Software Engineering (SE) focuses on the process of developing and maintaining software. The SE research proposes solutions to various problems in the requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance of software. With various approaches investigated, researchers aim to improve programmer productivity and software quality. This course will cover various SE research topics, such as empirical studies, program differencing, clone detection, similar software detection, fault localization, automatic program repair, and change impact analysis.

The goal of this course is two-fold. First, it will enrich students' knowledge of various research topics in SE to cultivate research interests in the area, and to recommend best practice for software development and maintenance. Second, it will provide an environment that promotes and rewards creative thinking, problem solving, idea presentation, and oral and written communication.

This course consists of three parts. 

• Basic concepts: The instructor will briefly introduce all phases of the software life cycle: requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance. 
• Advanced topics: Students will present and lead discussion on papers recommended by the instructor. All papers will be about important techniques and interesting research topics in the area.
• Research projects: With the instructor's help, students will work on a course project to solve a specific SE-relevant problem, and may achieve some publishable research at the end of the semester.

Grading

• 20% attendance and class participation:
  • Attendance and class participation are mandatory. 
  • Say something about every paper we discuss!
  • Both attendance and class participation will contribute to your final grade.
• 15% critiques Guidelines for critique
• 15% presentations Guidelines for presentation
• 50% course project Guidelines for project

All assignments should be turned in at 2:30pm on the due date before the lecture starts. I don't accept late assignment except for extreme cases. If you cannot turn in the assignments on time, please contact me before the deadline.