UVa Course Catalog (Unofficial, Lou's List)
Complete Catalog for the Systems and Information Engineering Department    
Class Schedules Index Course Catalogs Index Class Search Page
These pages present data mined from the University of Virginia's student information system (SIS). I hope that you will find them useful. — Lou Bloomfield, Department of Physics
Engineering Business
EBUS 1800Business Fundamentals (3)
Offered
Fall 2025
This course introduces students to key business topics relevant to high technology companies. Students will learn how to understand and interpret financial statements and frame financial decisions, including building a business case. The course will explore typical organizational structures and the roles of business functions. Students will be introduced to business models and other concepts in marketing and business strategy.
Course was offered Spring 2025, Fall 2024
EBUS 2570Special Topics in Engineering Business (3)
This course will cover various topics in engineering business.
EBUS 2580Special Topics for Engineering Entrepreneurship (3)
This course will cover various topics in engineering entrepreneurship.
EBUS 2720Marketing for Engineers (3)
This course will provide engineers with an introduction to all facets of marketing, including creating compelling brands, working with media, and the role of product marketing. Students will also learn how the principles of marketing are applied in a variety of roles, such as personal brands in consulting and products within large companies.
EBUS 2730Engineers & the Art of the Deal (3)
This course will not only teach the key components of doing a transaction but also the skills necessary to negotiate effectively. The class will be interactive . Various case studies involving technology transactions will be analyzed and discussed. A reasonable amount of assigned reading and project work will be required.
Course was offered Fall 2024
EBUS 2810Introduction to Technology Entrepreneurship (3)
Learn the fundamental issues related to starting a technology-based venture. Examine the different concepts of entrepreneurship and review cases of engineer-entrepreneurs. Explore how technology-based solutions solve economic and social world problems. Students will give several presentations and work in teams to develop a new product through patent application and business. This course is suitable for non-engineering students.
EBUS 2820Presentation Strategies for Entrepreneurs (3)
This course provides real world, hands-on learning on how to start a company. Students will work in teams learning how to turn a great idea into a great company and how to present your concept to investors.
EBUS 2830Innovation and New Ventures (3)
Offered
Fall 2025
An introduction to concepts innovators use to solve problems and create value by addressing unmet needs. Learn how to identify and evaluate opportunities and use proven entrepreneurial frameworks to create new products and businesses for companies of all sizes. Through class activities, projects, and presentations you will learn how storytelling, teamwork, and leadership skills are essential for starting, funding, and building your business.
Course was offered Spring 2025, Fall 2024
EBUS 2850Government and Entrepreneurship (3)
The course explores government contracting, how the government procures products and services, and opportunities created through government regulation. Pre-requisite: STS 1500 or ENGR 1020 or ENGR 2595-Engineering Foundations II.
Course was offered Spring 2025
EBUS 2860Introduction to Intellectual Property (3)
Introduces the fundamentals U.S. patent, copyright, patent law and trade secrets. Students will learn the basics of creating and filing patents. This course examines the impact of intellectual property on technological innovation and the role it plays in business strategy. The course will also touch on the growing importance of proprietary data and information.
EBUS 2880Invention and Design (3)
Investigates the way technology is created and improved. Offers a collaborative learning environment in which multi-disciplinary teams invent and design several modules that emulate problems, such as the invention of the telephone or the design of an expert system. Includes readings from psychology, history, computing, ethics, and engineering. Students keep design notebooks, present team project results, and write an integrative paper. Prerequisite: STS 1500 or equivalent.
EBUS 2890Driving Business Growth Through Innovation: Past to Present (3)
This course explores how technological innovations, entrepreneurs, and venture investment has shaped business cycles, impacted society, and built industry-leading companies. Students will learn from readings, case studies, guest speakers, and class discussions. In addition to lessons from the past, students will study and apply those learnings to today's significant trends, innovations, and companies.
Course was offered Fall 2024
EBUS 3570Special Topics in Engineering Business (3)
This course will cover various topics in engineering business. 
EBUS 3580Special Topics for Engineering Entrepreneurship (3)
This course will cover various topics in engineering entrepreneurship.
EBUS 3840Entrepreneurial Finance (3)
Entrepreneurial Finance will introduce finance concepts for those interested in small biz startups. Through readings, cases and guest speakers, we will review several industries, from low tech to small business manufacturing to high tech. We will explore different ways small businesses are financed and the theory and practice behind those decisions. Class participation and a entrepreneurial project will be an important part of the class. Pre-requisite: EBUS 1800
EBUS 4580Special Topics for Engineering Entrepreneurship (3)
This course will cover various topics in engineering entrepreneurship.
