Monash University

Leader: Shane Moore

Offered

Gippsland Second semester 2008 (Off-campus)
Singapore Second semester 2008 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

This unit examines object-oriented systems modelling/design in greater depth than the prerequisite unit. The key disciplines of the Unified Process will be examined to set a context for analysis and design. Students will learn about static and dynamic modelling, and component-based design, using UML. Some common design patterns will be studied. Some topics about system architecture are examined. The unit also briefly examines the topic of aspect-oriented analysis and design.
The unit prepares students to be able to design large systems such as will be implemented in project unit or after graduation.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit students will:

1. understand object-oriented concepts such as: association, aggregation and composition; polymorphism and generalisation; messaging and object interaction, state and lifespan of objects;
2. know the syntax and semantics of the Unified Modelling Language with respect to modelling class diagrams, interaction diagrams, state machine diagrams, package diagrams, activity diagrams and deployment diagrams;
3. have an understanding of the process by which object-oriented system analysis and design is performed using the Unified Process;
4. be able to interpret or reason about models presented using UML notations and be able to explain the strengths and weaknesses of a particular design models;
5. know how to present a system analysis or design as a proper collated document/report;
6. be able to employ several common architectural and design patterns such as tiered computing, client/server, adapter, publisher/subscriber to design systems;
7. be able to explain what is involved in implementing, testing, installing, deploying a system in its final operating environment;
8. understand aspect-oriented concepts such as: concerns, cross-cutting, aspects, themes, join-points, advice, concept-sharing, themes;
9. have an understanding of the process by which aspect-oriented systems analysis and design is performed using the theme approach.

On successful completion of this unit students will:

1. conform to industry agreed standards of representing models of system design by using the Unified Modelling Language;
2. appreciate that there is a diversity of possible different models of a system that could satisfy the requirements for a given system;
3. be able to justify why they chose one model over other possible models in designing a system by evaluating the models' quality, limitations, scope for future extension;
4. appreciate that organisations often institute standards to be followed in conducting a systems development project or presenting a systems design report;
5. appreciate that in real-world systems development projects deliverables must meet agreed deadlines to minimise impact on later phases of the systems development life cycle or project costs.

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. follow a suitable sequence of steps to produce UML models and associated supporting documentation that represents a software design for a small system;
2. prepare and present a design specification for a system;
3. complete tasks necessary to ensure a set of design models is complete and consistent, by identifying aspects of models which are only partially present, for example ensuring that a method appearing on a sequence diagram appears also in the class diagram.
4. apply problem solving techniques at different levels of abstraction to develop a system's design.
5. apply an iterative process of refining system design models to ensure consistency between components.
6. utilise IT practioner tools to support the process and documentation of systems design.

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to present written/printed design-phase deliverables that are usable by other people for implementation of a system.

Assessment

Assignments: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%

Prerequisites

GCO9803 or FIT9011

Co-requisites

FIT9008 or equivalent

Prohibitions

GCO9806, GCO2813 and FIT2005 (translation unit for GCO9806)