| Unit name | Overview of Software Tools |
|---|---|
| Unit code | COMSM0085 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Edwards |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Computer Science |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
Why is this unit important?
This unit provides students with a foundational understanding of critical skills and tools used in the software development industry. It equips them with the ability to navigate effective software development workflows, utilize essential tools such as version control, build systems, and development environments, and employ best practices like testing, debugging, and continuous integration. Students also gain knowledge of relational databases and web technologies, both of which are integral to modern software applications. Ultimately, this unit empowers students to transition from being computer users to professional programmers, capable of creating high-quality software, automating tasks, and developing web-based applications. The skills and knowledge acquired here are fundamental for success in the field, making graduates better prepared to meet the demands of the ever-evolving technology landscape and contribute effectively to the world of computer science.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
Running Software Tools concurrently with all taught content across both teaching blocks facilitates experiential learning with formally taught content. TB1 is assessed individually, ensuring every student has a common foundation for the more applied and group work that features latterly in the programme.
An overview of content
We focus on the following areas:
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Students will learn to use a computer as a professional programmer, including the tooling surrounding it. They will move from using a computer as a consumer to being able to automate simple tasks.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, including lectures, practical activities and self-directed exercises.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Weekly labs, containing example programming exercises, problems, sample solutions and optional exercises, with direct, in-person feedback from unit teaching staff.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
When assessment does not go to plan
Re-assessment takes the same form as the original summative assessment.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. COMSM0085).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
