Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module COMP40715: NEW INITIATIVES FROM SOFTWARE ENGINEERING RESEARCH

Department: Computer Science

COMP40715: NEW INITIATIVES FROM SOFTWARE ENGINEERING RESEARCH

Type Open Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2007/08 Module Cap None.

Prerequisites

  • Students may not take this module if they have previously taken ADVANCED SOFTWARE ENGINEERING (COMP3152)

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To encourage students to think critically about how specific research initiatives further the field of software engineering.

Content

  • Students will study a selection of the following topics:
  • New approach to software engineering;
  • Trends in program comprehension;
  • Source code analysis;
  • Software development process improvement;

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • have an advanced understanding of how the topics of software engineering are extended in current research.
  • have in-depth, specific knowledge of research in a particular area
Subject-specific Skills:
  • be able to critically demonstrate how recent developments in research benefit current software development and maintenance practices
  • be able to present a research paper on a research topic within software engineering.
Key Skills:
  • be able to communicate complex information.
  • be able to manage time and organise work effectively.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lecturing demonstrates what is required to be learned and the application of the theory to practical examples. Homework problems identify areas where further independent research should be conducted. Through their assessed coursework students will demonstrate the knowledge they have acquired and their ability to use this knowledge to solve complex problems.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 9 1 per week 2 hours 18
Tutorials 2 1 hour 2
Preparation and Reading 130
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Coursework Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
research paper 100%

Formative Assessment:

Example exercises given through the course.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University