Software Engineering BSc/MSci
Professional Software Development (H) COMPSCI4015
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Computing Science
- Credits: 10
- Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
- Typically Offered: Runs Throughout Semesters 1 and 2
- Available to Visiting Students: Yes
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
The aims of the course are to:
Introduce students to modern software development methods and techniques for building and maintaining large systems;
Prepare students to apply these methods and techniques presented to them in the context of an extended group-based software development exercise;
Make the students aware of the professional, social and ethical dimensions of software development;
Instil in the students a professional attitude towards software development.
Timetable
Weekly full day laboratory in conjunction with Team Project.
Excluded Courses
None
Co-requisites
Systems Programming (H)
Level 3 Team Project (one of either: Team Project (H), Team Project (H) Minor, Team Project ESE or Team Project 3)
Assessment
This course is taught in conjunction with the Team Project. Practical assessment of material will be undertaken in the Team Project. Assessment of student understanding of the theoretical material presented in PSD (H) will be done through fortnightly class tests (20%) and a final written exam (80%).
Main Assessment In: April/May
Course Aims
The aims of the course are to:
Introduce students to modern software development methods and techniques for building and maintaining large systems;
Prepare students to apply these methods and techniques presented to them in the context of an extended group-based software development exercise (Team Project (H));
Make the students aware of the professional, social and ethical dimensions of software development;
Instil in the students a professional attitude towards software development.
Develop students' understanding of sustainability and decarbonisation as related to the topic.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
1. Identify the main phases of software development and how they are related in contemporary development methods;
2. Maintain an existing medium to large-scale system according to supplied requirements (this will include modifying some of the system documentation);
3. Identify and discuss critically professional, social, environmental and ethical issues involved in large-scale software development;
4. Plan, organise and schedule a substantial team based project;
5. Capture and specify functional and non-functional requirements;
6. Design, specify; implement and test a system which demonstrably meets project requirements;
7. Maintain appropriate, clear and accurate documentation;
8. Use appropriate QA techniques, including test suite planning;
9. Use appropriate configuration management tools and techniques;
10. Deliver articulate and informative presentations on project topics;
11. Communicate effectively within the project team;
12. Work successfully within a team.