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ELEC5620: Model Based Software Engineering (2015 - Semester 2)

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Unit: ELEC5620: Model Based Software Engineering (6 CP)
Mode: Normal-Day
On Offer: Yes
Level: Postgraduate
Faculty/School: School of Electrical & Computer Engineering
Unit Coordinator/s: Dr Yuan, Dong
Session options: Semester 2
Versions for this Unit:
Campus: Camperdown/Darlington
Pre-Requisites: None.
Brief Handbook Description: Model-Based Software Engineering focuses on modern software engineering methods, technologies, and processes used in professional development projects. It covers both the pragmatic engineering elements and the underlying theory of the model-based approach to the analysis, design, implementation, and maintenance of complex software-intensive systems.

Students will participate in a group project, which will entail developing and/or evolving a software system, following a full development cycle from requirements specification through to implementation and testing using up-to-date industrial development tools and processes. At the end of the course they will provide a presentation and demonstration of their project work to the class. There is no formal teaching of a programming language in this unit, although students will be expected to demonstrate through their project work their general software engineering and architectural skills as well as their mastery of model-based methods and technologies.

Students successfully completing this unit will have a strong practical and theoretical understanding of the modern software development cycle as applied in industrial settings. In particular, they will be familiar with the latest model-based software engineering approaches necessary for successfully dealing with today’s highly complex and challenging software systems.

The pedagogic grounds for this course and its focus on model-based approaches are to arm new software engineers with skills and perspectives that extend beyond the level of basic programming. Such skills are essential to success in software development nowadays, and are in great demand but very low supply. The dearth of such expertise is one of the key reasons behind the alarmingly high failure rate of industrial software projects (currently estimated at being greater than 40%). Therefore, this unit complements SQE and strengthens a key area in the program.
Assumed Knowledge: A programming language, basic maths.
Lecturer/s: Dr Yuan, Dong
Tutor/s: Zhao, Yu - [email protected]
Timetable: ELEC5620 Timetable
Time Commitment:
# Activity Name Hours per Week Sessions per Week Weeks per Semester
1 Lecture 2.00 1 13
2 Laboratory 2.00 1 12
3 Tutorial 1.00 1 12
4 Project Work - in class 2.00 1 2
5 Project Work - own time 2.00 8
6 Independent Study 3.00 13
T&L Activities: Tutorial: tutorial

Laboratory: labs

Project Work - in class: project

Project Work - own time: Students will work in groups to design, build and test a model-based software system.

Independent Study: Self study and independent learning is a key to success in this UoS and is essential for the project.

Attributes listed here represent the key course goals (see Course Map tab) designated for this unit. The list below describes how these attributes are developed through practice in the unit. See Learning Outcomes and Assessment tabs for details of how these attributes are assessed.

Attribute Development Method Attribute Developed
Different design criteria for MBSE systems are presented and analysed. Students are required to design their own MBSE system in the project work. Design (Level 4)
Gain an understanding of MBSE technology. Various MBSE systems widely used in real applications are introduced and analysed. Engineering/IT Specialisation (Level 4)
Master the fundamentals of software engineering modelling and analysis Maths/Science Methods and Tools (Level 4)
Intensive research will be included in the project work and the assignment. Students need to collect comprehensive information from various sources in order to perform well. Information Seeking (Level 4)
Project reports are one of the main assessment elements for the project work. Students need to write concisely, accurately and convincingly. Each team is also required to give a presentation about their project at the end of the semester. Communication (Level 4)
The project work requires students to form groups and manage their progress through the entire project, including conceiving, design, building, testing and demonstrating the project. Project and Team Skills (Level 4)

For explanation of attributes and levels see Engineering & IT Graduate Outcomes Table.

Learning outcomes are the key abilities and knowledge that will be assessed in this unit. They are listed according to the course goal supported by each. See Assessment Tab for details how each outcome is assessed.

Design (Level 4)
1. Approaches to MBSE technology and methodology: automated code generation, model analysis methods, tooling, architectural design, system and multi-model development.
2. MBSE process models (e.g., agile modeling).
Engineering/IT Specialisation (Level 4)
3. In-depth knowledge of the UML 2 modeling language.
Maths/Science Methods and Tools (Level 4)
4. Understand the role and nature model-based methods in SE.
5. Understand the theory of modeling language design.
Information Seeking (Level 4)
6. Study MBSE systems based on comprehensive research in the open literature.
Communication (Level 4)
7. Write professional reports and do class presentation on a system design and its performance.
Project and Team Skills (Level 4)
8. Work smoothly as a member of a project team
Assessment Methods:
# Name Group Weight Due Week Outcomes
1 Project Yes 60.00 Multiple Weeks 1, 2, 6, 7, 8,
2 Mid term exam No 10.00 Week 7 3, 4, 5,
3 Final Exam No 30.00 Exam Period 1, 2, 6, 7, 8,
Assessment Description: Project: Design software models for real life applications.

