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Course syllabus - Safety Critical Systems Engineering

Scope

7.5 credits

Course code

DVA437

Valid from

Autumn semester 2026

Education level

Second cycle

Progressive Specialisation

A1N (Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements)

Main area(s)

Computer Science

Organisation

Department of Computer Science & Engineering

Ratified

2014-04-15

Revised

2025-11-03

Literature lists

Course literature is preliminary up to 8 weeks before course start. Course literature can be valid over several semesters.

    • Ratified date: 2021-09-10
    • Latest update: 2025-05-27

    Other Materials

    The literature consists of research papers and other web-based material

    A complete list can be found on Canvas.

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Objectives

The purpose of the course is to provide the students with knowledge of working with system development of safety-critical applications, as well as development according to a safety standard.

Learning outcomes

After the course, the student will be able to:

  1. Apply fundamental methods for hazard analysis.
  2. Apply safety standards for development of safety-critical systems.
  3. Create a safety case.
  4. Compare and contrast his/her work with respect to state of the art concerning safety case structuring.

Course content

Introduction and overview of development of safety critical systems, including fundamental dependability concepts. Processes for development of safety critical systems, including certification. Analysis techniques for risk and dependability. Building safety cases, and industrial examples of safety critical systems development.

Specific requirements

At least 120 credits where at least credits computer science with progression and 7,5 credits software engineering or corresponding. In addition Swedish course 3 or Swedish level 3 and English course 6 or English level 2 are required. For courses given entirely in English exemption is made from the requirement in Swedish course 3 or Swedish level 3.

Examination

Project (PRO1), 3.5 ECTS credits, marks Fail (U), 3, 4 or 5, (covers learning objective 1-4)
Examination (TEN1), 4 ECTS credits, marks Fail (U), 3, 4 or 5, (covers learning objective 1, 2 and 3)

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding disability study support, can request adaptions for the examination. It is the examiner who takes decisions on any adaptions, based on the certificate and other conditions.

Grade

Grading scale: 5, 4, 3

Interim Regulations and Other Regulations

The course completely overlaps with DVA321 Safety Critical Systems Engineering, 7,5 ECTS credits.
The course can be included in the technology field for dependable systems.