Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module COMP50915: ADVANCED JAVA SYSTEMS AND UML-BASED DESIGN

Department: Computer Science

COMP50915: ADVANCED JAVA SYSTEMS AND UML-BASED DESIGN

Type Open Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2007/08 Module Cap
Tied to

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • The main teaching language in the programme will be Java. This presents an advanced module assuming that the student is already familiar with Java (if a student's main language is not Java, they will be set work over the preceding summer vacation to reach speed). The module will also cover UML and OO design. Applications will be focused on distribution systems.

Content

  • Key Java constructs - quick revision; Applets, SWING, environments
  • OO Programming in the context of other programming paradigms
  • Java APIs
  • Distributed computing models, RMI, RPC etc.
  • Introduction to modelling languages - purpose and principles
  • Introduction to UML
  • Software engineering lifecycles
  • Requirements analysis
  • Design and Evolution
  • Algorithm design and efficient design of programmes
  • IDEs; Jbuilder; Unix and PC tools
  • UML constructs
  • Simple UML designs and the use of UML in large systems
  • Relation between UML and Programs using UML in software development

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • specialist knowledge: Java and UML constructs; APIs for distributed systems
  • practical design skills: UML designs; use of Java for advanced distributed applications
  • design integration: using UML in software development; tools; javadoc
  • engineering of software systems: writing distributed Java programmes; advanced problem solving; Java applications and Java and the WWW
  • professional skills: modelling; problem solving; documentation and comprehension tools; scaling up - large systems and efficiency; evolution and maintenance
Subject-specific Skills:
    Key Skills:

      Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

      • The module comprises 1 week's intensive directed reading and laboratory exercises; 5 days of lectures, tutorials, and reading, and two weeks undertaking a major laboratory assignment. The overall workload conforms to the standard SLAT requirement of 150 hours equivalent to 15 credits.

      Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

      Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
      Lectures 20 4 per day in week 2 1 hour 20
      Tutorials 4 weekly 1 hour 4
      Seminars 4 weekly 1 hour 4
      Practicals 5 daily in week 1 6 hours 30
      Laboratory 10 daily in weeks 3 and 4 6 hous 60
      Preparation and Reading 32
      Total 150

      Summative Assessment

      Component: Laboratory report Component Weighting: 100%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      Laboratory report 100%

      Formative Assessment:

      Staged written feedback of laboratory and practical work by staff/demonstrators. Level of success in practical programming exercises, using written feedback from demonstrators.

      ■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University