Welcome!

The Los Angeles and San Diego chapters are hosting two 10-week online independent-study groups (“Cohorts”) for the INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) certification: one meeting on Thursday evenings and the other Friday mornings. The cost is $125, with 80% refundable.

This registration page is for the THURSDAY EVENINGS Cohort that will meet from 7:00-8:30pm Pacific Time! Class begins on 9 April 2026.

Each Cohort runs for 10 weeks to help prepare for the SEP knowledge exam, with an optional 11th week for exam question review.

Southern California participants are especially encouraged, as two in-person SEP paper exams are planned in Los Angeles and San Diego shortly after the Cohorts conclude.

Non-INCOSE members are also welcome.

Questions? Contact us at info@sdincose.org and/or info@incose-la.org.

Important Information Regarding the Thursday Cohort

Each Cohort runs for 10 weeks, meeting weekly via Zoom. There will be an optional extra 11th meeting to discuss exam questions.

Thursday evening sessions: 7:00–8:30 PM PT (1.5 hours). Friday morning sessions: 8:00–10:00 AM PT (2 hours).

Content is based on the INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook v5, which forms the basis for the knowledge exam.

The LA and San Diego chapters plan to host in-person paper exams about three weeks after the Cohorts conclude. Locations are TBD, but will be within Los Angeles and San Diego.

Paper exam cost is TBD, but we aim to keep it low for Cohort participants.

We may limit each class to 50 students. Please sign up immediately if you are interested, and only if you are serious about attending! Please be serious about taking the INCOSE SEP exam as well.

The INCOSE San Diego chapter will also host a Friday morning Cohort. Both Cohorts will cover the same material each week. Please choose the Cohort that works for you. You are also welcome to join the other Cohort to listen in / make up a missed session.

The registration fee is $125. However, participants are eligible for up to an 80% refund:

• 40% Refund for fulfilling your participation responsibilities, including creating a presentation deck and presenting to the Cohort. Note: Every participant must present to receive this refund — no exceptions! Presentations may be done in small teams depending on the number of students.
• Additional 40% Refund upon providing proof of having taken the SEP exam (pass or fail) by December 31, 2026.

INCOSE Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) discounts apply:

• PPP2: 25% off ($93.75)
• PPP3: 50% off ($62.50)

Please see your country’s PPP rating HERE.

Payment is via PayPal (credit cards are also accepted through PayPal).

All registered and paid students will receive the curriculum and meeting link a few days before the first session.

About the Cohort Structure

Cohorts are largely student-led learning experiences!  Each participant will be part of a small team responsible for presenting a section of the INCOSE Handbook Version 5 to the entire Cohort. To support these sessions, the LA and SD chapters will supply team leaders (typically two per meeting) to facilitate the presentations, answer questions, help with IT issues, etc.

Preparation and Materials

• You must have your own copy of the Handbook v5: free for INCOSE members (via the INCOSE Store), or purchase if not a member.
• Review assigned material in advance. NOTE – this Cohort is supplemental to reading the Handbook! Please do not believe that by taking the Cohort that you will not need to read the Handbook. It is strongly encouraged to read the Handbook from beginning to end (twice is recommended).

Before the First Session

• Read Chapter 1: Systems Engineering Introduction of the Handbook.
• Review the key Terms and Definitions in Appendix C

Technical Requirements

Please ensure your computer or network does not block access to Zoom, as this will be our primary platforms. You will also need to access Google Drive to see the class material, upload documents, etc.

Thursday Evening Cohort Schedule

WEEK	DATE	TOPICS
1	9 April 2026	Welcome, organization of Cohort, section assignments, how to use this handbook, Ch 1 – SE Intro
2	16 April 2026	Ch 2 – System Life Cycle Concepts, Models, Processes – 2.1 Life cycle terms concepts through 2.3.2.2 Supply Process
3	23 April 2026	Ch 2 – System Life Cycle Concepts, Models, Processes – Section 2.3.3 Organizational Project Enabling Processes
4	30 April 2026	Ch 2 – System Life Cycle Concepts, Models, Processes – Section 2.3.4 Technical Mgmt processes
5	7 May 2026	Ch 2 – System Life Cycle Concepts, Models, Processes – Technical Processes I, 2.3.5.1 through 2.3.5.6
6	14 May 2026	Ch 2 – System Life Cycle Concepts, Models, Processes – Technical Processes II, 2.3.5.7 – 2.3.5.14
7	21 May 2026	Ch 3 – Life cycle analysis methods – 3.1 Quality characteristics and approaches
8	28 May 2026	Ch 3 – Life cycle analysis methods – 3.2 SE analyses and methods through Ch 4 section 4.2.4 Product Line Engineering
9	4 June 2026	Ch 4 – Tailoring and Application Considerations – section 4.3 through 4.4.10 Transportation Systems
10	11 June 2026	Chapter 5 – Systems Engineering in Practice
11 (bonus)	18 June 2026	Practice questions for exam

