• Unit 1: Introduction to Software Engineering

    When dependency on software and computers became more important, software grew in size and became a necessity for businesses and users all over the world. In the last 30 years, we have seen an unparalleled explosion in the amount of software produced and used by our modern society. There is now a need to set concrete objectives (e.g. functional requirements), predict necessary resources (e.g. cost estimates) to attain those objectives, and manage customers' expectations. 

    As you review the material in this unit, compare and contrast software engineering with computer science. These two disciplines are closely related, but they have some differences. As you work through this unit, spend some time reviewing the three commonly used methodologies in software engineering (i.e., data-oriented, process-oriented and object-oriented). You will find this central theme (i.e. the three methodologies) repeated in software requirements and analysis as well as software design.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 5 hours.

    • Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

      • explain and define software engineering;
      • identify the differences between software engineering and computer science;
      • categorize software by characteristics, responsiveness, and type;
      • describe the attributes of good software;
      • interpret the three major methodologies in software engineering; and
      • show an understanding of software engineering code of ethics in professional practice.

    • 1.1: Software Engineering Overview

      • Harvard University: David Malan's "Introduction to Software Engineering" Page

        Watch this video of the first day in a software engineering course at Harvard University. The instructor spends the first half of the video exploring a haphazard way to develop a system for putting the class syllabi online. He then discusses the systematic process to complete a course similar to this one, especially the SDLC projects (Unit 10). The video mentions a number of software tools for software development. Do not be overwhelmed, as this is not a programming course. You may find the 30-day free versions of software modeling useful if you have time to use them in Unit 3.

    • 1.2: Software Engineering Methodologies

      • Sue Conger's "The New Software Engineering" File

        Read the following sections in Chapter 1: "Methodologies" (pages 34-39) and "User Involvement in Application Development" (pages 39-40). Take your time in reading and jot down any ideas or notes that stand out to you as particularly useful (or, conversely, confusing).

        A methodology is a body of practices within a discipline (e.g. software engineering). It can contain procedures, techniques, and processes. According to Conger, there are five classes of software engineering methodologies. For the purpose of this course, you will look at the more commonly used data-oriented, process-oriented, and object-oriented (OO) methodologies. This course places special emphasis on the OO methodology. The OO perspective is compliant with ACM/IEEE's Software Engineering curriculum.

    • 1.3: Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional Practices

      • Xosé Manuel Carreira Rodríguez's "Ethics Matters" URL

        This is a summary of the ACM's code of ethics for computer professionals. You might want to follow the ACM link to read the entire code to see if you agree with this summary. What has the author left out?

      • Sue Conger's "The New Software Engineering" File

        Read the following sections in Chapter 4: Professionalism and Ethics (pages 102-107). According to the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) and Data Processing Management Association (DPMA), professionalism is acting in accordance with the highest expectations of a professional group. As you read the ACM Code of Ethics, think about ethics and professionalism as going hand in hand.

        Take your time in reading and jot down any ideas or notes that stand out to you as particularly useful (or, conversely, confusing).

    • End of Unit Assessment

      • Unit 1 Assessment Quiz

        Take this assessment to check your understanding of the materials presented in this unit.

        Notes:

        • There is no minimum required score to pass this assessment, and your score on this assessment will not factor into your overall course grade.
        • This assessment is designed to prepare you for the Final Exam that will determine your course grade. Upon submission of your assessment you will be provided with the correct answers and/or other feedback meant to help in your understanding of the topics being assessed.
        • You may attempt this assessment as many times as needed, whenever you would like.