Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title SAFETY AND DEPENDABILITY
Code COMP524
Coordinator Dr S Schewe
Computer Science
Sven.Schewe@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 7 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims
    To provide a critical and in-depth understanding of all aspects of software safety and dependability; including issues relating to security, reliability and trustworthiness.

  2. To provide a broad understanding of the state-of-the-art software engineering techniques currently used to address safety and dependability issues.

  3. To provide an overview of the contemporary research issues relating to software safety and dependability.

Learning Outcomes

Understand some of the problems associated with the use of computer software in critical applications where safety, security and trust are issues.

Understand some of the contemporary mechanisms for ensuring dependability and reliability.

Understand a variety of approaches to the design and development of safe and dependable systems.

Understand formal verification techniques in relation to the assessment of safety and dependability.
Be aware of some of the contemporary research problems in the areas of safety, security, dependability and trust.

Syllabus
1  1: Introduction to safety critical systems (1 week)

2 :Partial and total correctness (3.5 weeks)

3: Dependability, reliability, and discrete stochastics (1.5 weeks)

4: Markov chains and decision processes (4 weeks)

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture -

Tutorial -


Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 20

   20

       40
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 110
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Open Book Written Exam  150  Semester 2  75  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Written Exam Notes (applying to all assessments) Coursework: two assessment tasks. This work is not marked anonymously. Written Exam: open book written examination. The exam will be held as an "open book" exam, where the material allowed into the examination room is restricted to one sheet of A4 paper (single sided). The following text will be printed on the exam scripts: This will be held as an 'Open Book' examination according to the Regulations for the Conduct of Examinations (Appendix D to the Code of Practice of Assessment). The material you are allowed to take into the examination room is restricted to one single-sided sheet of A4 paper, prepared by yourself, with a content of your choice. The material is for your personal use only. The students are informed about this regulation a) at the beginning of the course, b) by a description on the course page on VITAL, c) by this module specification, and d) by an email sent by the student office on behalf of the Head of Department. To ensure that every student who takes the exam is informed by email, the email is sent closely after the latest point in time where a new student is allowed to enter the course in the running semester. 
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  36 hours for all CAs  Semester 2  12.5  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 1 
Coursework  36 hours for all CAs  Semester 2  12.5  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 2 

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List: