INFORMATION SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT - 2020/1

Module code: COMM005

Module Overview


This module provides an introduction to a set of practical techniques to aid the development of Information Systems. The module provides students with a sense for the diversity of computing systems in today’s world: more importantly, it gives an appreciation for the wide range of issues that are related to the development of Information Systems. Though the emphasis is on analysis and design skills, students will become familiar with the whole software lifecycle from user requirements through to implementation and testing.

Module provider

Computer Science

Module Leader

CLARK Jonathan (Computer Sci)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Overall student workload

Independent Learning Hours: 120

Lecture Hours: 24

Laboratory Hours: 22

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

·         Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) / Rapid Application Development (RAD)

·         Requirements gathering:

         - interviews, questionnaires, Joint Application Design (JAD)

·         Object-Oriented analysis and design: Practical: CASE Tools

       - OO fundamentals: objects, classes, messages, polymorphism, encapsulation,     inheritance

         - The Unified Modelling Language (UML)

·         Functional Modelling: use cases and use case diagrams

·         Structural Modelling: class diagrams

·         Behavioral Modelling: sequence diagrams, behavioral state machine (state chart)    diagrams

·         Data Modelling: Practical: MS-Access

·         User Interface Design (UID)/ Human Computer Interface (HCI)

·         Computer Architectures: server-based, client-based and client-server systems

·         System Testing & Maintenance.

 

Assessment pattern

Assessment type Unit of assessment Weighting
Coursework COURSEWORK 40
Examination EXAMINATION - 2 HOURS 60

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate that they have achieved the module learning outcomes.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:


  • An project in which individual students have to create appropriate UML diagrams that describe a particular scenario

  • A 2h unseen examination on the lecture content



The individual report is due towards the end of the lecture series. The exam takes place at the end of the semester during the exam period

 

Formative assessment and feedback

No formative assessment is used, though formative feedback is supplied as part of the summative assessment

 

Module aims

  • The aim of this module is to provide a comprehensive view of information systems development, primarily from an object-oriented viewpoint. As such, the use of the Unified Modeling Language to capture systems analysis and design is placed in the context of practical systems development. Thus, an important aim of the module is for the students to learn the various UML diagrams and how to use them appropriately. Another important aspect of the course is the lab sessions where students will learn to use CASE tools and databases.

Learning outcomes

Attributes Developed
1 Take a systematic and creative approach to observing organisational processes KCPT
2 Use a variety of techniques to gather and present information about such processes KCPT
3 Identify and critically evaluate issues relating to: software architectures; object oriented modelling; systems development methodologies KCPT
4 Have a comprehensive understanding of the role of modelling in analysing and designing computing systems KCPT
5 Critically compare and contrast different information systems analysis and design  paradigms KCT

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning


The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:



  • allow students to understand different models and information gathering techniques used in systems analysis and design


  • help students explore ways of using such models to design the different aspects of information systems



 

The learning and teaching methods include:



  • Lectures (10 weeks at 2h)


  • Lab sessions applying techniques and using CASE tools



Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: COMM005

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2020/1 academic year.