MBSE: Documentation and Analysis
MIT xPRO | Architecture and Systems Engineering: Models and Methods of Complex Systems
Certificate Course | April 2026
Overview
This course focused on using model-based systems engineering to document, analyze, critique, update, and manage complex engineering systems. The coursework emphasized how system information can be organized through SysML models rather than disconnected documents, allowing requirements, system behavior, structure, interfaces, safety concerns, and verification planning to be connected more clearly.
The main applied project for this course was a self-directed Manned Research Submersible model developed within the structure of the MIT xPRO course framework. While the course provided the MBSE project sequence and required diagram types, I selected the system, defined the mission scope, identified the system boundary, developed the requirements structure, modeled the system behavior and interfaces, incorporated safety-driven updates, and traced a requirement change through the model.
This course was especially valuable because I used CATIA Magic / Cameo Systems Modeler to create SysML-based diagrams, including use case diagrams, activity diagrams, requirements diagrams, block definition diagrams, and internal block diagrams. The work helped demonstrate how MBSE can improve traceability, visibility, consistency, and change-impact awareness across complex electromechanical systems.
Certificate
Certificate earned through MIT xPRO as part of the Architecture and Systems Engineering program sequence.
Course Focus
Model-based systems engineering
SysML modeling
CATIA Magic / Cameo Systems Modeler
Requirements modeling
Use case diagrams
Activity diagrams
Block definition diagrams
Internal block diagrams
Requirements traceability
System decomposition
Interface modeling
Safety requirement modeling
Hazard mitigation analysis
Model critique
Model governance
Configuration management
Change-impact analysis
Verification and validation planning
Coursework Themes
Self-Directed MBSE Model Development
Developed a SysML-based model of a Manned Research Submersible by defining the system scope, mission functions, system boundary, external actors, major subsystems, requirements, behaviors, interfaces, and safety-critical areas.
Requirements, Behavior, and Structure
Modeled the MRS through multiple SysML views, including requirements diagrams, use case diagrams, activity diagrams, block definition diagrams, and internal block diagrams. These views helped connect what the system must do, how it behaves, what it is composed of, and how subsystem interfaces interact.
Safety-Driven Model Updates
Expanded the MRS model to include hazard analysis, safety requirements, and mitigation strategies for buoyancy control, hull pressure resistance, life support, emergency communication, and emergency ascent behavior.
Model Management and Change Impact
Developed a model management approach for the MRS model, including model verification, input governance, configuration management, ownership, lifecycle updates, and controlled change processes. A requirement change for automatic emergency ascent was traced through the requirements model, activity behavior, and internal block diagram.
Connection to Engineering Practice
This course connects directly to my professional systems engineering experience with complex electromechanical systems. In real engineering environments, technical information is often spread across requirements, drawings, interface documentation, procurement specifications, test procedures, inspection records, and stakeholder communications.
The MBSE approach demonstrated in this course provides a more structured way to connect that information. Instead of treating diagrams and documents as separate artifacts, the model can show how requirements relate to system functions, how functions are allocated to structure, how subsystems interface, and how a change to one requirement can affect behavior, interfaces, documentation, and verification planning.
This course also supports my broader interest in developing systems engineering project toolkits for project onboarding, requirements traceability, interface management, technical documentation, change tracking, and verification planning