Course content

The course is about the software development process for reliable and safety-critical distributed reactive systems. In particular, students learn how to create such systems with abstract system models as a starting point via design synthesis to code generation and execution. In addition, we use the Temporal Logic of Actions (TLA) to specify safety-critical systems and to verify that the development of more detailed systems based on more abstract ones is correct and that specific safety-critical properties are guaranteed. Finally, we discuss how safe systems can be properly tested.

Learning outcome

A. Knowledge:

1. Software development process for safety-critical systems.
2. Model-based development methods to engineer reliable and safety-critical distributed reactive systems from abstract system models via design synthesis to code generation and execution.
3. Formal specification of safety-critical systems and verification of system properties in temporal logic.
4. System validation through testing.

B. Skills:

1. Use of selected UML-based modeling languages, methods and tools for specification, design, implementation and analysis of safety-critical systems.
2. Use of formal specification and verification techniques based on the Temporal Logic of Actions (TLA) to guarantee that the development of more detailed systems based on more abstract ones is correct and that specific safety-critical properties are guaranteed.
3. Practical development and execution of reliable systems that follow the general software development process for safety-critical systems.

C. General competence:

1. Applying the principles of software design to distributed safety-critical systems.
2. Basic understanding of the use of temporal logic to specify and verify key properties of reliable systems.

The learning outcome of this course is related to the construction of safety-critical systems that will become the backbone of digital ecosystems, i.e., integrated distributed systems and other critical infrastructures. Such systems are important for society and must therefore implement functions in a robust, secure and efficient manner. Therefore, the outcome of this course is directly related to UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). The gained knowledge, skills, and competence also contribute indirectly to other SDGs as enablers in various domains, in particular to goal 2 (Zero Hunger), 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 7 (Affordable Clean Energy), and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Learning methods and activities

The course is taught according to the principle of team-based learning. It consists of individual work, group work and immediate feedback. The objective is to foster active student participation in the course. The principle is explained at www.teambasedlearning.org. Throughout the semester, students receive feedback on the learning process by several Readiness Assurance Tests (RATs), which also contribute to the final grade. To qualify for the final exam, a student has to reach at least 40% of the possible points in the readiness assurance tests.

Recommended previous knowledge

TTM4115 Design of Communicating Systems or equivalent.

Course materials

To be announced at the beginning of the term.

Credit reductions