Nottingham Trent University

Module Specification
Basic module information
1

Module Title:

Advanced Software Engineering

Module Code:

SOFT30161

Credit Points:

20

Duration:

Full Year

School:

School of Science and Technology

Campus:

Clifton

Date:

September 2013

Pre, Post and Co-requisites:

These are modules that you must have studied previously in order to take this module, or
modules that you must study simultaneously or in a subsequent academic session

10

Pre, Co, Post

Module Code

Module Title

Pre

SOFT20091

Software Design & Implementation

Courses containing the module

Level

Core/
Option

Mode

Code

Course Title

Core

SW/FT

COMP004/
005

BSc (H) Software Engineering

Core

FT

COMP021

BSc (H) Software Engineering (KBU)

Core

FT

COMP027

BSc (H) Software Engineering (KBU DE)

Option

SW/FT

COMP009/
10

BSc (H) Computer Science

Option

SW/FT

COMP033/
34

BSc (H) Computer Science (Games Technology)

Option

SW/FT

COMP083/
082

BSc (H) Computer Systems Engineering

Option

SW/FT

MATH008/
007

BSc (H) Computer Science and Mathematics

Overview and Aims

This module covers the techniques and strategies to analyse, choose, propose,
design and evaluate software elements (including data structures and algorithmic
solutions).
You will

estimate and investigate the computational cost of the choices of software,

using complex data structures and their associated algorithms.

develop code frameworks to confirm or refute your theoretical predictions of

performance.

11

use Test Driven Development (TDD) software

Module Content
This module considers software development from an advanced but nonetheless
practical perspective, exploring the latest tools and techniques while gaining
experience and deeper understanding of the development process.
The techniques will include

Test Driven Development (TDD), Continuous Integration and other Agile

methods (including code reviews)

() and their role in algorithmic analysis

Measures of Complexity - O( ) &

Recursion over linked structures

Advanced C++ - use of the latest language features (currently C++11)

Data Abstraction using OO technologies

Generic Programming

The tools will include

12

Advanced IDE use

Compilers

Debuggers

Profilers

Continuous Integration servers (such as Hudson).

Indicative Reading
Josuttis, N. M., 2012, The C++ Standard Library A Tutorial and Reference (2nd
Edition), Addison Wesley
Stroustrup, B., 2013, C++ Programming Language, Addison Wesley
Horowitz, E., Sahni et al, 1995, Fundamentals of Data Structures in C++, W H
Freeman & Co.
The Hudson Book (online at http://wiki.eclipse.org/The_Hudson_Book)

13

Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes describe what you should know and be able to do by the end of the module

Knowledge and understanding. After studying this module you should be able to:
K1.

Demonstrate knowledge of a range of software development methodologies

and techniques, together with their relative benefits

K2.

Demonstrate a knowledge of different measures of computational complexity

K3.

Demonstrate understanding of the range of factors that impinge on the

selection and use of code elements in a variety of contexts

K4.

Demonstrate an understanding of the significance of the performance

guarantees of code libraries and the consequent implications for their use.

Skills, qualities and attributes. After studying this module you should be able to:
S1.

Implement pointer-based data structures

S2.

Evaluate the suitability of recursion in a given context

S3.

Postulate and test a hypothesis with respect to software development, using

an appropriate toolset/framework

14

S4.

Design, develop and use Unit Tests

S5.

Interact effectively with a Continuous Integration server, in the context of

Test Driven Development

Teaching and Learning

Range of modes of direct contact
This indicates the range of direct contact teaching and learning methods used on this module,
e.g. lectures, seminars

10 x 1 hour lectures
10 x 1 hour e-labs (general purpose computer lab)
16 x 2 hour e-labs
These are structured to provide a framework of investigation (hypothesis,
experimental design, collection and analysis of results) similar to that required by
the assessment

Total contact hours:

52

Range of other learning methods

This indicates the range of other teaching and learning methods used on this module, e.g.
directed reading, research

Directed reading; VLE-delivered module management and support; on-line

discussion groups.
This will require computer lab facilities (software development environment)
50 x 1 hour general purpose computer lab
You will also be expected to read relevant current research / practice journals
Total non-contact hours:

15

148

Assessment methods
This indicates the type and weighting of assessment elements in the module
Element
number

Weighting

Type

Description

50%

CWK

A critical investigation of software development tasks

50%

CWK

A report/diary/portfolio documenting the use of the

development framework and toolset, and its context
in Software Engineering practice

Diagnostic/ formative assessment

This indicates if there are any assessments that do not contribute directly to the final module
mark

Formative feedback: verbal comment on and discussion of lab exercises.

Within labs, code reviews will provide formative feedback.
Feedback for summative assessment: group feedback via email and the VLP;
individual comments written on coursework scripts
Further information on assessment
This section provides further information on the modules assessment where appropriate

The coursework #1 will assess learning outcomes K2, K3, K4 S1 S2 and S3.
The coursework #2 will assess learning outcomes K1, K3, S1, S3, S4 and S5.

Document Management
16

Module Title:

Advanced Software Engineering

17

Module Code:

SOFT30161

18

Subject (JACS) Code

19

Cost Centre

20

School:

Science and Technology

21

Academic Team

Computing and Technology

22

Campus

Clifton

23

Other institutions providing

teaching

Please complete in box 23 a-d - if applicable

Institution

23a

Other UK Higher Education or

Further Education InstitutionPlease name
Percentage not taught by NTU

23b

Other public organisation in the

UK- Percentage not taught by
NTU

23c

Other private organisation in the

UK - Percentage not taught by
NTU

23d

Any other Non-UK organisation Percentage not taught by NTU

24

Date of approval:

May 2013