Software Engineering with Objects and Components 2

Lecturer

Dave Robertson, dr@daied.ac.uk, room E13, 80 South Bridge, extn 502079

Last updated December 2000

Aims and objectives

The aim of this module is to introduce you to key concepts in the design of large scale software systems. Although coloured by object orientation (hence the module title) many of the ideas which we discuss are useful whatever the programming paradigm.

Having completed the course, you should:

• Have some experience of working in a team faced with the high-level design of a large software system.
• Understand the basics of planning software projects.
• Be aware of common threats to projects and how to address them.
• Have a repertoire of high-level architectural patterns.
• Be alert to the different approaches being developed for modern software engineering.

Syllabus

The module covers the following topics (not necessarily in chronological order):

• Controlling software design

• Design patterns
• Architectural patterns
• Refactoring
• The Unified Software Development Process
• Extreme programming
• Open source design

• Planning a software project

• Estimating size
• Configuration management and defect tracking
• Verification, validation and testing
• Project risk reduction patterns

• Quality management

• Software standards
• Cost versus benefit
• Design and code reviews
• Product and process focus

• Tricky issues

• Requirements engineering
• Leadership and teamwork
• Resilient (versus brittle) engineering

Activities

Eighteen hours of lectures. A group-based design practical (split into sections) runs throughout the module.

Assessment

70% of the final mark is from an exam. 30% is from the design practical.

Context

There are no prerequisites for this module, although Software Engineering with Objects and Components 1 is a worthwhile companion module.

Readings

You will be provided with copies of excerpts from relevant papers and books.