The course on software architecture deals with the concepts and best practices of software architecture. The focus is on theories explaining the structure of software systems and how system’s elements are meant to interact given the imposed quality requirements.

Topics of the course are:

• Architecture influence cycles and contexts
• Technical relations, development life cycle, business profile, and the architect’s professional practices
• Quality attributes: availability, modifiability, performance, security, usability, testability, and interoperability
• Architecturally significant requirements, and how to determine them
• Architectural patterns in relation to architectural tactics
• Architecture in the life cycle, including generate-and-test as a design philosophy; architecture conformance during implementation
• Architecture and current technologies, such as the cloud, social networks, and mobile devices
• Architecture competence: what this means both for individuals and organizations

• Len Bass, Paul Clements, Rick Kazman (2012) Software Architecture in Practice (3rd Edition), SEI Series in Software Engineering, Addison Wesley Professional. ISBN 9780321815736. See: http://www.pearsonhighered.com/educator/product/Software-Architecture-in-Practice/9780321815736.page

Recommended literature is:

• N. Rozanski, E. Woods (2012) Software Systems Architecture: Working with Stakeholders Using Viewpoints and Perspectives, Addison Wesley. ISBN 9780321718334. See http://www.pearsonhighered.com/educator/product/Software-Systems-Architecture-Working-With-Stakeholders-Using-Viewpoints-and-Perspectives/9780321718334.page. We will use the 2012 edition, earlier editions (e.g. 2005) differ in many places. Make sure you have the latest edition!
• R.N. Taylor, N. Medvidovic, E.M. Dashofy (2010) Software Architecture: Foundations, Theory and Practice, Wiley. ISBN 9780470167748. See http://eu.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-EHEP000180.html

• Two practical assignments, in total 70%
• Oral, individual, exam (30%)