Course was offered Spring 2025
EBUS 4810New Product Development (3)
Offered
Fall 2025
This course will help students understand the fundamentals of product management and how it applies to the product development lifecycle. Students will analyze cases covering different phases of the product development lifecycle, build technical and professional skills, and practice soft skills which are essential for success in the world of product.
Course was offered Spring 2025, Fall 2024
Systems & Information Engineering
SYS 2001Case Studies in Systems Engineering Concepts (3)
Offered
Fall 2025
Major dimensions of systems engineering will be covered and demonstrated through case studies: (1) The history, philosophy, art, and science upon which systems engineering is grounded; including system thinking and guiding principles and steps in the `systems engineering approach¿ to problem solving; and (2) The basic tools of systems engineering analysis, including; goal definition and system representation, requirements analysis, system assessment and evaluation, mathematical modeling, and decision analysis.
SYS 2054Systems Case Studies (3)
Focuses on the application of systems engineering methodology to an actual, open-ended situation faced by a client. Areas of emphasis will include the identification of system goals, the formulation of requirements and performance measures, the creation and evaluation of alternative solutions, and the presentation of results to clients. When offered abroad, this course also focuses on cutlural differences in engineering and business.
Course was offered January 2017
SYS 2055Technology Leaders Colloquium (0.5)
Students learn about systems integration, technical leadership, innovation, professional development, interdisciplinary teamwork, and the engineering field through a variety of experiences including industry speakers, field trips, student presentations, in-class activities, and projects.
SYS 2202Data and Information Engineering (3)
This course provides students with the background necessary to model, store, manipulate, and exchange information to support decision making. It covers Unified Modeling Language (UML), SQL, and XML; the development of semantic models for describing data and their relationships; effective use of SQL; web-based technologies for disseminating information; and application of these technologies through web-enabled database systems. Corequisite: CS 2100 or CS 2110.
SYS 2501Special Topics in Systems and Information Engineering (1 - 3)
A second-year level undergraduate course focused on a topic not normally covered in the course offerings. The topic usually reflects new developments in the systems and information engineering field. Offering is based on student and faculty interests. Prerequisites: Instructor Permission
Course was offered Spring 2015
SYS 2502Special Topics in Systems and Information Engineering (1 - 3)
A second-year level undergraduate course focused on a topic not normally covered in the course offerings. The topic usually reflects new developments in the systems and information engineering field. Offering is based on student and faculty interests. Prerequisites: Instructor Permission
SYS 2620Engineered Systems Public Policy (3)
This course examines the lifecycle of engineered systems (ES) and the public policies developed to regulate them. It covers risks, costs, benefits, and equity as common evaluation criteria for ES and their regulatory policies. It uses case studies and basic tools of decision analysis to critically evaluate the tradeoffs involved in developing and regulating ES through public policy. Pre-reqs: (STS 1500 or ENGR 1020 or ENGR 2595 - Engineering Foundations II) and (APMA 1110 or MATH 1320), and (CHEM 1410 or CHEM 1810), and (PHYS 1425 or PHYS 1420 or PHYS 1710).
SYS 3001The Art and Science of Systems Modeling (3)
This course will introduce the students to the systemic process of model building and to the richness of the plethora of classes of models, spanning linear vs. nonlinear; static vs. dynamic; deterministic vs. probabilistic; discrete vs. continuous; single-objective vs. multi-objective. In particular, the central role of state space and state variables in system modeling will be the focus of model building. All models developed in class will be introduced with example problems and the students' learning experience in model building will be codified through group homework assignments, exams and a term project.
SYS 3021Deterministic Decision Models (3)
Offered
Fall 2025
Introduction to deterministic optimization models: theory, algorithms, and applications. Coverage begins with highly structured network optimization models and ends with unstructured linear optimization models. Applications include (1) telecommunications network planning and design, (2) design and utilization of transportation and distribution networks, and (3) project management and scheduling. Corequisite: SYS 2001 and APMA 3080.
SYS 3023Human Machine Interface (3)
Offered
Fall 2025
An introduction to the fundamentals for the analysis, design and evaluation of human-centered systems. For example, user interaction can be designed to leverage the strengths of people in controlling automation and analyzing data. Course topics include Task, User and Work Domain Analysis, User Interface Design Principles, Human Cognition and Information Processing (Top-Down Design), Human Perception (Bottom-Up Design), and Usability Testing. Corequisite: SYS 2001.
