Final answer:
Systems thinking in engineering involves applying knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to design complex systems within realistic constraints. Essential abilities include system design, experimentation, and data analysis as well as modeling biocomplexity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Systems thinking is the ability to model the components of a system so that inputs and outputs are connected into a sensible whole that accurately reflects the phenomenon under study. In the context of engineering education, this involves leveraging a robust knowledge base spanning mathematics, science, and engineering principles to design systems that address complex requirements and constraints. A practitioner of systems thinking will possess competencies such as:
- An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering;
- An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data;
- An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability;
Channeling such abilities enables the refinement of representations and models to illustrate biocomplexity due to interactions of constituent parts, which is central to many contemporary engineering challenges.