A course on software engineering for safety-related systems

Thomas Swain, Jason Carter, Carmen Trammell, Lan Lin

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The prime objective of this work has been development of mathematically rigorous, systematic, and constructive software specification methods suitable for use by typical industry practitioners. This reseach forms the basis for course materials and instructional tools for multidisciplinary instruction in software engineering. The methods and course materials are particularly applicable to safety-related embedded systems and together provide a path to upgrading the state of practice for production of these systems. This paper addresses two complementary topics: (1) a perspective on rigorous software production methods and (2) the means for educating current and future industry practitioners in the use of these methods. First we review the progression of strategies for production of high-assurance software followed by in-depth descriptions of the most recent and effective specification and implementation methods. The paper culminates with a discussion of the instructional resources and methods being used in courses focused on application of the most effective methods. The course presents modern high-assurance software development methods in a format tailored for safety and control engineers. It provides (1) the theoretical basis for methods that ensure production of reliable, auditable software, and (2) systematic procedures for application of the methods.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication7th International Topical Meeting on Nuclear Plant Instrumentation, Control, and Human-Machine Interface Technologies 2010, NPIC and HMIT 2010
Pages696-707
Number of pages12
StatePublished - 2010
Externally publishedYes
Event7th International Topical Meeting on Nuclear Plant Instrumentation, Control, and Human-Machine Interface Technologies 2010, NPIC and HMIT 2010 - Las Vegas, NV, United States
Duration: Nov 7 2010Nov 11 2010

Publication series

Name7th International Topical Meeting on Nuclear Plant Instrumentation, Control, and Human-Machine Interface Technologies 2010, NPIC and HMIT 2010
Volume1

Conference

Conference7th International Topical Meeting on Nuclear Plant Instrumentation, Control, and Human-Machine Interface Technologies 2010, NPIC and HMIT 2010
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLas Vegas, NV
Period11/7/1011/11/10

Keywords

  • Embedded systems
  • Safety-related instrumentation
  • Software dependability

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