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Engineering 1: Software & Systems Engineering - COM00019I

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  • Department: Computer Science
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module summary

Introduction to Software and Systems Engineering

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations

  • None

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

This is the students' first opportunity to integrate their skills into a development project. Starting from a broad problem description and working in groups, students will design, develop and test a complex system. The students will be introduced to the software engineering terminology, lifecycle and processes and will become familiar with principles, techniques and tools for, and develop hands-on experience of eliciting requirements; defining software architectures; designing and implementing software in an object-oriented way using established patterns; reviewing, testing and refactoring software systems; and setting up continuous integration and delivery processes. Students will also develop an appreciation of how to identify, mitigate and monitor risks, how to manage software projects, and how to reuse and extend 3rd-party code/libraries. Overarching themes of the module will include traceability, cyber-security and ethical considerations across the engineering lifecycle.

Module learning outcomes

E101

Apply an understanding of software engineering terminology, lifecycles and process models, to help with undertaking a project.

E102

Elicit and document user and system requirements.

E103

Architect, design and implement software in an object-oriented way.

E104

Demonstrate how the estimation of risk can be used to improve decision-making, and to make realistic estimates for a project.

E105

Define unit- and system-level tests for software, and use continuous integration processes.

E106

Apply mechanisms for working in teams to successfully undertake a group project.

E107

Apply different models for software licensing and reuse of 3rd party software to the artefacts developed in the module.

E108

Demonstrate consideration of cyber-security and ethical considerations in the engineering lifecycle, through practice and documentation.

E109

Write documentation and design/deliver presentations for the different stages of the engineering lifecycle.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Groupwork 30
Groupwork 50
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) 20

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 30
Essay/coursework 50
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) 20

Module feedback

Feedback is provided through work in practical sessions, and after the final assessment as per normal University guidelines

Indicative reading

**** Ian Sommerville, Software Engineering (latest edition), Addison-Wesley, 2010

*** Roger Pressman, Software Engineering (latest edition), McGraw-Hill, 2010


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.