FdSc Software Development

Year 1

Core modules

• Object Oriented Programming (CITY1101)

  The object oriented programming paradigm requires a programmer to design and develop code by considering what objects may exist in some system, how these are related to each other and how these may interact with each other. It is a proven method for developing reliable modular programs and encourages reuse which shortens development time. This module provides an introduction to the object-oriented programming paradigm.

• Computer Systems (CITY1102)

  This module will help learners to understand the fundamental components that are used to form a computer. It will provide an overview of different types of computer and identify various operating systems that are used.

• Computer Networks (CITY1104)

  Networking is at the heart of modern life, providing the infrastructure for all types of communication. This module introduces the students to the fundamental technology of networks and the underlying concepts and protocols. The module has a balanced mix of theory and practice, with the theoretical concepts discussed in the lectures matched by scenarios to design, implement, configure and troubleshoot in the lab sessions.

• Database Development (CITY1106)

  Databases underlie many modern business applications, and most software developer will find themselves involved with the development of maintenance of them at some point in their career. It is important to understand the principles of relational database design to underpin and developments in other database models, and this unit will focus on the relational model, but provide some pointers to alternatives.

Year 2

Core modules

• Mathematics for Computing (CITY1103)

  This module will develop the students mathematical ability and provide a foundation for computer based algebra, transformations, numerical concepts and relational algebra. Computing packages and calculators will be used throughout the programme.

• Web Development (CITY1105)

  This module gives the student an introduction to developing web applications. It establishes the fundamental components required to develop software for the web. It provides an introductory understanding and use of programming and scripting languages needed. Security and legal aspects of web applications are introduced.

• Software Development (CITY2108)

  This module explores the principles and techniques of software development. The learners will acquire an understanding of analysis, design, software construction and testing both in independent and collaborative development. Various design patterns and software architectures and frameworks are explored and professional skills such as UML and Agile are developed.

• Systems Analysis (CITY2118)

  Software developers are often good at understanding conceptual models of the software they write and can document this in both code and as UML diagrams. This module looks at the modelling of an organisation using UML and related notations, and the transition from Business Model into Software Model.

Final year

Core modules

• Computing Team Project (CITY2105)

  This practical take on systems engineering introduces this as a means of facilitating and assuring the development of a complex computer related technical product. Focusing predominantly on introducing tools and techniques that can be applied at different stages of the product development cycle. It will cover relevant system analysis processes that support project management and will focus on the Agile development model. Students will be given a group project specified by an industrial collaborator which will have well defined targets and timescales for completion.

• Web And Mobile Application Development (CITY2106)

  This module gives the student both conceptual and practical experience of developing web and mobile applications. It provides the student with fundamental understanding regarding: web architecture and its associated components; how to design web applications; and how to apply the appropriate programming paradigms and languages to build applications. It also provides the student with fundamental understanding regarding: application architecture and its associated components; how to design for mobile devices; and how to apply the appropriate programming paradigms, frameworks and languages to build applications. Security ethical and legal aspects of web and mobile applications are introduced.

• Human Computer Interaction (CITY2109)

  Advances in HCI significantly impact our daily lives and interaction with computers is frequent and necessary. Hence it is essential this interaction is natural, efficient and effective. This module aims to give learners: theories, practices and tools required to design and construct interfaces that meet these needs; a critical appreciation of interfaces currently available; and the experience of prototype development.

• Data Structures And Algorithms (CITY2117)

  This module will provide the learner with experience in the use of algorithms and data structures which underpin much of today's computing. The unit will develop formal concepts of data structures and algorithms and the relationship between them. Topics covered will include stacks, queues, linked lists, binary trees and sorting and searching algorithms.