About SEP Certification

What is SEP certification?
It is a formal validation by INCOSE that an individual demonstrates competency (knowledge, education, and experience) in systems engineering. It differs from licensing (government authorization to practice) and from a certificate (proof of course completion). INCOSE offers three SEP levels: ASEP, CSEP, and ESEP. Learn more HERE.

What is the SEP exam?
A 2-hour exam that tests knowledge of INCOSE systems engineering practices and processes. Learn more HERE.

What Each Student Will Need for the Cohort

Each Cohort participant will need:

A copy of the INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook: A Guide for System Life Cycle Processes and Activities, Version 5 (PDF free for members; non-members must purchase. See the INCOSE Store). Version 5 is required.

Ability to join weekly Zoom sessions and access Google Drive (ensure your system/network does not block either).

Commitment to help build and present a slide deck (often as part of a small team). Presenting earns a 40% registration refund.

You should also have interest in taking the SEP exam (not required). Proof of taking the exam by Dec 31, 2026 earns an additional 40% refund.

Payment and refunds are handled via PayPal (credit cards accepted without a PayPal account).

Thank you!

Please contact us at info@sdincose.org and/or info@incose-la.org if you have any questions, and we look forward to meeting you in April!

The INCOSE LA and San Diego Chapters

RSVP deadline is past

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Welcome!

The Los Angeles and San Diego chapters are hosting two 10-week online independent-study groups (“Cohorts”) for the INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) certification: one meeting on Thursday evenings and the other Friday mornings. The cost is $125, with 80% refundable.

This registration page is for the FRIDAY MORNING Cohort that will meet from 8:00-10:00 am Pacific Time! Class begins on 10 April 2026.

Each Cohort runs for 10 weeks to help prepare for the SEP knowledge exam, with an optional 11th week for exam question review.

Southern California participants are especially encouraged, as two in-person SEP paper exams are planned in Los Angeles and San Diego shortly after the Cohorts conclude.

Non-INCOSE members are also welcome.

Questions? Contact us at info@sdincose.org and/or info@incose-la.org.

Important Information Regarding the Friday Cohort

Each Cohort runs for 10 weeks, meeting weekly via Zoom. There will be an optional extra 11th meeting to discuss exam questions.

Thursday evening sessions: 7:00–8:30 PM PT (1.5 hours). Friday morning sessions: 8:00–10:00 AM PT (2 hours).

Content is based on the INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook v5, which forms the basis for the knowledge exam.

The LA and San Diego chapters plan to host in-person paper exams about three weeks after the Cohorts conclude. Locations are TBD, but will be within Los Angeles and San Diego.

Paper exam cost is TBD, but we aim to keep it low for Cohort participants.

We may limit each class to 50 students. Please sign up immediately if you are interested, and only if you are serious about attending! Please be serious about taking the INCOSE SEP exam as well.

The INCOSE Los Angeles chapter will also host a Thursday evening Cohort. Both Cohorts will cover the same material each week. Please choose the Cohort that works for you. You are also welcome to join the other Cohort to listen in / make up a missed session.

The registration fee is $125. However, participants are eligible for up to an 80% refund:

• 40% Refund for fulfilling your participation responsibilities, including creating a presentation deck and presenting to the Cohort. Note: Every participant must present to receive this refund — no exceptions! Presentations may be done in small teams depending on the number of students.
• Additional 40% Refund upon providing proof of having taken the SEP exam (pass or fail) by December 31, 2026.

NCOSE Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) discounts apply:

• PPP2: 25% off ($93.75)
• PPP3: 50% off ($62.50)

Please see your country’s PPP rating HERE.

Payment is via PayPal (credit cards are also accepted through PayPal).

All registered and paid students will receive the curriculum and meeting link a few days before the first session.

About the Cohort Structure

Cohorts are largely student-led learning experiences!  Each participant will be part of a small team responsible for presenting a section of the INCOSE Handbook Version 5 to the entire Cohort. To support these sessions, the LA and SD chapters will supply team leaders (typically two per meeting) to facilitate the presentations, answer questions, help with IT issues, etc.