SYS 3034System Evaluation (3)
Focuses on the evaluation of candidate system designs and design performance measures. Includes identification of system goals; requirements and performance measures; design of experiments for performance evaluation; techniques of decision analysis for trade-studies; presentation of system evaluation and analysis results. Illustrates the concepts and processes of systems evaluations using case studies. Pre-reqs: APMA 3120, SYS 2001, & SYS 3021.
SYS 3046Sustainability Models and Human Needs (3)
What is a globally sustainable standard of living? How should governments balance the desire to create national income and provide for the human needs of their citizens, against the desire to conserve natural resources and the environment for future generations? This course takes a systematic approach to answering these questions by evaluating sustainability in the context of human needs.
Course was offered Summer 2021
SYS 3054Systems Case Studies (3)
Focuses on the application of systems engineering methodology to an actual, open-ended situation faced by a client. Areas of emphasis will include the identification of system goals, the formulation of requirements and performance measures, the creation and evaluation of alternative solutions, and the presentation of results to clients. When offered abroad, this course also focuses on cultural differences in engineering and business. Prerequisites: SYS 2001, APMA 3100, APMA 3110, APMA 3120, or instructor permission.
Course was offered Fall 2013
SYS 3055Systems Engineering Design Colloquium I (1)
Offered
Fall 2025
Focuses on the practice of systems engineering directly from current systems engineers. A variety of topics are covered by invited speakers from industry, government, and the academy. Discussions include engineering design projects, alternative career paths, graduate studies, professional development, and more immediate options with opportunities for summer internships and capstone projects. Prereq: 3rd Year standing in systems engineering.
SYS 3060Stochastic Decision Models (3)
This is an introductory course on modeling probabilistic systems. The emphasis will be on model formulation and probabilistic analysis. Topics to be covered include general stochastic processes, discrete and continuous time Markov chains, the Poisson Process, Non-Stationary Poisson Processes, Markov Decision Processes, Queueing Theory, and other selected topics. Prerequisite: APMA 3100 or MATH 3100.
SYS 3062Discrete Event Simulation (4)
A first course in the theory & practice of discrete-event simulation. Monte Carlo methods, generating random numbers & variates, spreadsheet add-ins & applications, sampling distributions & confidence intervals, input analysis & distribution fitting. Discrete-event dynamic systems, modeling, simulation logic & data structures, output analysis, model verification & validation, comparing alternative systems, simulation optimization, case studies. Prerequisite: CS 2100, APMA 3100, and APMA 3120
SYS 3501Special Topics in Systems and Information Engineering (1 - 4)
Offered
Fall 2025
A third-year level undergraduate course focused on a topic not normally covered in the course offerings. The topic usually reflects new developments in the systems and information engineering field. Offering is based on student and faculty interests. Prerequisites: Instructor Permission
SYS 3502Special Topics in Systems and Information Engineering (0.5 - 3)
A third-year level undergraduate course focused on a topic not normally covered in the course offerings. The topic usually reflects new developments in the systems and information engineering field. Offering is based on student and faculty interests. Prerequisites: Instructor Permission
SYS 4021Linear Statistical Models (4)
Offered
Fall 2025
This course shows how to use linear statistical models for analysis in engineering and science. The course emphasizes the use of regression models for description, prediction, and control in a variety of applications. Building on multiple regression, the course also covers principal component analysis, analysis of variance and covariance, logistic regression, time series methods, and clustering. Prerequisite: CS 2100, APMA 3100 and APMA 3120.
SYS 4024User Experience Design (3)
A case-based approach to the design of user interfaces with a focus on iterative project experiences. Display design concepts are related to ecological factors, situational awareness, attention, vision, and information processing. Project cases are tied to real-world problems of decision support on mobile platforms, large scale command and control, and data visualization, among others. Prerequisites: SYS 3023 or CS 3205.
SYS 4036Design of Experiments (3)
A problem-oriented approach to planning, design and analysis of experiments. A strategic selection of experimental design takes fundamental understanding of variability, and the skills to analyze and control it. The lectures cover a list of statistical methods and their relationship, including ANOVA, Regression, Factorial Designs and RSM. The final project will help gain experiences in collecting and analyzing human subject experiments.
