605.705.82 - Software Safety

Computer Science
Fall 2024

Description

This course describes how to develop and use software that is free of imperfections that could cause unsafe conditions in safety-critical systems. Systems engineering and software engineering techniques are described for developing “safeware,” and case studies are presented regarding catastrophic situations that resulted from software and system faults that could have been avoided. Specific techniques of risk analysis, hazard analysis, fault tolerance, and safety tradeoffs within the software engineering paradigm are discussed. Prerequisite(s): EN.605.202 Data Structures.

Expanded Course Description

Students are expected to be familiar with Foundational Software Engineering skills (such as 605.601 materials) and have experience working in the industry and willing share software development experiences from their work or personal lives.
This is a discussion heavy course with weekly discussions that may incorporate audio or video responses. The course is in its infancy and is trialing new tools and techniques for sharing multimedia.
Additionally, this course relies on real-world experiences and story telling.
Some materials are presented as podcasts, streamable videos, and interactive multimedia. A modern browser may be required for some materials.

Instructor

Default placeholder image. No profile image found for Scott Almes.

Scott Almes

Course Structure

The course materials are divided into modules which can be accessed by clicking Modules on the course menu. A module will have several sections including the overview, content, readings, discussions, and assignments. You are encouraged to preview all sections of the module before starting. Modules run for a period of seven (7) days, exceptions are noted in the Course Outline. You should regularly check the Calendar and Announcements for assignment due dates.

Course Topics

Course Goals

To identify and mitigate hazardous system operations before they can ever occur through rigorous analysis of a system, its components, operators, environment, etc. Students should complete this course with a much deeper understanding of all the factors that need to be accounted for in order to prevent hazardous conditions from arising in their systems. Additionally, students will able to apply these tools to organizations and other social constructs in order enforce safety holistically.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

Textbooks

Leveson, N., 2016. Engineering a Safer World. Cambridge: The MIT Press.
Electronic copies are available for free from the publisher.

Required Software

The majority of the course requires minimal software. A modern browser and operating system will be able to handle the majority of tasks. Additionally, you may need software to:

Computer System

This course assumes you have access to a personal computer or laptop to use for programming during the course. It needs to be a machine on which you have sufficient administrator access that you can install software, as needed. The operating system can be Windows, Linux or MAC OS.

NOTE: Problems with the computer system that you have chosen to use for developing your programming assignments do NOT constitute a legitimate excuse for late assignments. You are strongly encouraged to have backup arrangements in the event of a drive failure, power problems, or other issues that limit your access.

Student Coursework Requirements

TaskGrade %DueJustification
Content Quizzes20%WeeklyObjectively measure students are completing required tasks.
Discussion30%WeeklyThis course is effectively amplified with real-world scenarios and case studies. Student anecdotes are a prized commodity
Research Paper15%Module 8This assignment will require students to do light research into commercial Software Safety (or a lack thereof). 3-4 Page report with starting point guidance.
Research project30%Module 13
Students will work in small teams to write a paper and produce a short video that will be presented to other students during the final week.
Research Discussion5%Module 14A dedicated discussion board will be posted for the Research Project review. The final week of the class is dedicated to reviewing and discussing the final research projects. Drawing on the presenter's depth of knowledge, while demonstrating respectful review of each other's materials.

Grading Policy

Per EP policy, this course utilizes a +/- grading system:

100-97= A+
96-93= A
92-90= A−
89-87= B+
86-83= B
82-80= B−
79-77= C+
76-73= C
72-70= C−
69-67= D+
66-63= D
<63= F

Academic Policies

Deadlines for Adding, Dropping and Withdrawing from Courses

Students may add a course up to one week after the start of the term for that particular course. Students may drop courses according to the drop deadlines outlined in the EP academic calendar (https://ep.jhu.edu/student-services/academic-calendar/). Between the 6th week of the class and prior to the final withdrawal deadline, a student may withdraw from a course with a W on their academic record. A record of the course will remain on the academic record with a W appearing in the grade column to indicate that the student registered and withdrew from the course.

Academic Misconduct Policy

All students are required to read, know, and comply with the Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS) / Whiting School of Engineering (WSE) Procedures for Handling Allegations of Misconduct by Full-Time and Part-Time Graduate Students.

This policy prohibits academic misconduct, including but not limited to the following: cheating or facilitating cheating; plagiarism; reuse of assignments; unauthorized collaboration; alteration of graded assignments; and unfair competition. Course materials (old assignments, texts, or examinations, etc.) should not be shared unless authorized by the course instructor. Any questions related to this policy should be directed to EP’s academic integrity officer at ep-academic-integrity@jhu.edu.

Students with Disabilities - Accommodations and Accessibility

Johns Hopkins University values diversity and inclusion. We are committed to providing welcoming, equitable, and accessible educational experiences for all students. Students with disabilities (including those with psychological conditions, medical conditions and temporary disabilities) can request accommodations for this course by providing an Accommodation Letter issued by Student Disability Services (SDS). Please request accommodations for this course as early as possible to provide time for effective communication and arrangements.

For further information or to start the process of requesting accommodations, please contact Student Disability Services at Engineering for Professionals, ep-disability-svcs@jhu.edu.

Student Conduct Code

The fundamental purpose of the JHU regulation of student conduct is to promote and to protect the health, safety, welfare, property, and rights of all members of the University community as well as to promote the orderly operation of the University and to safeguard its property and facilities. As members of the University community, students accept certain responsibilities which support the educational mission and create an environment in which all students are afforded the same opportunity to succeed academically. 

For a full description of the code please visit the following website: https://studentaffairs.jhu.edu/policies-guidelines/student-code/

Classroom Climate

JHU is committed to creating a classroom environment that values the diversity of experiences and perspectives that all students bring. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Fostering an inclusive climate is important. Research and experience show that students who interact with peers who are different from themselves learn new things and experience tangible educational outcomes. At no time in this learning process should someone be singled out or treated unequally on the basis of any seen or unseen part of their identity. 
 
If you have concerns in this course about harassment, discrimination, or any unequal treatment, or if you seek accommodations or resources, please reach out to the course instructor directly. Reporting will never impact your course grade. You may also share concerns with your program chair, the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, or the Office of Institutional Equity. In handling reports, people will protect your privacy as much as possible, but faculty and staff are required to officially report information for some cases (e.g. sexual harassment).

Course Auditing

When a student enrolls in an EP course with “audit” status, the student must reach an understanding with the instructor as to what is required to earn the “audit.” If the student does not meet those expectations, the instructor must notify the EP Registration Team [EP-Registration@exchange.johnshopkins.edu] in order for the student to be retroactively dropped or withdrawn from the course (depending on when the "audit" was requested and in accordance with EP registration deadlines). All lecture content will remain accessible to auditing students, but access to all other course material is left to the discretion of the instructor.