Software engineering with objects
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| 3 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| Examination | No residential school |
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This course is available for study in the countries shown.
Summary
Designing, building and testing software systems can be a complicated process, so where do you begin? This course will provide you with the intellectual tools to make such tasks easier. Building on Putting Java to work (M257) and Software development with Java (M256), you’ll examine the disciplined approach needed to satisfy all user requirements and expectations. Using CASE tools, you’ll study topics including analysis and design in UML and managing the OO software development process. You will also explore how systems can be delivered in a timely and economical manner and be resilient to changes introduced during their operational lifetime.
Course content
What are the key issues in the planning and management of software development projects?
This course introduces you to the major mechanisms used by large software systems and the processes involved in developing and planning such systems. It provides a theoretical and practical understanding of the principles of implementing and testing an object-oriented software system.
The course will benefit you if you are involved with complex software systems, essential to the operation of large organisations, or just interested in the planning, design, operation or use of software systems.
By introducing the issues and techniques involved in planning and managing a software project and in particular the human factors and professional issues, the course will give you the ability to develop or amend applications in response to sets of requirements.
Using CASE tools (such as a Java IDE and a UML modelling tool), the course develops an advanced understanding of object-oriented analysis and design. It will give you the ability to analyse existing systems, identify major architectural principles and software mechanisms and describe how they work in isolation and together.
There are lots of examples and activities, and software is provided on a CD-ROM.
As you study the course, you will be using email, conferencing and the World Wide Web for communication with the University, your tutor and other students. You may also have the opportunity of attending face-to-face tutorials with your tutor and other students in your tutor group.
Entry
This is a Level 3 course. Level 3 courses build on study skills and subject knowledge acquired from studies at Levels 1 and 2. They are intended for students who have recent experience of higher education in a related subject, preferably with the OU. You must be familiar with the use of computers – particularly the construction of programs – using files, and operating systems. You could get the necessary knowledge from a Level 2 computing course. We recommend prior completion of Putting Java to work (M257) (or M254) and Software development with Java (M256), ideally having achieved a Pass 1 or 2 in M256 (or equivalent).
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Qualifications
M363 is a compulsory course in our
M363 is an optional course in our
- BSc (Honours) Information Technology and Computing (B13)
- BA/BSc (Honours) Computing and Mathematical Sciences (B14)
- BSc (Honours) Computing and Systems Practice (B33)
- Shortened BSc (Honours) Computing and its Practice (B40)
- Diploma in Computing (D12)
It can also count towards most of our other degrees at bachelors level, where it is equally appropriate to a BA or BSc. We advise you to refer to the relevant qualification descriptions for information on the circumstances in which this course can count towards these qualifications because from time to time the structure and requirements may change.
Excluded combinations
Sometimes you will not be able to count a course towards a qualification if you have already taken another course with similar content. To check any excluded combinations relating to this course, visit our excluded combination finder or check with our Student Registration & Enquiry Service before registering.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
M363 uses the software package NetBeans which uses a graphical interface. Much of the software can be run from a command line, although there are some practical exercises requiring the ability to analyse visual information that appears on a computer screen. If you have a computer with screen reading and synthetic speech facilities you will need to check that these will work with the course material and software well in advance of starting the course. The course makes extensive use of diagrams and a diagrammatic CASE tool for use in practical exercises is distributed with the course materials. Part of the assessment requires access to electronic material from the course website. The printed course 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. Large print versions of the course material can be provided on request. Other alternative formats of the course materials may be available in the future. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
If you are a new student, or new to courses using a computer or the internet, you will need to inform us of your particular needs as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Details of how to do this and our range of support services are described in our booklet Meeting Your Needs which you can download or request from our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
You can also find information about accessible course materials, financial support and the Disabled Students' Allowance, equipment and other services, on our Services for disabled students website. It also includes our contact details for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Course materials
You will need
Course texts, other printed materials, course software (including NetBeans) on CD-ROM, a course website, online forums.
Computing requirements
This course includes online computer activities – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave. Some of your course software will be provided on disk.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new Windows computer since 2002 it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual. Please note that you cannot use an Apple Mac or Linux computer unless it is running windows Boot Camp or similar.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will help you with the course material and mark and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. We may also be able to offer group tutorials or day schools that you are encouraged, but not obliged, to attend. Where your tutorials are held will depend on the distribution of students taking the course.
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 download our Recognition leaflets 3.3 Professional Engineering Institutions and 3.7 Computing or ask our Student Registration & Enquiry Service for a copy.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in February 2011. We expect it to be available once a year.
How to register
To register a place on this course return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button. For more information and advice about registration see OU Study Explained.
About this page
An undergraduate course in Computing and ICT and Engineering and Technology.
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