Course was offered Spring 2018
SYS 4044Economics of Engineering Systems (3)
Offered
Fall 2025
"This course is an introduction to the theory of the industrial organization (from a game-theoretic perspective) and its applications to industries with strong engineering content (electricity, telecommunications, software & hardware etc.) Topics include: congestion pricing in networks, pricing and efficiency in electricity markets, planned obsolescence in software development, ""network"" effects and the dynamics of technology adoption etc. Prerequisites: ECON 2010 and a course in probability (either APMA 3100, APMA 3110, or Math 3100)."
SYS 4050Risk Analysis (3)
Offered
Fall 2025
This course is an introduction to the theory, methods, and applications of risk analysis and systems engineering. The topics include research and development priorities, risk-cost-benefit analysis, emergency management, human health and safety, environmental risk, extreme events, infrastructure resilience, system interdependencies, and enterprise systems. Corequisites: a course in probability (APMA 3100 or APMA 3110 or Math 3100).
SYS 4053Systems Capstone Design I (3)
Offered
Fall 2025
A design project extending throughout the fall and spring semesters. Involves the study of a real-world, open-ended situation, including problem formulation, data collection, analysis and interpretation, model building and analysis, and generation of solutions. Students work on the same project with the same team in SYS 4053 and 4054 in subsequent semesters.  Pre-requisites: SYS 2001 and SYS 2202 and FOUR of the following (SYS 3021 or SYS 3023 or SYS 3034 or SYS 3060 or  SYS 3062)
SYS 4054Systems Capstone Design II (3)
A design project extending throughout the fall and spring semesters. Involves the study of a real-world, open-ended situation, including problem formulation, data collection, analysis and interpretation, model building and analysis, and generation of solutions. Students work on the same project with the same team in SYS 4053 and 4054 in subsequent semesters.  Pre-requisite:  SYS 4053
SYS 4055Systems Engineering Design Colloquium II (1)
Offered
Fall 2025
This is a colloquium that allows fourth-year students to learn about engineering design, innovation, teamwork, technical communication, and project management in the context of their two-semester systems capstone design project. Prerequisite: must have successfully completed 6 or more courses in the standard SYS curriculum (SYS 2001, SYS 2202, and 4 of the following: SYS 3021, SYS 3023, SYS 3034, SYS 3060, and SYS 3062)
SYS 4081Human-Computer Interaction (3)
To learn basic aspects of human factors in the design of information support systems. We will cover: (1) basic human performance issues (physiology, memory, learning, problem-solving, human error), (2) the user interface design process (task analysis, product concept, functional requirements, prototype, design, and testing.) Students will gain basic skills in the analysis and design of human-machine systems through in-class exercises and two course projects. The course is also designed to help you practice different communication skills (interviewing, written analysis, and oral presentation).
SYS 4501Special Topics in Systems and Information Engineering (0.5 - 3)
A fourth-year level undergraduate course focused on a topic not normally covered in the course offerings. The topic usually reflects new developments in the systems and information engineering field. Offering is based on student and faculty interests. Prerequisites: Instructor Permission
SYS 4502Special Topics in Systems and Information Engineering (0.5 - 3)
A fourth-year level undergraduate course focused on a topic not normally covered in the course offerings. The topic usually reflects new developments in the sysems and information engineering field. Offering is based on student and faculty interests.
SYS 4581Selected Topics in Systems Engineering (0.5 - 3)
Offered
Fall 2025
Detailed study of a selected topic determined by the current interest of faculty and students. Offered as required. Prerequisite: As specified for each offering.
SYS 4582Selected Topics in Systems Engineering (0.5 - 3)
Offered
Fall 2025
Detailed study of a selected topic determined by the current interest of faculty and students. Prerequisite: As specified for each offering.
SYS 4995Supervised Projects in Systems Engineering (1 - 6)
Offered
Fall 2025
Independent study or project research under the guidance of a faculty member. Offered as required. Prerequisite: As specified for each offering.
SYS 5581Selected Topics in Systems Engineering (3)
Offered
Fall 2025
Detailed study of a selected topic, determined by the current interest of faculty and students. Offered as required.
SYS 5582Selected Topics in Systems Engineering (3)
Detailed study of a selected topic, determined by the current interest of faculty and students. Offered as required.
