Software Engineering Project Laboratory: The Bridge Between University and Industry

Abstract

The study of computer science, which concentrates programming languages, compiler construction, and operating system courses, does not adequately prepare an individual to build large software systems. This paper describes a two semester software engineering laboratory course to develop a student’s understanding of software engineering and its relationship with computer science. This laboratory course also is intended to help computer science students make the transition from the school environment to the professional environment. It provides an opportunity to practice software engineering in an industrial/business situation under an engineering or product acquisition type contract. In addition the students assume project responsibilities broader in scope than they would normally have the opportunity to assume in their first years of employment. Problems and issues in instructing and managing a software engineering course of this type are discussed.