Software Requirements Analysis (SWEN90009)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
AIMS
The aim of this subject is to give students an understanding of the theoretical and technical principles behind systems analysis and software requirements engineering, applying techniques in a real-world project environment to analyse the requirements for systems.
The subject is core in the MC-ENG Master of Engineering (Software) degree.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
The first step in the development of any non-trivial software system is an analysis of the problem domain in order to formulate a requirements specification. In this subject students will explore the aims, principles, processes and techniques involved in business and domain analysis and the formulation of requirements. Topics covered will include: an understanding of the domain analysis problem; business and domain analysis; an exploration of methods for eliciting, analysing, specifying and validating requirements; requirements metrics; analysis techniques for ‘special domains’ drawn from a selection of enterprise systems, safety critical systems, usability and security.
Intended learning outcomes
At the completion of this subject the student is expected to:
- Be able to understand the role of requirements in software engineering projects
- Be able to understand the methods for the elicitation, analysis and specification of system requirements and to be able to apply those methods in practice
- Be able to understand the different types of requirements, the methods for their specification and the role that they play in system analysis
- Work together in a team that interacts with clients/stakeholders to elicit requirements
- Be able to select methods appropriate to a particular application or problem
Generic skills
On completion of this subjects the student should have the following skills:
- Ability to apply knowledge of science and engineering fundamentals
- Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation, and solution
- Ability to utilise a systems approach to complex problems and to design and operational performance
- Understanding of the business environment
- Ability to communicate effectively both with the engineering team, clients and the community at large
- Ability to manage project-related information and documentation
- Capacity for creativity and innovation
- Understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities, and commitment to them
- Ability to function effectively as an individual and in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, as a team leader or manager as well as an effective team member
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
All of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| SWEN30006 | Software Modelling and Design |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| SWEN90016 | Software Processes and Management |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Note: these can be taken concurrently (at the same time)
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Assessment 1 - A team- based project throughout the semester with deliveries at various points from week 4 . Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO's) 2, 3, 4 and 5 are addressed in the project.
| From Week 4 to Week 12 | 60% |
Assessment 2 - Acceptance test and final digital prototype of software demonstration, in the examination period, requiring approximately 15-20 hours (20%), that assesses the team's ability to develop a non-trivial (and feasible) software high-fidelity prototype using software engineering principles and techniques.
| During the examination period | 20% |
Assessment 3 - 20% of each student's mark will be based on their individual contribution to the project (continuous assessment throughout the teaching period).
| Throughout the teaching period | 20% |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Mansooreh Zahedi Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 36 hours, comprising of two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour tutorial per week Total time commitment 200 hours Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025 Last self-enrol date 14 March 2025 Census date 31 March 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025 Assessment period ends 27 June 2025 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
200 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS
The subject comprises a two one-hour lectures and one hour workshop per week. The lectures are used to elaborate and interpret material and the workshops are designed to assist students in applying theory in their project and assignment work. The project forms a major component of the practical application of the subject and is used to focus a significant part of the teaching on a practical problem.
INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES
The subject is administered through the Universities Learning Management System (LMS). Templates for the various artefacts, guidelines on analysis processes and links to requirements analysis tools are available through the LMS. A standard environment is made available that includes modelling and diagramming facilities together with material compiled from a number of popular and current textbooks and available textbooks.
CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS
The software industry is expanding and along with it the demand for software engineers that are capable of the analytical and management skills beyond programming. The industry is also changing in the nature of the projects being undertaken with many software engineers now working in multidisciplinary project teams. The skills and experience gained in this subject are valued by employers and are often seen as a necessary grounding for a career in software and technology related industries.
The subject provides students with a realistic environment in which to apply and learn the theory and practice of requirements engineering. Projects are chosen to reflect real-world considerations. Industry guest speakers are invited to provide lectures in relation to specialised project requirements.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Ph.D.- Engineering Course Doctor of Philosophy - Engineering Course Master of Philosophy - Engineering Specialisation (formal) Software with Business Specialisation (formal) Software - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 4 March 2025