Year 12 Systems Engineering Units 3 and 4
Overview
*Systems Engineering is only available to school-based students.
VCE Systems Engineering Units 3 and 4 extend the knowledge and skills developed in Units 1 and 2, with a strong focus on designing, producing, and evaluating integrated mechanical and electrotechnological systems that consider ethical design. The course combines theory and practical, project-based learning, requiring students to apply the systems engineering process to manage all stages of their work—from investigating and defining a problem, to generating and designing solutions, through to producing, testing, and refining a working system.
In Unit 3 – Ethical Systems Design, students study engineering principles to explain the physical properties and functionality of integrated and controlled systems. They explore energy sources and technologies used to harness and store power, comparing renewable and non-renewable systems, and begin planning and developing their own integrated electromechanical system.
In Unit 4 – Systems Production and Innovative Technologies, students complete the system they commenced in Unit 3, applying advanced project management, risk assessment, and evaluation skills. They also investigate new and emerging technologies, considering their impacts and potential future applications.
Who is it for?
This subject is ideal for students who:
- Are curious about how systems work and enjoy solving real-world problems through practical design and production.
- Are interested in combining mechanical and electronic engineering principles.
- Want to explore sustainability, ethical design, and emerging technologies.
- Are considering pathways into engineering, robotics, mechatronics, product design, electrotechnology, manufacturing, or STEM-related trades.
What do you do?
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- Design, plan, and create an integrated and controlled mechanical-electrotechnological system in response to a design brief.
- Research and apply engineering concepts, physics, and mathematics to optimise system performance.
- Compare and evaluate renewable and non-renewable energy sources and the technologies that use them.
- Use tools such as CAD, simulation software, soldering equipment, and workshop machinery to fabricate and test your design.
- Document all stages of the project in a detailed folio, including design ideas, calculations, risk assessments, and evaluations.
What skills do you need?
- Willingness to work through iterative design processes and adapt ideas based on testing and feedback.
- Basic workshop and electronics skills from Units 1–2 (or equivalent experience).
- Ability to apply problem-solving, research, and project management skills.
What skills do you develop?
- Advanced understanding of mechanical, electrotechnological, and control systems.
- Competence in project management, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk assessment.
- Ability to apply ethical and sustainable design principles to real-world engineering problems.
- Proficiency in technical drawing, CAD, circuit design, and safe workshop practices.
- Skills in testing, diagnosing, and refining complex systems.
Requirements
- Access to appropriate tools, equipment, and materials to produce the designed system (this may include a 3D printer, laser cutter, soldering equipment, and electronics tools).
- Components and consumables specific to the student’s project (some costs may be covered by the school; others by the student).
- A qualified supervisor/teacher with the 22454VIC (or updated equivalent) – Course in Safe Use of Machinery for Technology Teaching to oversee any workshop-based production.
- Students must be willing to cover the cost of materials, equipment, and components that are not available in their home school workshop.
Things to think about
Systems Engineering blends theory and practice. 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. You must also have a sound knowledge of general mathematical principles to understand the engineering fundamentals involved in the study.
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