本课程主要讲述了定量设计并介绍了一种称为“多领域系统设计最优化”（MSDO）的统一结构。课程目标是介绍出多领域设计环境下执行系统优化的工具和方法，集中论述问题的如下三个方面：
This course is mainly focused on the quantitative aspects of design and presents a unifying framework called "Multidisciplinary System Design Optimization" (MSDO). The objective of the course is to present tools and methodologies for performing system optimization in a multidisciplinary design context, focusing on three aspects of the problem:

(i)工程系统的多领域特征
The multidisciplinary character of engineering systems,

(ii) 复杂系统的设计
design of these complex systems

(iii)最优化工具
tools for optimization.

麻省理工学院专业协会还专门为专业工程师提供了本课程的一个版本(16.60s)。
There is a version of this course (16.60s) offered through the MIT Professional Institute, targeted at professional engineers.

技术需求

在该课程网页中的.zip文件需要诸如Winzip®或者StuffIt®之类的文件解压缩软件来打开。对于该课程网页中的.xls文件，推荐使用Microsoft® Excel 软件来查看。也可以使用免费的 Microsoft® Excel 阅读器软件。许多软件工具都可以打开课程网页中的.dat文件。具体的说明和建议请参考课程内容。该课程网页上的.exe文件是可执行程序。具体的说明和建议请参考课程内容。在该课程网页中的.m文件则需要用MATLAB®软件来运行。
File decompression software, such as Winzip® or StuffIt®, is required to open the .zip files found on this course site. Microsoft® Excel software is recommended for viewing the .xls files found on this course site. Free Microsoft® Excel viewer software can also be used to view the .xls files. Any number of software tools can be used to import the .dat files found on this course site. Please refer to the course materials for any specific instructions or recommendations. The .exe files found on this course site are executable programs. Please refer to the course materials for any specific instructions or recommendations. MATLAB® software is required to run the .m files found on this course site.