What you will study
What are the key issues in the planning and management of software development projects?
This module 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 module 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 module 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 module 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 module, 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 module. Level 3 modules 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 module. We recommend prior completion of Putting Java to work (M257) 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 module, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Qualifications
M363 is a compulsory module in our:
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#BSc (Honours) Computing [B29]#
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#BSc (Honours) Computing with Business [B35]#
M363 is an optional module in our:
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#BSc (Hons) Information Technology and Computing [B13]#
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#BA/BSc (Honours) Computing and Mathematical Sciences [B14]#
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#BSc (Honours) Computing and Systems Practice [B33]#
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#BSc (Hons) Computing and IT [B62]#
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#BSc (Hons) Computing & IT and a second subject [B67]#
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#Top-up BSc (Hons) Computing and IT Practice [B68]#
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#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 module 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 module towards a qualification if you have already taken another module with similar content. To check any excluded combinations relating to this module, visit our excluded combination finder or check with our Student Registration & Enquiry Service before registering.
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. 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 module.
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 module 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.