Preparation and Materials

• You must have your own copy of the Handbook v5: free for INCOSE members (via the INCOSE Store), or purchase if not a member.
• Review assigned material in advance. NOTE – this Cohort is supplemental to reading the Handbook! Please do not believe that by taking the Cohort that you will not need to read the Handbook. It is strongly encouraged to read the Handbook from beginning to end (twice is recommended).

Before the First Session

• Read Chapter 1: Systems Engineering Introduction of the Handbook.
• Review the key Terms and Definitions in Appendix C

Technical Requirements

Please ensure your computer or network does not block access to Zoom, as this will be our primary platforms. You will also need to access Google Drive to see the class material, upload documents, etc.

Friday Morning Cohort Schedule

WEEK	DATE	TOPICS
1	10 April 2026	Welcome, organization of Cohort, section assignments, how to use this handbook, Ch 1 – SE Intro
2	17 April 2026	Ch 2 – System Life Cycle Concepts, Models, Processes – 2.1 Life cycle terms concepts through 2.3.2.2 Supply Process
3	24 April 2026	Ch 2 – System Life Cycle Concepts, Models, Processes – Section 2.3.3 Organizational Project Enabling Processes
4	1 May 2026	Ch 2 – System Life Cycle Concepts, Models, Processes – Section 2.3.4 Technical Mgmt processes
5	8 May 2026	Ch 2 – System Life Cycle Concepts, Models, Processes – Technical Processes I, 2.3.5.1 through 2.3.5.6
6	15 May 2026	Ch 2 – System Life Cycle Concepts, Models, Processes – Technical Processes II, 2.3.5.7 – 2.3.5.14
7	22 May 2026	Ch 3 – Life cycle analysis methods – 3.1 Quality characteristics and approaches
8	29 May 2026	Ch 3 – Life cycle analysis methods – 3.2 SE analyses and methods through Ch 4 section 4.2.4 Product Line Engineering
9	5 June 2026	Ch 4 – Tailoring and Application Considerations – section 4.3 through 4.4.10 Transportation Systems
10	12 June 2026	Chapter 5 – Systems Engineering in Practice
11 (bonus)	19 June 2026	Practice questions for exam

About SEP Certification

What is SEP certification?
It is a formal validation by INCOSE that an individual demonstrates competency (knowledge, education, and experience) in systems engineering. It differs from licensing (government authorization to practice) and from a certificate (proof of course completion). INCOSE offers three SEP levels: ASEP, CSEP, and ESEP. Learn more HERE.

What is the SEP exam?
A 2-hour exam that tests knowledge of INCOSE systems engineering practices and processes. Learn more HERE.

What Each Student Will Need for the Cohort

Each Cohort participant will need:

A copy of the INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook: A Guide for System Life Cycle Processes and Activities, Version 5 (PDF free for members; non-members must purchase. See the INCOSE Store). Version 5 is required.

Ability to join weekly Zoom sessions and access Google Drive (ensure your system/network does not block either).

Commitment to help build and present a slide deck (often as part of a small team). Presenting earns a 40% registration refund.

You should also have interest in taking the SEP exam (not required). Proof of taking the exam by Dec 31, 2026 earns an additional 40% refund.

Payment and refunds are handled via PayPal (credit cards accepted without a PayPal account).

Thank you!

Please contact us at info@sdincose.org and/or info@incose-la.org if you have any questions, and we look forward to meeting you in April!

The INCOSE LA and San Diego Chapters

RSVP deadline is past

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PLEASE JOIN US on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, for a HYBRID presentation by the UCSD Human Powered Submarines team!

Dive into the world of the UC San Diego Human Powered Submarine team, where creativity, engineering, and sheer determination come together beneath the surface! From hands-on design and fabrication to racing at the International Submarine Races, these students transform classroom knowledge into an extraordinary real-world challenge. Come listen to HPS leadership present as they prepare for the 2027 competition!