SYS 6001Introduction to Systems Analysis & Design (3)
Offered
Fall 2025
An integrated introduction to systems methodology, design, and management. An overview of systems engineering as a professional and intellectual discipline, and its relation to other disciplines, such as operations research, management science, and economics. An introduction to selected techniques in systems and decision sciences, including mathematical modeling, decision analysis, risk analysis, and simulation modeling. Elements of systems management, including decision styles, human information processing, organizational decision processes, and information system design for planning and decision support. Emphasizes relating theory to practice via written analyses and oral presentations of individual and group case studies. Prerequisite: Admission to the graduate program.
SYS 6002Systems Integration (3)
Provides an introduction to the problems encountered when integrating large systems, and also presents a selection of specific technologies and methodologies used to address these problems. Includes actual case-studies to demonstrate systems integration problems and solutions. A term project is used to provide students with the opportunity to apply techniques for dealing with systems integration. Prerequisite: SYS 6001 or instructor permission.
SYS 6003Optimization Models and Methods I (3)
Offered
Fall 2025
This course is an introduction to theory and application of mathematical optimization. The goal of this course is to endow the student with a) a solid understanding of the subject's theoretical foundation and b) the ability to apply mathematical programming techniques in the context of diverse engineering problems. Topics to be covered include a review of convex analysis (separation and support of sets, application to linear programming), convex programming (characterization of optimality, generalizations), Karush-Kuhn-Tucker conditions, constraint qualification and Lagrangian duality. The course closes with a brief introduction to dynamic optimization in discrete time. Prerequisite: Two years of college mathematics, including linear algebra, and the ability to write computer programs.
SYS 6005Stochastic Modeling I (3)
Covers basic stochastic processes with emphasis on model building and probabilistic reasoning. The approach is non-measure theoretic but otherwise rigorous. Topics include a review of elementary probability theory with particular attention to conditional expectations; Markov chains; optimal stopping; renewal theory and the Poisson process; martingales. Applications are considered in reliability theory, inventory theory, and queuing systems. Prerequisite: APMA 3100, 3120, or equivalent background in applied probability and statistics.
SYS 6007Human Factors I (3)
An introduction to the analysis, design and evaluation of human-centered systems. User interaction can be designed to leverage the strengths of people in controlling automation and analyzing data. Topics include Task, User and Work Domain Analysis, User Interface Design Principles, Human Cognition and Information Processing, Human Perception, and Usability Testing. Graduate version includes separate project review sessions.
SYS 6009The Art and Science of Systems Modeling (3)
Focuses on learning and practicing the art and science of systems modeling through diverse case studies. Topics span the modeling of discrete and continuous, static and dynamic, linear and non-linear, and deterministic and probabilistic systems. Two major dimensions of systems modeling are discussed and their efficacy is demonstrated: the building blocks of mathematical models and the centrality of the state variables in systems modeling, including: state variables, decision variables, random variables, exogenous variables, inputs and outputs, objective functions, and constraints; and effective tools in systems modeling, including multiobjective models, influence diagrams, event trees, systems identification and parameter estimation, hierarchical holographic modeling, and dynamic programming.
Course was offered Fall 2015, Fall 2013
SYS 6012Dynamic Systems (3)
Offered
Fall 2025
Introduces modeling, analysis, and control of dynamic systems, using ordinary differential and difference equations. Emphasizes the properties of mathematical representations of systems, the methods used to analyze mathematical models, and the translation of concrete situations into appropriate mathematical forms. Primary coverage includes ordinary linear differential and difference equation models, transform methods and concepts from classical control theory, state-variable methods and concepts from modern control theory, and continuous system simulation. Applications are drawn from social, economic, managerial, and physical systems. Cross-listed as MAE 6620. Prerequisite: APMA 2130 or equivalent.
SYS 6014Decision Analysis (3)
Principles and procedures of decision-making under uncertainty and with multiple objectives. Topics include representation of decision situations as decision trees, influence diagrams, and stochastic dynamic programming models; Bayesian decision analysis, subjective probability, utility theory, optimal decision procedures, value of information, multiobjective decision analysis, and group decision making. Prerequisite: SYS 6003, 6005, or equivalent.
SYS 6016Machine Learning (3)
A graduate-level course on machine learning techniques and applications with emphasis on their application to systems engineering. Topics include: Bayesian learning, evolutionary algorithms, instance-based learning, reinforcement learning, and neural networks. Students are required to have sufficient computational background to complete several substantive programming assignments. Prerequisite: A course covering statistical techniques such as regression. Co-Listed with CS 6316.
