48470 Computer Systems Analysis

Requisite(s): 48440 Software Engineering AND 48451 Advanced Digital Systems
Fields of practice: Computer Systems Engineering program
Undergraduate

This subject uses a problem-based learning approach in analysing a complex software system. The subject is not limited to the set topics or material taught in class. Problem-based learning requires students to participate and take the initiative. It is up to the students to work out what they need to learn in order to solve the problem.

Skills likely to be gained include: using technical planning strategies; formal specification languages; software performance analysis; reliability analysis; risk analysis; architecture development; applying formal project development process; assessment of managerial, financial, ethical and social issues; verification and validation; and user interface analysis.

In this subject, students deal with the first two major phases of the project life cycle – the planning phase and the analysis phase. In the following design subject, students deal with the design, implementation and testing phases.

To make the task more manageable, the project is divided into three parts (three sets of assignments). Assignment 1 is the draft of the deliverable, which allows students to prepare and plan for the main deliverable. Assignment 2 is the main deliverable. For Assignment 3, students are required to review and produce the final deliverable to be used in the following design subject.

Each student works in a group of 15 to 20 students. Each group has five teams of three or four people focusing on one component of the final product.

Assessment: Typically this subject is assessed through a series of assignments and a quiz.

Typical availability

Autumn semester, City campus
Spring semester, City campus