Units / FIT5136
FIT5136 · Software engineering
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 5Faculty of Information Technology
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
Software has become an integral part of our modern world, permeating various sectors. Thus, software engineering is a branch of computer science in which engineering principles are applied to create software systems that meet project requirements that are reliable, and stay within budget and timeline constraints. In this unit, you will learn about modern software development lifecycle (SDLC), processes, tools, and technologies. You will also gain practical experience in a range of software engineering activities, including project planning, requirement analysis, software design and development, software quality assurance, and testing. By the end of the unit, you are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle complex software projects and adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of technology, making them valuable assets in a wide range of industries, from software companies to finance, healthcare, and more
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Clayton | First semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
| Clayton | Second semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
| Suzhou (SEU) | First semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
Assessment
The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assessment 1: Requirement Gathering and Analysis | Artefact | 15% | — |
| 2 | Assessment 2: Software Design | Artefact | 15% | — |
| 3 | Assessment 3: Development Process and Artifacts | Project | 40% | — |
| 4 | Assessment 4: Software Quality and Testing | Performance | 30% | — |
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
prerequisite
Learning outcomes
- Describe and differentiate the various phases of the SDLC, including requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance;
- Design and document software architecture using appropriate diagrams and notations;
- Implement a maintainable software system using Object-Oriented Principles (OOP);
- Implement and execute software testing strategies to ensure the reliability and functionality correctness of the developed software;
- Effectively work and communicate in team-based software development projects;
- Identify ethical issues in software engineering including intellectual property, privacy, and security, and adhere to professional standards and practices.
Workload
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled online and face to face learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated reading and preparation for scheduled activities. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning and online engagement.
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Applied sessions | 25 hours |
| Applied sessions | 24 hours |
| Lectures | 24 hours |
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