SYS 6018Data Mining (3)
Offered
Fall 2025
Data mining describes approaches to turning data into information. Rather than the more typical deductive strategy of building models using known principles, data mining uses inductive approaches to discover the appropriate models. These models describe a relationship between a system's response and a set of factors or predictor variables. Data mining in this context provides a formal basis for machine learning and knowledge discovery. This course investigates the construction of empirical models from data mining for systems with both discrete and continuous valued responses. It covers both estimation and classification, and explores both practical and theoretical aspects of data mining. Prerequisite: SYS 6021, SYS 4021, or STAT 5120.
SYS 6021Statistical Modeling I (3)
Offered
Fall 2025
This course shows how to use linear statistical models for analysis in engineering and science. The course emphasizes the use of regression models for description, prediction, and control in a variety of applications. Building on multiple regression, the course also covers principal component analysis, analysis of variance and covariance, logistic regression, time series methods, and clustering. Course lectures concentrate on theory and practice.
SYS 6023Cognitive Systems Engineering (3)
Introduces the field of cognitive systems engineering, which seeks to characterize and support human-systems integration in complex systems environments. Covers key aspects of cognitive human factors in the design of information support systems. Reviews human performance (memory, learning, problem-solving, expertise and human error); characterizes human performance in complex, socio-technical systems, including naturalistic decision making and team performance; reviews different types of decision support systems, with a particular focus on representation aiding systems; and covers the human-centered design process (task analysis, knowledge acquisition methods, product concept, functional requirements, prototype, design, and testing).
SYS 6024User Experience Design (3)
A case-based approach to the design of user interfaces with a focus on iterative project experiences. Display design concepts are related to ecological factors, situational awareness, attention, vision, and information processing. Project cases are tied to real-world problems of decision support on mobile platforms, large scale command and control, and data visualization, among others. Graduate version includes 4-5 advanced discussion sessions.
SYS 6034Discrete-Event Stochastic Simulation (3)
A first graduate course covering the theory and practice of discrete-event stochastic simulation. Coverage includes Monte Carlo methods and spreadsheet applications, generating random numbers and variates, specifying input probability distributions, discrete-event simulation logic and computational issues, review of basic queueing theory, analysis of correlated output sequences, model verification and validation, experiment design and comparison of simulated systems, and simulation optimization. Emphasis includes state-of-the-art simulation programming languages with animation on personal computers. Applications address operations in manufacturing, distribution, transportation, communication, computer, health care, and service systems. Prerequisite: SYS 6005 or equivalent background in probability, statistics, and stochastic processes.
SYS 6035Agent-Based Modeling and Simulation of Complex Systems (3)
Complex system are composed of many independent parts, each endowed with behavioral rules that dictate its actions while the collective behavior of the overall system displays unpredictable, /emergent/ properties, thus the whole is indeed more than the sum of its parts. The course will examine the nature of complex systems as observed in many disciplines including biology, physics, economics, political science, ecology, sociology, and engineering systems. Agent-based modeling and simulation will be used as a tool for further understanding such systems. Prerequisite: Agent-Based Modeling and Simulation of Complex Systems.
SYS 6036Design of Experiments (3)
A problem-oriented approach to planning, design and analysis of experiments. A strategic selection of experimental design takes fundamental understanding of variability, and the skills to analyze and control it. The lectures cover a list of statistical methods and their relationship, including ANOVA, Regression, Factorial Designs and RSM. Graduate students will be tasked to propose a new method in experimental design for their final exam.
Course was offered Spring 2018
SYS 6041Ethics in Engineering Research & Practice (EERP) (3)
The goals of this course are to educate graduate students in SEAS in the ethical conduct of research & publication, and to facilitate the thoughtful integration of ethics into their engineering research & practice. This is done by i) engaging students in deliberative readings, discussion, & writing about EERP, and ii) using cases to consider the ethical dimensions of engineering and resources to support the engineer facing ethical dilemmas.
SYS 6042Network and Combinatorial Optimization (3)
This course provides an introduction to network and combinatorial optimization at the level of a second graduate course in optimization. Designed to complement SYS 6003, but the course is not a pre-requisite. Solid background in linear algebra and some mathematical maturity.
