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High-Integrity Systems Engineering - COM00173M

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

Module summary

This module teaches students to adapt their software development practice to take account of the general criticality and the specific risks of the software they are developing.

Related modules

Students on the joint Mathematics and Computer Science programmes who are interested in this module should discuss the necessary prerequisite knowledge with the module leader.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2023-24

Module aims

This module teaches students to adapt their software development practice to take account of the general criticality and the specific risks of the software they are developing. Students will gain a broad understanding of the issues involved in designing and implementing critical systems, be aware of the methods used to construct critical systems, and understand the limitations of the various methods, analysis techniques and tools currently in use.

Module learning outcomes

  • Understand and articulate the issues involved in designing and implementing critical systems

  • Apply a range of techniques to the design, and validation of high integrity systems, such as fault-tree analysis and failure analysis.

  • Discuss issues of high integrity engineering, both technical and social.

  • Participate in significant discussion periods brainstorming scenarios and discussing previous well-documented examples of system failures

  • Establish the detailed principles of engineering concepts for the development of critical systems

Indicative assessment

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

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

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

Module feedback

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

Indicative reading

N.G. Leveson, Safeware: System Safety and Computers, Addison-Wesley, 1995


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.