn to use tools, materials, components, and simulation software to bring your designs to life. Along the way, you’ll apply physics and mathematics, manage projects, assess risks, and document your process through drawings, records of evidence, and evaluations.
What skills do you need?
There are no prerequisites for Units 1–2. However, completing them will give you a strong foundation for Units 3–4. A willingness to combine practical hands-on work with theoretical understanding will help you succeed.
What skills do you develop?
- Understanding of mechanical and electrotechnological principles.
- Ability to design, produce, test, and evaluate functional systems.
- Application of the systems engineering process to real problems.
- Skills in sustainable and inclusive design, project management, and teamwork.
- Confidence in using tools, materials, and simulation software safely and effectively.
- Problem-solving skills that transfer to future engineering, trade, or design pathways.
Requirements
- Access to a well-equipped workshop and a 3D printer for practical work.
- Electronics tools (soldering irons, multimeters) and components (batteries, resistors, LEDs, microcontrollers, printed circuit boards).
- Students may need to fund materials and components not provided by the school.
- Your school will need to have an adequately qualified supervisor/teacher with a certificate in safe use of machinery. (22454VIC – Course in Safe Use of Machinery for Technology Teaching).
Things to think about
Systems Engineering blends theory and practice—you’ll be using both your hands and your head. A solid grasp of basic mathematics will make understanding the engineering concepts easier. Good time management is essential for balancing design work, production, and documentation.
Things you can do now
- Read the VCAA study design for VCE Systems Engineering (2026–2030).
- Review basic electronics, mechanics, and measurement skills.
- Explore examples of sustainable and inclusive engineering solutions.
Things to have a look at
Top Designs at Melbourne Museum – an annual exhibition showcasing outstanding VCE Systems Engineering projects.
Top Designs at Melbourne Museum