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Blekinge Institute of Technology
Department of Software Engineering
Revision: 2
Reg.no: BTH-4.1.14-0178-2026
Course syllabus
Security, Privacy, and Compliance in Software Systems
Security, Privacy, and Compliance in Software Systems
6 credits (6 högskolepoäng)
Course code: PA2603
Main field of study: Software Engineering
Disciplinary domain: Technology
Education level: Second-cycle
Specialization: A1N - Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Language of instruction: English
Applies from: 2026-02-27
Approved: 2026-02-27
1. Descision
This course is established by Dean 2023-05-08. The course syllabus is approved by Head of Department of Software Engineering 2026-02-27 and applies from 2026-02-27.
2. Entry requirements
Admission to the course requires Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Bachelor of Science in a technical field, or at least 60 credits in technology, computer science, software engineering, or equivalent. At least 20 credits should consist of courses in Computer Science, Software Engineering or equivalent and include courses in programming, 5 credits, algorithms and data structures, 5 credits, databases, 5 credits and a project course or software engineering course, 5 credits. English 6.
3. Objective and content
3.1 Objective
The goal of the course is to provide students with a unified conceptual perspective on security, privacy, and regulatory compliance in software systems lifecycle (both engineering and operations), and to introduce requirements engineering and threat modeling approaches that support their systematic alignment in practice.
3.2 Content
The course consists of two modules: (1) security, privacy, and regulatory compliance concepts in software systems lifecycle, and (2) alignment of security, privacy, and regulatory compliance.
4. Learning outcomes
The following learning outcomes are examined in the course:
4.1. Knowledge and understanding
On completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Describe and interpret the importance of security, privacy, and compliance requirements in different software engineering and operations contexts.
- Demonstrate knowledge of security, privacy, and compliance alignment.
4.2. Competence and skills
On completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Assess the needs for security, privacy, and compliance.
- Align and plan security, privacy, and compliance requirements.
4.3. Judgement and approach
On completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Reflect on the state of the art in techniques in security, privacy, and compliance, and associate them with software systems lifecycle practices.
5. Learning activities
The course teaching is organized around lectures and pre-recorded videos, supported by written materials and selected research literature. Communication, feedback, and discussions with teachers and fellow participants will take place throughout the course via email and the course’s online learning platform.
6. Assessment and grading
Modes of examinations of the course
| Code | Module | Credit | Grade |
| 2610 | Project Assignment 1 | 3 credits | AF |
| 2620 | Project Assignment 2 | 3 credits | AF |
The course will be graded A Excellent, B Very good, C Good, D Satisfactory, E Sufficient, FX Failed result, a little more work required, F Fail.
The examiner may carry out oral follow-up of written examinations.
To receive a passing grade for the course, all components must be passed. The final course grade is the average of the grades of all components.
The information before the start of the course states the assessment criteria and make explicit in which modes of examination that the learning outcomes are assessed.
An examiner can, after consulting the Disability Advisor at BTH, decide on a customized examination form for a student with a long-term disability to be provided with an examination equivalent to one given to a student who is not disabled.
7. Course evaluation
The course evaluation should be carried out in line with BTH:s course evaluation template and process.
8. Restrictions regarding degree
The course can form part of a degree but not together with another course the content of which completely or partly corresponds with the contents of this course.
9. Course literature and other materials of instruction
Materials such as research articles and other course materials, as well as recommendations for additional reading, are provided via the courses’ online platform.