Environmentalists dream of electric cars fueled by wind and solar power. The problem? Our energy grid isn't up to the task of delivering all that green energy.
Enter systems engineering.
Professor Michael Caramanis is developing sophisticated decision-support software to match the demand of plug-in vehicles to the intermittent supply of power from distant wind farms.
The software forecasts energy generation from wind resources and directs vehicles to switch their chargers on when wind power is available, and off when it's not, thereby balancing power demand and supply in real-time.
Making the grid smarter instead of making it larger, says Caramanis, reduces the total cost of the system—saving money as well as the environment.
Systems Engineering
Degrees Offered
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An Interdisciplinary Approach
Systems engineering enables building, analyzing and managing a system—be it electrical, mechanical, chemical, biological or one involving business processes and logistics. Traditionally, engineering disciplines are defined through physical attributes: electrical engineers work with circuits and transistors, aeronautical engineers with airplanes and rockets. Systems engineering transcends the physical nature of what is designed or managed—if “it” consists of multiple interacting components performing a function that cannot be achieved by any one component alone, then “it” is a system, and systems engineers can work to understand and improve it.
What Do Our Graduates Do?
Our graduates pursue careers in a variety of industries and academic disciplines, where they are highly valued for their flexibility and versatility.
What our graduates are doing:
- Developing computer simulation packages for software providers
- Building and evaluating models for communication, computer and sensor networks
- Inventing new scheduling and production control algorithms for manufacturing enterprises
- Developing effective air traffic management systems
- Analyzing the feasibility of relying on teams of autonomous vehicles for military and civilian applications
Why Study At BU?
The BU College of Engineering has made a major commitment to systems engineering as a discipline. We recently created a Division of Systems Engineering with 13 participating faculty members and additional research affiliates from across the University. The division is closely tied to the Center for Information & Systems Engineering, an interdisciplinary research center that brings together researchers with expertise in engineering, computer science, mathematics and management. The center’s strong industry connections provide opportunities for internships, exposure to “real-world” systems engineering problems and eventual employment opportunities.
BU offers research-based Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy programs in Systems Engineering, as well as a professional Master of Engineering degree. Systems Engineering is also available to undergraduates as a minor.
What Does BU Offer?
- Minor in Systems Engineering
- Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering
- Master of Science in Systems Engineering
- Doctor of Philosophy in Systems Engineering
Visit the Division of Systems Engineering website for more information.
View a full-color brochure on intelligent systems research at the College of Engineering
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