Module: Software Engineering Methodologies

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Software Engineering Methodologies
Module Code	ICT1003 (ITS: CB)
Faculty	Electronic Engineering	School	Engineering & Computing
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	20

Description

A module which provides students with an understanding of the theory and practice associated with Software Development Methodologies.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe systems that exist within a variety of organisations.
2. Demonstrate the stages of the systems development life cycle.
3. Critique a system proposal.
4. Describe how a feasibility study on a proposed system is carried out.
5. Evaluate the techniques used by a Project Manager to schedule activities and resources.
6. Translate data requirements into a database design using a data modelling technique
7. Translate system requirements into a system design using a process modelling technique
8. Contrast the different options for sourcing the development of an information system
9. Describe the features of Extreme Programming, Agile Methodologies, Scrum
10. Summarise common problems with Information Systems Projects and the Risk Analysis Process

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Tutorial	21	Face-to-face tutorials are held in DCU on Saturdays and Virtual Classroom tutorials on weekday evenings according to the timetable
Online activity	16	Interaction with tutor and fellow students
Independent Study	463	Reading, study, research and problem solving
Total Workload: 500

Section Breakdown
CRN	11785	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Richard Bolger	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Assignment from units 1-6	7%	n/a
Assignment	Assignment based on units 7 - 11	9%	n/a
Assignment	Assignment from units 12-18	9%	n/a
Formal Examination	n/a	75%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

CBL The Systems Development Life Cycle
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Unit 1: Introduction
The aim of this unit is to introduce the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and techniques for managing software development projects.

Unit 2:Project Planning
The aim of this unit is to investigate the planning phase of the software development lifecycle.

Unit 3: Systems Analysis: Gathering Requirements
The aim of this unit is to discuss the role of the systems analyst in gathering requirements from the users of the new system.

Unit 4: Use Case Analysis
The aim of this unit is to introduce the concept of use cases which is the first stage of systems analysis.

Unit 5: Systems Analysis: Process Modelling
The aim of this unit is to discuss Process Modelling which forms part of the Systems Analysis stage of the software development lifecycle.

Unit 6:Systems Analysis: Data Modelling
The aim of this unit is to discuss Data Modelling, another part of the Systems Analysis phase.

Unit 7:Systems Design
The aim of this unit is to discuss System Design which follows on from the Systems Analysis stage of the SDLC.

Unit 8: Building the required System
The aim of this unit is to discuss the next stage of the systems development life-cycle, building the system.

Unit 9: Testing the Developed System
The aim of this unit is to discuss testing which follows on from the Systems Design stage of the SDLC.

Unit 10: Implementing the New System
The aim of this unit is to discuss the next stage of the systems development life-cycle (SDLC), System Implementation.

Unit 11: Maintaining and Enhancing the New System
The aim of this unit is to discuss the final stage of the systems development life-cycle (SDLC), maintaining and enhancing the new system.

Unit 12: Project Management: PRINCE2
The aim of this unit is to understand the PRINCE2 project management methodology.

Unit 13: Agile
The aim of this unit is to introduce the philosophy of agile development.

Unit 14: Extreme Programming
This unit aims to introduce the concept of Extreme Programming, commonly known as XP.

Unit 15: Scrum
This unit aims to discuss the agile methodology known as scrum.

Unit 16: Lean
The aim of this unit is to review the origins of lean in manufacturing and to consider how ideas of lean may be applied to software development.

Unit 17: Lean in Software Development
The aim of this unit is to understand how lean principles can be applied in the development of software.

Unit 18: Kanban
The aim of this unit is to introduce the Kanban method and to consider how it may be applied to software development.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None