Module 21936 (2013)

Syllabus page 2013/2014

06-21936
Fundamentals: Software Engineering

Level 4/M C

Rami Bahsoon
10 credits in Semester 2

Links | Outline | Aims | Outcomes | Prerequisites | Teaching | Assessment | Books | Detailed Syllabus


The Module Description is a strict subset of this Syllabus Page. (The University module description has not yet been checked against the School's.)

Relevant Links

Module Web Page


Outline

The module will explore some of the fundamentals of software engineering. Topics will include: an introduction to software engineering: the software life cycle and methodologies for software development. The module is particularly suitable for MSc students who have little previous background in Computer Science.


Aims

The aims of this module are to:

  • Introduce the software life-cycle and its main stages
  • Demonstrate that the production of quality software in a cost-effective and productive way requires a systematic and disciplined approach

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, the student should be able to: Assessed by:
1explain why the production of a large, quality-assured piece of software is a task demanding a disciplined approach to all stages, closely analogous to the methodology used in more traditional engineering activities Examination
2explain the concept of the software lifecycle Examination
3demonstrate knowledge of relevant concepts for each stage of the software life-cycle Examination
4understand the application of software engineering approaches, both as an introduction to professional practice and as an aid to project work Examination
5assess the effectiveness of software engineering techniques in a case study Continuous Assessment

Restrictions, Prerequisites and Corequisites

Restrictions:

May not be taken by anyone who has or is taking 18191

Prerequisites:

None

Co-requisites:

None


Teaching

Teaching Methods:

2 hrs lectures/tutorials per week

Contact Hours:

24


Assessment

  • Sessional: 1.5hr examination (80%), continuous assessment (20%)
  • Supplementary (where allowed): 1.5 hour examination (100%)

Recommended Books

None


Detailed Syllabus

  1. Introduction: definitions and history of software engineering; models of the software lifecycle.
  2. Requirements definition: outline, documentation, validation.
  3. Design: general concepts of traditional designs (structure, modularity, hierarchy), inheritance; design methods; validation.
  4. Implementation: choice of language and coding strategies; testing and debugging, including white-box and black-box testing.
  5. Validation: techniques for each stage - informal reviews, formal reviews, testing, formal proofs.
  6. Documentation: quality, types, techniques for each stage.
  7. Management of software projects: principles; personnel issues; estimation, scheduling and costing.

Last updated: 19 Jan 2010

Source file: /internal/modules/COMSCI/2013/xml/21936.xml

Links | Outline | Aims | Outcomes | Prerequisites | Teaching | Assessment | Books | Detailed Syllabus