A pattern based curriculum for computer systems engineering

Software engineers today should be knowledgeable in computer systems, which encompasses electronics hardware, software, and networking. Because computer systems engineering is a very broad and rapidly changing discipline, there is a need to have a unified methodology for both students and practitioners. Patterns, and pattern languages for software development have received considerable attention over the last few years, and this approach, based on work originally done in architecture and urban planning, supports methodology development, dissemination, and evolution. This paper discusses patterns and pattern languages of computer systems as unifying themes and underpinnings for undergraduate and postgraduate curricula. Most of a sample curriculum has been implemented within undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in Computer Systems Engineering at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia. The sample curriculum is described here, along with preliminary feedback from students and lecturers. The net result is steps toward a methodology that allows students to learn to systematically develop computer software, electronics hardware, and networked systems.