IBM Systems Analyst Professional Certificate Course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
Overview: This beginner-friendly certificate program provides a comprehensive introduction to systems analysis, combining foundational concepts with hands-on practice using industry-standard tools. Over approximately 12 weeks of part-time study, learners will explore the systems analyst role, model business processes, gather requirements, and apply methodologies in real-world scenarios. The course concludes with a capstone project that simulates actual analyst responsibilities, preparing learners for entry-level roles in IT and business analysis.
Module 1: Introduction to Systems Analysis
Estimated time: 6 hours
- Role of systems analyst
- Software development life cycle (SDLC)
- Types of system requirements
- Analyze a system development scenario (hands-on)
Module 2: Business Process Modeling and Use Cases
Estimated time: 12 hours
- UML diagrams fundamentals
- BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation)
- User stories and use case modeling
- Create business process models and use cases for a sample project (hands-on)
Module 3: Requirements Gathering Techniques
Estimated time: 12 hours
- Conducting stakeholder interviews
- Designing and using surveys
- Document analysis methods
- Facilitating workshops and collaborative sessions
Module 4: Data and Functional Modeling
Estimated time: 12 hours
- Entity-Relationship (ER) diagrams
- Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs)
- Logical vs. physical models
- Design data models for a business use case (hands-on)
Module 5: Agile and Waterfall Methodologies
Estimated time: 6 hours
- Key principles of Agile methodology
- Waterfall lifecycle and phases
- Comparing Agile vs. Waterfall for system analysis
Module 6: Tools for Systems Analysts
Estimated time: 12 hours
- Using JIRA for requirement tracking
- Creating diagrams with Lucidchart
- IBM Engineering Lifecycle Management overview
- Hands-on use of cloud-based modeling and tracking tools
Module 7: Capstone Project: Systems Analysis for a Real-World Business
Estimated time: 12 hours
- Analyze requirements for a hypothetical client
- Create documentation, models, and use cases
- Deliver final requirement specifications
Prerequisites
- Familiarity with basic IT concepts
- Understanding of general business processes
- Basic computer literacy
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Explain the role and responsibilities of a systems analyst
- Analyze business problems and recommend technology solutions
- Create accurate process models and use cases
- Gather and document requirements using proven techniques
- Apply Agile and Waterfall methodologies in real-world contexts