INFORMATION

Date: Wednesday, 15 April 2026, 5:30-7:00 PM Pacific Time (presentation starts at 6pm)

Location: Filippi’s Restaurant in Kearny Mesa (San Diego), 5353 Kearny Villa Rd, San Diego, CA 92123 (Google Maps)

Cost: Free! There is an optional buffet dinner (pizza, pasta, salad), $5 members/students, $15 non-members

Link: Join Zoom Meeting
https://incose-org.zoom.us/j/86996655504?pwd=uiE0uT4uNpCogBvBbE0vmTjyxEADan.1

Meeting ID: 869 9665 5504
Passcode: 932212

Call in: 1-669-444-9171

SYNOPSIS

The Human Powered Submarine (HPS) team at UC San Diego is a group of talented students from a diverse set of backgrounds committed to the challenge of creating a human-powered submarine to compete in the biennial International Submarine Races (ISR). Throughout the school year, our members dedicate time to design, fabricate, and race a new submarine design for the summertime competition. Our team provides students the opportunity to apply skills they have learned in class to a unique real world project. In addition, it provides opportunities to develop skills such as computer aided design (CAD), machining parts, fiberglass and resin work, and scuba diving. In the spirit of making engineering accessible, we have no major or application requirement or club dues.

HPS built its first submarine in 1996. At the 9th ISR, our submarine won 3rd place in the one-person, non propeller category, and at the 10th ISR we took 2nd place in the same category. After facing a significant scale-back in activities during and after the pandemic, HPS has gained momentum and proudly competed for their first time in years at the 17th ISR in June 2023. At the 18th ISR in 2025, we were honored to have earned the Best Design Outline award for our design report and presentation. We are now in the developmental stages in preparation for the 19th ISR in June 2027!

Come listen to HPS leadership present about the club’s history, design process, competition, and newest submarine for the 19th ISR, Mola Mola!

PRESENTERS

This evening, we welcome seven presenters of the HPS team:

Anique Dittrich, Captain/President. Anique Dittrich is a senior Mechanical Engineering student at UC San Diego from Palo Alto, California. Anique has been on HPS for three years and loves dancing underwater at competition with the team.

Ray Santiago, Steering & Human Submarine Interface Teamlead. Ray Santiago is a junior Aerospace Engineering student at UC San Diego from Indio, California. Ray has been on HPS for three years and loves picking music to hype up the team.

Rylee Quinn, Drivetrain Teamlead. Rylee Quinn is a junior Mechanical Engineering student at UC San Diego from San Diego, California. Rylee has been on HPS for two years and loves to bake banana bread.

Rong (Arina) Xing, Finance Lead. Rong Xing is a senior Math – Computer Science student at UC San Diego from East Setauket, New York. Rong has been on HPS for one year and loves asking her teammates about what they’re working on.

Ian Sohn, Drivetrain Teamlead. Ian Sohn is a senior Mechanical Engineering student at UC San Diego from Ventura, California. Ian has been on HPS for two years and loves eating nutter butter at submarine pool testing.

Carly Huen, Steering & Human Submarine Interface Teamlead. Carly Huen is a senior Mechanical Engineering student at UC San Diego from Hong Kong, China. Carly has been on HPS for two years and loves playing mahjong with the team during Chinese New Year.

Kavya Garg, Hull Teamlead. Kavya Garg is a sophomore Nanoengineering student at UC San Diego from Meerut, India. Kavya has been on HPS for two years and loves getting coffee and frozen yogurt with the team.

RSVP deadline is past

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Please join us on May 20th, 2026, at 5:45pm Pacific Time for a HYBRID presentation on recent advancements on the application of systems engineering to lawmaking.

This presentation is the precursor for the upcoming SELAW presentation at the 2026 INCOSE International Symposium (IS) in Japan! This presentation will be held at Anny’s Burgers in Kearny Mesa (San Diego).

MAIN INFORMATION

Date: Wednesday, 20 May 2026, 5:30-7:00pm Pacific Time (presentation starts at 6pm)

Location: Anny’s Burgers, 5375 Kearny Villa Rd, San Diego, CA 92123 (Google Maps)

Cost: Free! Attendees are welcome to order from Anny’s, and the chapter will subsidize $10 toward each INCOSE Member’s bill. RSVP below.

Remote: This presentation will be broadcast live on Zoom.

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://incose-org.zoom.us/j/86588804611?pwd=Flr2z8NsndNFlgT8kBX60etbJrbGzM.1

Meeting ID: 865 8880 4611
Passcode: 021001

By Phone: 1-669-444-9171 (same meeting ID and password)

SYNOPSIS

Founded in 2022, the INCOSE Systems Engineering and Lawmaking (SELAW) Working Group was created to help apply disciplined, proven systems engineering processes to lawmaking to enable the efficient and consistent development of local, regional, and national laws.

INCOSE members in Japan, Mongolia, France, and the United States are actively collaborating to advance this common vision. This includes the application of SE practices to governance in Japan, validating the quality of laws in Mongolia using AI tools, and developing a universal law risk model within the SELAW WG.

