- An undergraduate course
in
Computing and IT.
Software development with Java
- On this page
| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| About this course: | |
| Course code | M256 |
| Credits | 30 |
| OU Level | 2 |
| SCQF level | 8 |
| FHEQ level | 5 |
| Course work includes: | |
| 4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| Examination | |
| No residential school | |
Discover the fundamentals of an object-oriented approach to software development. Starting from an analysis of requirements, you’ll be introduced to up-to-date analytical techniques and processes essential for specifying, designing and implementing a software system, including a graphical user interface. Although the small systems developed in the course have been chosen to facilitate learning, the underlying concepts are widely used by professional software developers. Software models are created with UML and implemented with Java 6, using NetBeans. You need Java experience, preferably by prior study of an OU Level 2 Java course.
Modules at Level 2 assume that you are suitably prepared for study at this level. If you want to take a single module to satisfy your career development needs or pursue particular interests, you don’t need to start at Level 1 but you do need to have adequately prepared yourself for OU study in some other way. Check with our Student Registration & Enquiry Service to make sure that you are sufficiently prepared.
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What you will study
How do teams of professional software developers work together when creating complex software systems? How can the development process be partitioned to enable different people to work on different tasks, and what techniques can assist the individuals involved?
In this course you will be introduced to object-oriented approaches to software development that are widely applicable in the creation of software that meets the needs of its users: from small, simple systems to large, complex ones. These approaches take you from an analysis of what is required of a system through its specification, design and implementation. They include concepts such as use case design; the construction of structural and dynamic models; and the specification of classes. You will also be introduced to the role of user interface design within software development, and to some key aspects of testing software.
Using paper-based materials and computer-based practical exercises you will learn about fundamental software development ideas, illustrated by small sample systems. You will participate in the development of these systems through examples and guided exercises. You will discover how to develop a software system by creating models using the industry standard Unified Modelling Language (UML). You will apply and extend your understanding of object-orientated technology and of Java, and will implement code using NetBeans, a widely used integrated development environment from Sun Microsystems. As well as learning techniques and processes that you can use when developing your own software, you will meet concepts that underpin the theory of software development, such as software development methods and reusable software components.
Block 1 begins by introducing the common phases of object-oriented software development, taking an introductory look at how these phases can be combined to form different software development methods. Requirements specification is introduced as an initial development phase followed by the creation of an initial model of the software structure, incorporating elements such as class diagrams and invariants.
Block 2 sets the scene for object-oriented design by introducing the design and implementation of component-based software. Generic ideas such as cohesion and coupling are discussed, as well as the role of object-oriented concepts such as encapsulation, and Java-specific concepts such as access modifiers. You will then look in detail at determining how a system will work, employing sequence diagrams to create and compare different designs.
Block 3 will show you how to take the designs for a system and use them as a basis on which to implement and test the system. Some key ideas in human-computer interaction are then introduced.
Block 4 pursues the concept of graphical use interface (GUI) development and you will participate in the design of GUIs for the sample systems. Java event handling and GUI facilities are reviewed, and example GUIs are constructed using NetBeans’ GUI design facilities.
As you study the course, you will be using email, online forums and the World Wide Web for communication with the University, your tutor and other students.
Entry
This is a Level 2 course and you are expected to have study skills appropriate to Level 2 study. The course requires knowledge of Java to the level taught in Object-oriented Java programming (M250) (or Object-oriented programming with Java (M255) (now discontinued) and Putting Java to work (M257)), including the ability to create Java applications that involve:
- the core Java language, including primitive data types and control structures
- the use of Java APIs, such as the Collections framework
- the definition of classes, including: instance methods and variables; static methods and variables; constructors; inheritance; overriding; abstract classes; interfaces; polymorphism; packages; and access modifiers
- and the use of exceptions.
M256 does not require knowledge of client-server or multi-threaded programming.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Module Regulations and the Student Regulations which are available on our Essential documents website.
If you have a disability
Course texts are available in electronic format. The course may be challenging if you have impaired sight as many diagrammatic models are involved, though descriptions of the diagrams are available. M256 uses the software package NetBeans version 6.9. Much of the software can instead be run from a command line although there are some practical exercises that require the ability to analyse visual information that appears on a computer screen.
The study materials are available in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader and musical notation and mathematical, scientific, and foreign language materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way. The books are available in a comb-bound format. Other alternative formats of the study materials may be available in the future. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
If you have particular study requirements please tell us as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Visit our Services for disabled students website for more information, including:
- help to determine your study requirements and how to request the support that you need
- Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs)
- using a computer for OU study
- equipment and other support services that we offer
- examination arrangements
- how to contact us for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Study materials
What's included
Course texts, other printed materials, course software (including NetBeans) on CD-ROM, website, online forums.
Computing requirements
You will need a computer with internet access to study this course. It includes online activities – you can access using a web browser – and some course software provided on DVD.
- If you have purchased a new desktop or laptop computer running Windows since 2007, or an Apple Mac (OS X 10.6 or later) or Linux computer, you should have no problems completing the computer-based activities.
- A netbook, tablet or other mobile computing device is not suitable for this course – check our Technical requirements section.
You can also visit the Technical requirements section for further computing information including the details of the support we provide.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will help you with the study material and mark and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. Depending on the distribution of students taking the course we may also be able to offer group tutorials or day schools that you are encouraged, but not obliged, to attend. Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
You will be expected to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) online through the eTMA system unless there are some difficulties which prevent you from doing so. In these circumstances, you must negotiate with your tutor to get their agreement to submit your assignment on paper.
Professional recognition
This course may help you to gain recognition from a professional body. You can view or download our Recognition leaflets 3.3 Professional Engineering Institutions for further information.
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in February 2014. We expect it to be available once a year.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
How to register
To register a place on this course return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button.
Student Reviews
“I did this in conjunction with M257, and the two fit well together. As this course deals more with the ...”
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“M256 is a very easy course if you have already done M255 and M257. The focus is more on design ...”
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Distance learning
The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high quality distance learning. Unlike other universities we are not campus based. You will study in a flexible way that works for you whether you’re at home, at work or on the move. As an OU student you’ll be supported throughout your studies – your tutor or study adviser will guide and advise you, offer detailed feedback on your assignments, and help with any study issues. Tuition might be in face-to-face groups, via online tutorials, or by phone.
For more information read Distance learning explained.
Undergraduate
| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| About this course: | |
| Course code | M256 |
| Credits | 30 |
| OU Level | 2 |
| SCQF level | 8 |
| FHEQ level | 5 |
| Course work includes: | |
| 4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| Examination | |
| No residential school | |
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