Search Based Software Engineering

Undergraduate | 2026

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Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
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Area/Catalogue
COMP 1049
Course ID icon
Course ID
205777
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Campus
Adelaide City Campus
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
Adelaide University
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Course level
1
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No

Course overview

Many activities in software engineering involve an element of search. Some examples include selection of requirements, localisation and correction of defects, and the optimisation of test coverage. The fast-growing field of Search-Based Software Engineering (SBSE) applies computing resources to these search problems to improve the efficiency and quality of software engineering processes. This course aims to introduce students to a wide range of SBSE terminology, techniques, and processes. The concepts taught in the lectures will be practised and reinforced by participation in three projects, and one seminar with a written essay on a recent SBSE-related conference article.

Course learning outcomes

  • Develop knowledge of optimisation techniques and methodologies set in the context of search-based software engineering.
  • Use various optimisation methods and algorithms for particular classes of problems.
  • Develop knowledge and experience in developing search-based software engineering approaches for real-world applications.
  • Use scientific research papers and present them in a talk.

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A

Assumed knowledge

N/A

Textbook(s)

N/A

Inherent requirements

N/A

Other resources

N/A

Assessment

N/A

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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.