Tonight’s presentation will open with a concise assessment of key deficiencies in current lawmaking practices. The discussion will then highlight the practical benefits of using SE in lawmaking, to include improved problem-solving, greater consistency, and reduced unintended consequences. The presentation will conclude with concrete examples of countries already taking steps toward this vision, demonstrating SELAW’s meaningful progress.

Presentation Authors:

• John Wood, PhD – Science of Laws Institute (US)
• David Schrunk, MD – Science of Laws Institute (US) (Presenter)
• Maximiliano Marzetti, JD – IÉSEG School of Management (France)
• Yoshiko Ohno – Keio University (Japan)
• Bayaraa Batsaikhan – TUS Engineering Corporation (Mongolia)
• Jargal Dugar – TUS Engineering Corporation (Mongolia)

PRESENTER

David G. Schrunk, MD is an aerospace engineer and medical doctor with specialization in nuclear medicine and diagnostic radiology. He is the author of multiple papers and presentations on topics of law, medicine, and space exploration. In 1995, Dr. Schrunk founded the Science of Laws Institute and, in 2005, he authored the book, “THE END OF CHAOS: Quality Laws and the Ascendancy of Democracy,” which describes the rationale for developing the science of laws. In 2022 he co-founded the INCOSE Systems Engineering and Lawmaking Working Group (SELAW), which is dedicated to the development of the science and engineeringof laws. Dr. Schrunk is affiliated with the International Lunar Observatory Association (ILOA), AAAS, AIAA, NSS, and INCOSE. Dr. Schrunk and his wife reside in Poway, California.

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Please join us on Wednesday, 17 June, 2026, for a HYBRID presentation by Mr. Ken Cureton, Chair of the INCOSE Resilient Systems Working Group, on solving complex problems using Artificial Intelligence (AI). This presentation will be held at the Sapphire Indian Restaurant in Rancho Bernardo!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Date: Wednesday, 17 June 2026, from 5:30-7pm Pacific Time (presentation starts at 6pm)

Location: Sapphire Indian Restaurant, 16785 Bernardo Center Drive, San Diego, CA, 92128 (Google Maps)

Cost: FREE! There is an optional dinner (Indian food, soft drinks) at $5 for INCOSE members and students, $15 for non-members. Please RSVP below.

Zoom Info: https://incose-org.zoom.us/j/88338821096?pwd=bTa923S6IbRYbda1yoFXACI5HnxLGK.1

Meeting ID: 883 3882 1096
Passcode: 061981

Join by Telephone: 669-444-9171 (same login info as above)

SYNOPSIS

Systems Engineers are often confronted with complex, complicated, difficult, and wicked problems. The INCOSE Complex Systems Working Group is developing a Tradecraft Guide to assist with such problems. Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), specifically Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, Claude.ai, Grok, Gemini, and others can of great value in showing how to effectively use that resource. This presentation describes a systematic approach that may be useful in developing potential solutions to complex problems.

First, AI can assist in addressing the correct problem, and all of that problem– not just a portion of the problem space. Next, users of the guide may face challenges in selecting from the many analytical methods presented in the guide or may lack sufficient time to consider all possibilities. AI tools can assist in formulating an analysis plan for complex systems.

Next, many people are struggling with AI prompt engineering, so a comprehensive set of tailorable prompts are presented in the guide. This will help Systems Engineers with technical, ethical, legal, and organizational considerations regarding use of AI in analyses.

And finally, any AI-generated analysis should be validated before implementation, so the user is guided in accomplishing such validation, along with a reminder of limitations of AI-assisted analysis and the need for documentation and record keeping.

PRESENTER: Mr. Ken Cureton

Kenneth L. Cureton holds a BS in Physics from California State University Los Angeles and an MS in Systems Architecting and Engineering from USC, where he has served as a part-time lecturer since 1996. He retired from Boeing (heritage Rockwell) after 29 years, with additional experience spanning 16 years in commercial and government sectors. His expertise includes enterprise systems architecting and engineering, system-of-systems modeling and integration, complex networked systems interoperability, resilience engineering, and avionics design for manned and unmanned space systems.

Mr. Cureton chairs the INCOSE Resilient Systems Working Group and serves on AIAA Space Settlement and Systems Engineering Technical Committees. He previously co-chaired the IEEE SMC MBSE Working Group and served as Technical Council Chair Emeritus for the NCO Industry Consortium.

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