Software Engineering and HCI unit (KIT519)

Melbourne Study Centre, Ultimo Study Centre, Hobart

Introduction

This unit explores the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) guided by Software Engineering principles and practices. It elaborates on the understanding of various software development methodologies currently in practice. The unit covers the entire lifecycle as it aligns with Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and User Experience (UX) components, emphasising development from a usability perspective.

The unit includes requirement specifications inspired by real-world software applications. Students work in teams, progressing through each phase of the SDLC and HCI/UX process. You will produce artefacts including a Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM), low- and high-fidelity User Interface designs, and static and dynamic designs using UML. Additionally, you will evaluate and present your final design based on HCI/UX methodologies.

Summary

Unit name	Software Engineering and HCI
Unit code	KIT519
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Information and Communication Technology
Discipline	Information & Communication Technology
Coordinator	Doctor Meredith Castles
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Melbourne Study Centre	Semester 2
Ultimo Study Centre	Semester 2
Hobart	Semester 2

Note

Please check that your computer meets the minimum System Requirements if you are attending via Distance/Off-Campus.

Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse and critique alternative system development methodologies to select the most appropriate for a given software development project
• Design, develop and appraise artefacts typically identified within the systems development life cycle that reflect a technical- and user-centric approach
• Create and evaluate high-fidelity prototypes based on user experience principles to express application designs

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
020305	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$2,919.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	On-Campus Melbourne and Sydney teaching arrangements may differ and will be advised by your teaching team. On-Campus & On-Line enrolments in Hobart: Lecture: 11 weekly online lectures, 1 hr each, in Week #1, Week #2, Week #3, Week #4, Week #5, Week #6, Week #7, Week #8, Week #9, Week #10, and Week #11. Workshops: 12 face-to-face workshops, 2 hrs each, from Week #1 to Week #12. Self-learning: 3 hrs weekly of self-learning via online modules on MyLO.
Assessment	In-semester Test (5%)|Prototyping, Modelling & Design Evaluation (30%)|Requirements Analysis & Design Strategy (30%)|Final Project Evaluation & Professional Defence (35%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Available on MyLO
Recommended	Available on MyLO

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.