What will I learn on this module?
This module will introduce you to the requirements engineering (RE) process. It provides a foundation knowledge of the key techniques used within requirements engineering to elicit, analyse, and validate what people need out of a system to be designed before it is built, the challenges in applying these techniques well to create requirements specifications, and the way in which the RE process is situated into wider systems development lifecycles.
‘Requirements Engineering’ will prepare you for further modules in your program involving systems development as well as for your final year project and any placement years or consultancy projects you might undertake. Research among industry has shown that skills in requirements engineering are deemed critically needed—not a surprise as most failure in systems development are determined before any design or coding has been done
During ‘Requirements Engineering’ you will engage in research-rich analysis of requirements engineering topics and learn how to design and deploy a variety of requirements engineering techniques. The main element in assessment (100%) will be a final research-driven requirements specification report research-driven report that will bring together all your new skills and knowledge and allow you to develop a requirements specification for a system of your choosing.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through lectures, interactive workshops, and independent learning. The lectures will cover theory and techniques to provide you with a foundation in understanding the requirements engineering process, the techniques used within it, and its situation within larger systems development lifecycles. You will further your understanding during the workshops in which you will work through tutor-led exercises to critically assess both research and our own assumptions.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be supported by tutors during the timetabled sessions and you will receive formative feedback on your work and engagement with the workshop exercises. The University’s eLearning Portal offers remote access to all lecture and seminar materials to reinforce your learning. In addition, the university library offers support for all students through the provision of electronic resources and a detailed reading list for the module.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
MLO1 –Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the place of requirements engineering in different systems development lifecycles and critically assess how different development methods (e.g., Agile) affect its effectiveness
MLO2 – Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the different types of requirements and their origins and to what extent trade-offs between requirements can be managed
MLO3 – Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a variety of requirements engineering techniques and their suitability in different contexts
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MLO4 – Critically apply appropriate requirements engineering techniques to develop a requirements specification in a clear and detailed manner
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
MLO5 – Demonstrate critical engagement with contemporary RE research and development (e.g., recent research papers)
How will I be assessed?
There will be on summative assessment (100%) in this module. It will consist of you developing a requirements specification for a system of your choosing. This assessment addresses all module learning outcomes.
You will receive critical constructive feedback on your assessments.
During workshops there will be formative workshop exercises and class discussions for which you will also receive formative feedback.
Pre-requisite(s)
NA
Co-requisite(s)
NA
Module abstract
Requirements Engineering (RE) is an essential part of any systems development lifecycle. RE is used to understand what has to be built, and why. In this module you will learn through lectures and interactive seminars how RE fits into different software and systems development life cycles, how to conduct its key activities using a variety of techniques employed in industry (stakeholder analysis, elicitation instrument design, domain modelling using visual notations, specification writing using UML). Throughout the module you will learn how to specify a variety of requirements artifacts in a clear and detailed manner to minimize the likelihood of building systems that are not fit for purpose—a critical skill sought after by employers in the IT industry. You will put your skills to the test in an assessment developing a requirements specification for a system of your choosing, with the support of a team of research-active tutors.
Course info
UCAS Code GN50
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years full-time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Computer and Information Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2023 or September 2024
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses starting in 2023 are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but may include elements of online learning. We continue to monitor government and local authority guidance in relation to Covid-19 and we are ready and able to flex accordingly to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with additional restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors, potentially to a full online offer, should further restrictions be deemed necessary in future. Our online activity will be delivered through Blackboard Ultra, enabling collaboration, connection and engagement with materials and people.
Full time Courses starting in 2023 are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but may include elements of online learning. We continue to monitor government and local authority guidance in relation to Covid-19 and we are ready and able to flex accordingly to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with additional restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors, potentially to a full online offer, should further restrictions be deemed necessary in future. Our online activity will be delivered through Blackboard Ultra, enabling collaboration, connection and engagement with materials and people.
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