Mid term exam: Covers the material up to that point in the unit

Practical exercise: lab exercises about aspects of the unit
Grading:
Grade Type Description
Standards Based Assessment Final grades in this unit are awarded at levels of HD for High Distinction, DI (previously D) for Distinction, CR for Credit, PS (previously P) for Pass and FA (previously F) for Fail as defined by University of Sydney Assessment Policy. Details of the Assessment Policy are available on the Policies website at http://sydney.edu.au/policies . Standards for grades in individual assessment tasks and the summative method for obtaining a final mark in the unit will be set out in a marking guide supplied by the unit coordinator.
Policies & Procedures: See the policies page of the faculty website at http://sydney.edu.au/engineering/student-policies/ for information regarding university policies and local provisions and procedures within the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies.
Prescribed Text/s: Note: Students are expected to have a personal copy of all books listed.
Note on Resources: IBM Rational Rose Software Development Environment

Note that the "Weeks" referred to in this Schedule are those of the official university semester calendar https://web.timetable.usyd.edu.au/calendar.jsp

Week Description
Week 1 The role and nature of model-based methods in SE.
Week 2 The theory of modeling language design.
Week 3 In-depth knowledge of the UML 2 modeling language.
Week 4 Approaches to model transformations.
Week 5 Approaches to automated code generation.
Week 6 Model analyses methods.
Week 7 Basics of MBSE tooling.
Assessment Due: Mid term exam
Week 8 Key elements of MBSE methodologies.
Week 9 Industrial application of MBSE (experience and issues).
Week 10 System and multi-model development.
Week 11 Architectural design using MBSE.
Week 12 Relevant research areas and directions.
Week 13 MBSE process models (e.g., agile modeling).
Exam Period Assessment Due: Final Exam

Course Relations

The following is a list of courses which have added this Unit to their structure.

Course Year(s) Offered
Master of Engineering (Software Engineering) 2025+ 2025
Master of Professional Engineering (Accelerated) (Software) 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Master of Professional Engineering (Accelerated) (Software) 2025+ 2025, 2025
Master of Professional Engineering (Software) 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Master of Professional Engineering (Software) 2025+ 2025, 2025
Advanced Computing / Science 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Advanced Computing / Science (Medical Science) 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Computational Data Science) 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Advanced Computing / Commerce 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Computational Data Science) - Mid-Year 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Computer Science) 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Cybersecurity) 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Computer Science) - Mid-Year 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Cybersecurity) - Mid-Year 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Information Systems) (not offered from 2022+) 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Software Development) 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Software Development) - Mid-Year 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Bachelor of Computer Science and Technology (Honours) 2015, 2016, 2017, 2025
Electrical Engineering (Bioelectronics) / Law 2012
Electrical Engineering (Computer) / Law 2012, 2013, 2014
Electrical / Project Management 2019+ 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Electrical Engineering 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Electrical / Arts (2022 and earlier) 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
Electrical / Arts 2023+ 2023, 2024, 2025
Electrical / Commerce 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
Electrical / Commerce 2023+ 2023, 2024, 2025
Electrical / Project Management 2016, 2017, 2018
Electrical / Science 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Electrical / Science - Mid Year 2023, 2024, 2025
Electrical / Law 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
Electrical / Law 2023+ 2023, 2024, 2025
Electrical Engineering (mid-year) 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Software Engineering (mid-year) 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Software / Project Management 2019+ 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Software Engineering 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Software / Arts (2022 and earlier) 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
Software / Arts 2023+ 2023, 2024, 2025
Software / Commerce 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
Software / Commerce 2023+ 2023, 2024, 2025
Software / Project Management 2016, 2017, 2018
Software / Science 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Software / Science (Health) 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
Software / Science - Mid Year 2023, 2024, 2025
Software / Law 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
Software / Law 2023+ 2023, 2024, 2025
Graduate Diploma in Computer Science 2024, 2025
Graduate Diploma in Information Technology 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Master of Computer Science (advanced entry) (Capstone Pathway) 2024, 2025
Master of Computer Science (advanced entry) (Research Pathway) 2024, 2025
Master of Computer Science (advanced entry) (Work Integrated Pathway) 2024, 2025
Master of Computer Science (Capstone Pathway) 2024, 2025
Master of Computer Science (Research Pathway) 2024, 2025
Master of Computer Science (Work Integrated Pathway) 2024, 2025
Master of Engineering (Advanced Manufacturing) 2025+ 2025
Master of Engineering (Biomedical Engineering) 2025+ 2025
Master of Engineering (Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering) 2025+ 2025
Master of Engineering (Civil Engineering) 2025+ 2025
Master of Engineering (Electrical Engineering) 2025+ 2025
Master of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) 2025+ 2025
Master of Engineering (2024 and earlier) 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Master of Engineering (Sustainability & Environmental Engineering) 2025+ 2025
Master of Information Technology 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Master of Information Technology Management 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Master of IT / Master of IT Management 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Master of Professional Engineering (Accelerated) (Electrical) 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Master of Professional Engineering (Accelerated) (Electrical) 2025+ 2025, 2025
Master of Professional Engineering (Accelerated) (Power) 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Master of Professional Engineering (Electrical) 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Master of Professional Engineering (Electrical) 2025+ 2025, 2025
Master of Professional Engineering (Power) 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Software / Science (Medical Science Stream) 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

Course Goals

This unit contributes to the achievement of the following course goals:

Attribute Practiced Assessed
Design (Level 4) Yes 36%
Engineering/IT Specialisation (Level 4) Yes 3.33%
Maths/Science Methods and Tools (Level 4) Yes 6.67%
Information Seeking (Level 4) Yes 18%
Communication (Level 4) Yes 18%
Professional Conduct (Level 4) No 0%
Project and Team Skills (Level 4) Yes 18%

These goals are selected from Engineering & IT Graduate Outcomes Table which defines overall goals for courses where this unit is primarily offered. See Engineering & IT Graduate Outcomes Table for details of the attributes and levels to be developed in the course as a whole. Percentage figures alongside each course goal provide a rough indication of their relative weighting in assessment for this unit. Note that not all goals are necessarily part of assessment. Some may be more about practice activity. See Learning outcomes for details of what is assessed in relation to each goal and Assessment for details of how the outcome is assessed. See Attributes for details of practice provided for each goal.