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COMP20340

Academic Year 2026/2027

Requirements Engineering (COMP20340)

Subject:
Computer Science
College:
Science
School:
Computer Science
Level:
2 (Intermediate)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Rob Brennan
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

The module will introduce learners to best practice in the critical initial stages of development of large and complex, real-world software systems. The module assumes prior learning of at least one high-level language (Python, Java, C, C++, or similar): it is not a general introduction to software design. Learners with no prior programming experience are not advised to take this module.

The module will introduce software systems requirements analysis and management using the tools and methods of requirement engineering (RE) in the era of GenAI. First we will examine the design challenges in the systems development or software engineering lifecycle for large scale systems. Then we describe the role of requirements engineering in addressing these challenges. This will include understanding software requirements specifications, system context like stakeholder goals and constraints, techniques for gathering requirements (e.g. use cases), domain modelling, non-functional requirements and managing the requirements artifacts will be covered. Emphasis will be placed on developing basic system analysis and modelling skills, applying standards and engaging with real world case studies.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

When students have successfully completed this module they should be able to:
1. Create and evaluate textual and visual software system requirements for large and complex systems.
2. Understand the context, standards and role of requirements engineering in the software development life cycle.
3. Analyse systems using abstraction, decomposition, object orientation, use case techniques for system and domain modelling.
4. Apply best practices (including ethics) for requirements elicitation.
5. Understand non-functional requirements and managing requirements specifications.

Indicative Module Content:

Part 1: Introduction to Requirements Engineering in the System Development Lifecycle
Part 2: Developing a System Requirements Specification
Part 3: Requirements Analysis: Use Cases, Domain Models, Non-Functional Requirements
Part 4: Requirements Elicitation and Management

The United Nations identified seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and UCD contributes in general to SDG 4 Quality Education. Further SDGs explored within this module if relevant are listed below. A scale of 1 - 5 indicates the extent to which the SDG is covered.


Goal Name Description Coverage

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation 1

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable 1

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns 1
 

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Practical

24
Specified Learning Activities

24
Autonomous Student Learning

65
Total

125

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
In this module we will follow a hybrid approach to teaching and Learning. This includes the main concepts of the module delivered by lectures, students will then have the opportunity to work in the labs following an active/task-based learning; the assignment is designed as group work, and the result of the assignment requires design, critical writing and student presentations.

If students are permitted to use generative AI tools in assignments, that will be indicated in the assignment specification.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
IS30020 - Web Publishing


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade Component repeat (in-module) Offered
Exam (In-person): MCQ-based examination at the end of the trimester. Duration 2 hours. Week 14 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
40
 No
Group Work Assignment: Students will work in groups to research and create formal requirements documents for large scale systems. This will enable them to apply the skills and methods taught in the module. Week 7, Week 11 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
20
 No
Participation in Learning Activities: Weekly in-lab activities will contribute to final grades. This will include MCQs, requirements document reading and assessment, presenting groupwork and tool exercises. Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
40
 No

As part of UCD's student support, under the Additional Consideration policy, extensions may be available for the following assessments in the module: Assignment (including essay/poster), Portfolio, Reflective Assignment, Report(s), and Individual Project.


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

In-lab MCQs will get group/class feedback. Labs will include discussion of individual and group projects to give oral feedback. Peer review of group work will form a part of lab actives.

Name Role
Sourodip Ghoshdastidar Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 13:00 - 13:50
Autumn Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Wed 16:00 - 17:50
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