Core Module Information
Module title: Software Architecture

SCQF level: 10:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: SET10101
Module leader: Xiaodong Liu
School School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Subject area group: Computer Science
Prerequisites

Requisites: AND Pre-requisite: Software Design and Development AND Pre-requisite: [Module SET09102] Software Engineering

Description of module content:

The module investigates and applies a number of architectural styles, including: main program / sub program object oriented layered systems independent component architectures pipe and filter systems implicit invocation data-centred service-oriented architecture A number of architectural patterns are also considered, including: broker interceptor model view controller microkernel Architecture solutions, including novel styles and patterns, are then explored for emerging software systems, currently including: Pervasive systems Mobile computing systems Service oriented systems Microservice Embedded systems Cloud computing systemsQoS-based architecture design and analysis is introduced due to the increasing significance of quality requirements in modern systems.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Recognise major and emerging architectural styles and architectural patterns.

LO2: Specify and analyse components and connectors of a software system.

LO3: Generate architectural alternatives for a problem and choose between them.

LO4: Design and construct a software system that satisfies an architectural specification.

LO5: Design and analyse architectures in emerging contexts.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2024/5, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Xiaodong Liu
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 22 The lectures will present and explain a comprehensive set of the state-of-art knowledge and skills on software architecture. These knowledge and skills are widely used in the current industry and research, and will improve your skillset and employabilty significantly.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 22 Two hours each week are devoted to in-class hands-on work with the architecture styles, architecture patterns, architecture design and analysis you learn in the module. The practical sessions will also provide support and continuous feedback on the coursework. During the practicals, students will have the opportunity to work on their coursework, show their draft work to the tutors and receive instant feedback from the tutors as a continuous learning cycle.
Face To Face Tutorial 4 Tutorials will be interactive and discussion-based. They will give the students the opportunity to present their questions and contribute to the discussion with their knowledge and expertise.
Independent Learning Centrally Time Tabled Examination 2 You will take an online centrally time tabled exam to show your mastery of the knowledge and skills taught in the module.
Online Guided independent study 135 Outside the class time, you are expected to do independent study to digest the taught knowledge and practise the related skills. This might include additional work on the coursework, practise with the tools and techniques and wider reading.
Online GROUPIND_STUDY 15 You are expected to collaborate with the other students in your team outside of scheduled class time when digesting the module content and working on the coursework.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Practical Skills Assessment 60 1~2~3~4~5 Week 12 HOURS= 50 Students will do coursework as the practical skills assessment. The coursework will involve architecture design, architecture analysis, trade-off, and justification of the design decision. A prototype will be implemented based on the architecture design as a means of verification and evaluation of the design. During the practicals, students will have the opportunity to work on their coursework, show their draft work to the tutors and receive instant feedback from the tutors.
Centrally Time Tabled Examination 40 1~2~3~4~5 Exam Period HOURS= 2 hour Students will take an online centrally time tabled exam to show your mastery of the knowledge and skills taught in the module. The exam will be design/discussion/analysis focused to reflect the honours level of this module.
Component 1 subtotal: 60
Component 2 subtotal: 40
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
SET10101: Software Architecture