Course syllabus - Model-Based Development for Dependable Systems

Objectives

Model-based development is a methodology aiming at reducing the complexity of development and management of modern software applications through the exploitation of models. The methodology can be seen as the potential solution for the ever-increasing complexity of software. The development process within dependable systems is rigorous and includes among other things, validation of requirements, careful design and implementation. Model-based development is a step forward to cope with rigorous development of complex systems. By raising the level of abstraction from software to models, the engineers can work in the problem space rather than in the solution space and as such explore a larger design space.
 The aim of the course is to introduce the basic principles related to modelling, analysis, and generating implementation code for software systems, with special focus on the dependability domain, and to give engineering knowledge in using model-based tools.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student shall be able to:

1. analyze problems and solutions in model-based development of dependable systems,
2. argue about the possibilities and limitations of model-based development for the modelling, analysis and automated generation of software for dependable systems,
3, implement simpler models with the use of modern model-based tools, and
4. reflect upon the research performed within the area of model-based development.

Course content

The focus of this course is on model-based development for dependable systems. The basics on software modeling technologies will be provided together with the issues related to the automated derivation of corresponding code for dependable systems, including possibilities and limitations, e.g.  code qualification of such tools.

The course includes:

- Introduction to software engineering and modeling
- General-purpose and domain-specific modelling languages
- Model execution
- Model-based development applied to dependable systems

Specific requirements

At least 120 credits of which at least 20 credits in Computer Science and also at least 7.5 credits in Software Engineering or development of avionics systems or development of safety-critical systems or corresponding.
In addition, Swedish B/Swedish 3 and English A/English 6 are required. For courses given entirely in English exemption is made from the requirement in Swedish B/Swedish 3.

Examination

Written assignment (INL1), 2 credits, examines the learning objectives 1, 2 and 4, marks Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with distinction (VG).
Laboratory work (LAB1), a series of laboratory exercises that continuously is presented according to instructions, 3 credits, examines the learning objective 3, marks Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with distinction (VG).
Project (PRO1), an assignment that is presented with a report and a demonstration of the project, 2.5 credits, examines the learning objectives 1 and 2, marks Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with distinction (VG).

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Three-grade scale

Interim Regulations and Other Regulations

The course overlaps with 5 credits towards DVA475 Model-Based Development for Aerospace (MBD-AS), 2 credits towards DVA461 Model-Based Development (MBD), distance course, 2 credits towards DVA471 Model-based development: Theory and practice (MBD-TP) and also with 2 credits towards DVA411/DVA436 Model-Driven Engineering.
The course can be included in the technology field for dependable systems.