This module introduces students to the principles, methodologies, and challenges of Reverse Engineering (RE). The course emphasizes the analytical approach, industrial applications, and legal and ethical considerations, without aiming at advanced technical expertise.
Students will explore the fundamental concepts of Reverse Engineering, including its historical background, its distinction from Forward Engineering, and general methodological approaches such as black-box and grey-box analysis. The module also examines the role of Reverse Engineering in maintenance, innovation, and interoperability within industrial contexts.
A dedicated section covers the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale and its relationship to research, innovation, and product development. Legal and intellectual property aspects are also addressed, including patents, copyright, contractual restrictions, and professional ethics within different legal frameworks.
The second part of the module introduces basic software Reverse Engineering techniques, including static and dynamic analysis concepts, binary structures, and disassembly principles. Students will be familiarized with tools such as Ghidra, IDA Pro, and Radare2 at an introductory level. Best practices, including clean-room methodology, documentation, traceability, and compliance with legal frameworks, are emphasized.
The module concludes with a cross-disciplinary perspective, highlighting the role of Reverse Engineering in various engineering fields (mechanics, electronics, computer science, chemistry) and its importance in professional engineering practice.
By the end of the module, students will be able to understand and explain Reverse Engineering principles, distinguish it from Forward Engineering, situate RE within an industrial and TRL context, identify legal and ethical boundaries, apply a basic RE methodology, and produce structured technical documentation.
- Enseignant: Athmani Samir