BIF703 System Analysis & Design (An Introduction) Text Coverage (Bioinformatics: Software Engineering) Pages

System Analysis & Design  According to the textbook “Bioinformatics: Software Engineering”:  Real bioinformatics is defined as the building adaptable tools to process, manage, analyze and display biological information.  Bioinformatics not only requires learning the science of Biology and computer programming, but also requires the ability to analyze, design and implement an efficient and effective computerized system.

System Analysis & Design  Preparations such as information gathering, Dataflow Diagrams, System Flowcharts, and Gantt Charts before creating the program are considered essential for the success and possible longevity of a computerized solution. Data Flow DiagramSystem FlowchartGantt Chart

System Analysis & Design  Before we can proceed with analyzing and designing a computerized system, it is important for us to realize that all computerized systems (poorly or properly designed) have a “life-span”.  This life-span is called the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

System Analysis & Design  The System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is considered to be a distinct process or “set of steps” involved in creating and maintaining a computerized system.  These steps include:  Preliminary Investigation (What is wrong? Time for new system?)  System Analysis (Information Gathering, Diagrams, Scope)  System Design (Review Alternative models / GUI Layouts)  System Development (Coding the Solution / Documentation / Testing)  System Implementation (Training / Support / Tweaking)  System Maintenance (Ongoing Support – hopefully, the longest duration of the SDLC!)

System Analysis & Design  It is important to realize that all computerized systems eventually reach an end to their “life cycle”.  Reasons:  Obsolete Hardware / Operating System  Regulation changes  Changes in Research & Development techniques  Reduced productivity  The SDLC will vary among different companies / organizations. Some companies and organizations may still be using the same computerized systems over decades! The end of one system’s SDLC is then considered to be the beginning of the next system’s SDLC.

System Analysis & Design  The BIF703 course will focus on the first two steps in the SDLC:  Preliminary Investigation  System Analysis  Plus you will learn how to schedule and estimate the time required to complete these steps which will end in a report to be submitted to your Bioinformatics course.

System Analysis & Design  As you continue into your second semester of your studies in bioinformatics at Seneca College, you will continue many of the other processes in the SDLC:  System Design  System Development  This will allow to you create a “working model” of you project that you will demonstrate to your class as your major project. Therefore, care taken in your preparation now will help you to create a better computer system or “product”!

System Analysis & Design  Development Tools  Since you will be generating diagrams to assist you with the analysis and scheduling of your bioinformatics project, computer programs have been developed to assist or “aid” you with creating effective analysis reports that will be required to provide at the end of this term.  These computer programs are referred to CASE tools (CASE – Computer Aided Software Engineering)

System Analysis & Design  Development Tools  There are many types of proprietary CASE tools that are available on the market such as Visio, CASEwise, PowerDesigner, System Architect, etc…  There are also open-source software applications such as Open Workbench that are free to use. You will learn how to download and install Open Workbench on your computer at home to help develop diagrams for your bioinformatics project report (refer to your Week 5/6 lab).

Additional Resources This slide-show provides the minimum amount of an introduction to “Systems Analysis and Design”. Here are the Related readings in the textbook Bioinformatics – Software Engineering: Part 1.1 What You Need to Know (p. 1 – 6) Part 1.2 What is Software Engineering? (p. 9 – 12) Here are useful related links: Definition of SDLC:  Open Workbench (CASE tool):