Course was offered Spring 2023
SYS 6043Applied Optimization (3)
Presents the foundations of mathematical modeling and optimization, with emphasis on problem formulation and solution techniques. Includes applications of linear programs, nonlinear programs, and combinatorial models, as well as a practical introduction to algorithms for solving these types of problems. Topics are illustrated through classic problems such as service planning, operations management, manufacturing, transportation, and network flows. Prerequisites: Two years of college mathematics, including linear algebra, or instructor permission Note: This course cannot be applied toward completing the requirements for an M.S. or Ph.D. in Systems Engineering
SYS 6044Engineering Economic Systems (3)
Offered
Fall 2025
This course is an introduction to the theory of the industrial organization (from a game-theoretic perspective) and its applications to industries with strong engineering content (electricity, telecommunications, software and hardware, etc.). Topics include: congestion pricing in networks, pricing and efficiency in electricity markets, planned obsolescence in software development, "networks" effects and the dynamics of technology adoption. Prerequisite: ECON 2010, APMA 3100 or 3110.
SYS 6045Applied Probabilistic Models (3)
The goal of this course is to develop an operational understanding of the basic tools of probabilistic modeling, including (i) a review of undergraduate probability, (ii) introduction to Bernoulli and Poisson processes with applications, (iii) Markov chains and applications, and (iv) limit theorems. Homework and exams will emphasize the use of basic concepts of probability theory in applications.
SYS 6050Risk Analysis (3)
Offered
Fall 2025
A study of technological systems, where decisions are made under conditions of risk and uncertainty. Topics include conceptualization (the nature, perception, and epistemology of risk, and the process of risk assessment and management) systems engineering tools for risk analysis (basic concepts in probability and decision analysis, event trees, decision trees, and multiobjective analysis), and methodologies for risk analysis. Prerequisite: APMA 3100, SYS 3021, or equivalent.
SYS 6054Financial Engineering (3)
Provides an introduction to basic topics in finance from an engineering and modeling perspective. Topics include the theory of interest, capital budgeting, valuation of firms, futures and forward contracts, options and other derivatives, and practical elements of investing and securities speculation. Emphasis is placed on the development and solution of mathematical models for problems in finance, such as capital budgeting, portfolio optimization, and options pricing; also predictive modeling as it is applied in credit risk management. Prerequisite: SYS 6003 or equivalent graduate-level optimization course. Students need not have any background in finance or investment.
Course was offered Spring 2010
SYS 6060Autonomous Mobile Robots (3)
Offered
Fall 2025
This course will teach students the required skills, concepts, and algorithms to develop mobile robots that act autonomously in complex environments. The main emphasis is on mobile robot locomotion and kinematics, control, sensing, localization, mapping, path planning, and motion planning. Besides theory, students are exposed to simulation environments and lab exercises with real robotic systems.
Course was offered Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
SYS 6064Applied Human Factors Engineering (3)
Offered
Fall 2025
This topic covers principles of human factors engineering, understanding and designing systems that take into account human capabilities and limitations from cognitive, physical, and social perspectives. Models of human performance and human-machine interaction are covered as well as methods of design and evaluation. Prerequisite: Basic statistics knowledge (ANOVA, linear regression)
SYS 6097Graduate Teaching Instruction (1 - 6)
Offered
Fall 2025
For master's students.
SYS 6465Human-Robot Interaction (3)
Offered
Fall 2025
Interactions between robots and humans are influenced by form, function and expectations. Quantitative techniques evaluate performance of specific tasks and functions. Qualitative techniques are used to evaluate the interaction and to understand expectations and perceptions of the human side of the interaction. Students use humanoid robots to develop and evaluate interactions within a specific application context.
SYS 6555Special Topics in Distance Learning (3)
Special Topics in Distance Learning
SYS 6581Selected Topics in Systems Engineering (1 - 3)
Offered
Fall 2025
Detailed study of a selected topic, determined by the current interest of faculty and students. Offered as required.
SYS 6582Selected Topics in Systems Engineering (1 - 3)
Offered
Fall 2025
Detailed study of a selected topic, determined by the current interest of faculty and students. Offered as required.
SYS 6763Cyber-Physical Systems: Formal Methods, Safety and Security (3)
Cyber-physical systems (CPS) are smart systems that include co-engineered interacting networks of physical and computational components. This course will teach students the required skills to analyze the CPS that are all around us, so that when they contribute to the design of CPS, they are able to understand important safety and security aspects and feel confident designing and analyzing CPS systems.
SYS 6780Cyber-Physical Systems Technology and Ethics (3)
Offered
Fall 2025
This course is designed to develop cross-competency in the technical, analytical, and professional capabilities necessary for the emerging field of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS). It provides convergence learning activities based around the applications, technologies, and system designs of CPS as well as exploring the ethical, social, and policy dimensions of CPS work. The course also emphasizes the importance of communication as a necessary skill.
