Course Title: Software Requirements Engineering

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Software Requirements Engineering

Credit Points: 12

Course Coordinator: Astrid Bauers

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 2118

Course Coordinator Email:astrid.bauers@rmit.edu.au

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

You may not enrol in this course unless it is explicitly listed in your enrolment program summary, and you have confirmed with your program coordinator that it is an appropriate choice for your study plan.

Software Engineering Fundamentals or equivalent
Intro to Programming

Course Description

This course is about the elicitation, analysis, modelling and specification of software engineering requirements. Requirements engineering has attracted much interest in the research community and is increasingly recognised by practitioners as one of the most important stages in the software development life cycle.

The course covers such topics as:

• the position and importance of Requirements Engineering
• problem frames
• requirements elicitation and negotiation
• requirements modelling and modelling approaches
• specifications – industry practice
• requirements management
• requirements validation.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

You will learn, in depth, the various selected models, tools, notations and validation techniques for the analysis and specification of system requirements that will enable to you apply these in subsequent projects and work experiences.

On completion you will be able to :

• understand the basics of Requirements Engineering
• prepare for, and undertake the requirements elicitation tasks
• analyse client needs
• create models of requirements using a variety of notations and techniques
• prepare software requirements specifications using an industry standard, and
• prepare for, and undertake formal specification reviews.

This in turn provides requirements knowledge and skills, critical analysis capabilities, problem solving capabilities and effective communication mechanisms. Responsibility and teamwork also play a key part

Overview of Learning Activities

Lecturer inputs: There is a range of learning experiences in this course. These include 2 hour weekly lectures that cover the many varied topics within Requirements Engineering, and weekly 2 hour workshops where you can progress / discuss your lecture learnings and apply them in your assessment submissions. The critical aspects of the course will be re-inforced in the practical workshops. Your inputs as learners: Your active and constructive participation in group discussions is expected in addition to weekly readings, group and individual exercises / assignments.

Attendance:
While a minimum attendance standard is not compulsory, non-attendance may seriously jeopardise the chances of success in this course. Clearly, non-attendance at an assessment will result in failure of that assessment. Where visa conditions apply, attendance is compulsory.

Overview of Learning Resources

You will make extensive use of computer laboratories and relevant software provided by the School. You will be able to access course information and learning materials through the Learning Hub (also known as online@RMIT) and may be provided with copies of additional materials in class or via email. Lists of relevant reference texts, resources in the library and freely accessible Internet sites will be provided.

Use the RMIT Bookshop’s textbook list search page to find any recommended textbook(s).

Overview of Assessment

You will demonstrate your learnings via group and individual assignments and a comprehensive understanding will be proved via the final examination. Successful completion of the assignments and the exam will equip you with the necessary tools /ability to undertake requirements engineering tasks in subsequent project or work experiences.

For standard assessment details, including hurdle requirements, relating to Computer Science and IT courses see: http://www.rmit.edu.au/compsci/cgi