CS2SD17-Systems Design

Module Provider: Computer Science
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Module Convenor: Dr Lily Sun

Email: lily.sun@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module delivers the Unified Modelling Language (UML) methodology and its selected techniques which aid to articulate system users’ needs and then transform the needs on to software application solutions. Students will be engaged in an interactive learning environment in that they develop professional application design knowledge and skills.

This module also encourages students to develop a set of professional skills, such as problem solving; end-user awareness; creativity and critical thinking; technical report writing for technical and non-technical audiences; team working; negotiation and persuasion; effective use of commercial software; and organisation and time management.

Aims:

The module aims to enable students to master the UML methodology and apply it to a given real life scenario. Students will produce a set of design models and validate them by adopting the UML design principles. The UML methodology will be studied and practised through the theoretical learning and interactive workshops.

Assessable learning outcomes:

A student completing the module should be able to

• Understand the object-oriented (OO) systems theory;

• Establish a “Systems Thinking” approach for conducting requirement analysis and software design;

• Master the UML methodology including its techniques to modelling requirement specifications;

• Apply the UML techniques in a context domain and evaluate design decisions.

 

Additional outcomes:

A student completing the module should also develop the competencies as follows.

• Team work and communication;

• Systems thinking in problem solving;

• Critical reflection towards implications;

• Rigorousness and preciseness in requirement analysis and solution design;

• Professional writing.

Outline content:

• OO design theory and process;

• UML design methodology;

• UML techniques with their concepts and principles;

• Requirement specifications modelling in both static and dynamic perspective;

 

• Validation of the models and their input and output to each other.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module will take a problem-based learning approach. The lectures will introduce students the theories, concepts and underpinning principles specified in the indicative content. Students will be supervised in the practicals to apply the concepts and principles to a given problem context and develop a technical solution. The lectures and tutorials will enable students to inquiry innovative solutions, and critically apply the UML methodology and its techniques to design and document the resultant products.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10
Practicals classes and workshops	10
Guided independent study:	80
Total hours by term	100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

There are two pieces written technical report, including an individual report (40% of the overall assessment) and a group report (60% of the overall assessment), which contributes towards an overall module mark of 100%.

Formative assessment methods:

The seminar sessions are used as the formative assessment where feedback is provided to the design work throughout the term. 

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Students will be re-assessed by one 2-hour resit examination in August.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 8 April 2019