Research Topics in Model-Based Information Systems

ECTS Credits

15 ECTS

Level of Study

Master level

Teaching semester

Irregular

Objectives and Content

The course provides the theoretical and technological foundations for developing and evolving model-centered information systems. The course offers a broad spectrum of formal method techniques including graph theory, logic (FOL, Temporal logic), model transformation, reasoning and automatic verification using model checking. This course also gives the academic background for supervised research on model-based information systems. The course reviews and discusses topical theories, technologies and standards for model-based and model-driven information systems and for suitable models and modelling languages. The course also involves actual development work using selected technologies and standards, and it covers a selection of closely related topics such as designing process models, process mining, information systems architectures, privacy and security. Examples of research and research methods in the area will also be presented and discussed.

Learning Outcomes

A student who has completed the course should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student will be able to

• explain and compare various types of existing models being used for designing systems.
• describe current modelling techniques and apply these for specifying and verifying software systems.
• identify critical components of distributed systems and be able to diagnose problems typically occurred in safety critical systems.
• acquire theoretical and practical experience of topical research methods in the area.

Skills

The student

• can describe and discuss current research and industry trends in model-driven information systems and relevant modelling techniques.
• can describe and discuss related topics such as information systems architectures, web services/cloud services, semantic interoperability, privacy and security.
• use the theories, technologies and standards to solve such problems and to justify the choices behind the solution.
• can describe how to specify properties of a safety critical system and verify such system.

Required Previous Knowledge

Bachelor's degree in information science or equivalent.

Access to the Course

Master in Information Science. Other master students may apply for admission.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures, and work with assignments, presentations and discussions

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

Participation at 80% of course seminars is compulsory.

Forms of Assessment

• Take home exam, 3 hours (30%)
• An individual, theoretical essay with thoughtful research and discussion of an assigned topic (30%)
• Practical assignment in groups (40%)

Grading Scale

The grading system has a descending scale from A to E for passes and F for fail.

Assessment Semester

Assessment in teaching semester. Only students who have a valid document of absence will be entitled to take a new written exam the following semester.

Reading List

The reading list will be ready before 1 June for the autumn semester and 1 Decemeber for the spring semester.

Course Evaluation

All courses are evaluated according to UiB's system for quality assurance of education.

Course Coordinator

Course coordinator and administrative contact person can be found on Mitt UiB.

Course Administrator

Department of Information Science and Media Studies at the Faculty of Social Sciences has the administrative responsibility for the course and the study programme.