Course was offered Fall 2024, Fall 2023
SYS 6993Independent Study (1 - 12)
Offered
Fall 2025
Detailed study of graduate course material on an independent basis under the guidance of a faculty member.
SYS 6995Supervised Project Research (1 - 12)
Offered
Fall 2025
Formal record of student commitment to project research under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Registration may be repeated as necessary.
SYS 7002Case Studies in Systems Engineering (3)
Under faculty guidance, students apply the principles of systems methodology, design, and management along with the techniques of systems and decision sciences to systems analysis and design cases. The primary goal is the integration of numerous concepts from systems engineering using real-world cases. Focuses on presenting, defending, and discussing systems engineering projects in a typical professional context. Cases, extracted from actual government, industry, and business problems, span a broad range of applicable technologies and involve the formulation of the issues, modeling of decision problems, analysis of the impact of proposed alternatives, and interpretation of these impacts in terms of the client value system. Prerequisite: SYS 6001, 6003, and 6005.
SYS 7016Artificial Intelligence (3)
In-depth study of major areas considered to be part of artificial intelligence. In particular, detailed coverage is given to the design considerations involved in automatic theorem proving, natural language understanding, and machine learning. Cross-listed as CS 7716. Prerequisite: SYS 6016 or CS 6316.
SYS 7054Multiobjective Optimization (3)
Analyzes the theories and methodologies for optimization with multiple objectives under certainty and uncertainty; structuring of objectives, selection of criteria, modeling and assessment of preferences (strength of preference, risk attitude, and trade-off judgments); vector optimization theory and methods for generating non-dominated solutions. Methods with prior assessment of preferences, methods with progressive assessment of preferences (iterative-interactive methods), methods allowing imprecision in preference assessments; group decision making; building and validation of decision-aiding systems. Prerequisite: SYS 6003, 6014, or equivalent.
SYS 7070Sequencing and Scheduling (3)
A comprehensive treatment of scheduling theory and practice. The formal machine-scheduling problem: assumptions, performance measures, job and flow shops, constructive algorithms for special cases, disjunctive and integer programming formulations, branch-and-bound and dynamic programming approaches, computational complexity and heuristics. Includes alternative scheduling paradigms and scheduling philosophies and software tools in modern applications. Prerequisite: SYS 6003, 6005, or equivalent.
SYS 7075Bayesian Forecast-Decision Theory (3)
Offered
Fall 2025
Bayesian theory of forecasting and decision making; judgmental procedures and statistical models for probabilistic forecasting, post-processors of deterministic forecasts; sufficient comparisons of forecasters, verification of forecasts, combining forecasts; optimal decision models using probabilistic forecasts including static decision models, sequential decision models, stopping-control models; economic value of forecasts. Prerequisite: SYS 6005 or STAT 6190.
SYS 7096Systems Engineering Colloquium (0)
Offered
Fall 2025
Weekly meeting of graduate students and faculty for presentation and discussion of contemporary systems engineering problems and research. This seminar is offered every spring and fall semesters.
SYS 7555Advanced Topics in Distance Learning (3)
Advanced Topics in Distance Learning
SYS 7581Advanced Topics in Systems Engineering (1 - 3)
Detailed study of an advanced or exploratory topic determined by faculty and student interest. Offered as required.
SYS 7582Advanced Topics in Systems Engineering (3)
Detailed study of an advanced or exploratory topic determined by faculty and student interest. Offered as required.
SYS 7993Independent Study (1 - 12)
Detailed study of graduate course material on an independent basis under the guidance of a faculty member.
SYS 8000TNon-UVa Transfer/Test Credit Approved (1 - 48)
Non-UVa Transfer/Test Credit Approved
SYS 8995Supervised Project Research (1 - 12)
Offered
Fall 2025
Formal record of student commitment to project research for Master of Engineering degree under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Registration may be repeated as necessary.
SYS 8999Non-Topical Research, Masters (1 - 12)
Offered
Fall 2025
Formal record of student commitment to master's research under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Registration may be repeated as necessary.
SYS 9997Graduate Teaching Instruction (1 - 6)
Offered
Fall 2025
For doctoral students.
SYS 9999Dissertation (1 - 12)
Offered
Fall 2025
For doctoral students.