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Foundations of Software Testing and Validation

Foundations of Software Testing and Validation

Instructors: Julian Brooks

44,409 already enrolled

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2 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

445 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

6 hours to complete

Learn at your own pace

97%

Most learners liked this course

2 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

445 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

6 hours to complete

Learn at your own pace

97%

Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

Describe various types of software testing and identify their advantages and disadvantages.
Explain the significance of software testing in the software development process, recognising when and why testing should be employed.
Apply knowledge of testing techniques to design effective test cases, evaluate their effectiveness, and generate comprehensive testing plans.
Gain digital skills as part of Click Start! Follow the link in the instructor bio to see if you're eligible for FREE access to this course and more..

Skills you'll gain

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Assessments

7 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 2 modules in this course

Software testing and validation are vital because they ensure that the end product meets the design requirements. In just two weeks, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of industry-standard techniques and learn how to design and implement effective test cases.

Through step-by-step guidance and real-world examples, you'll delve into different types of software testing, acquiring the skills to apply industry standards and best practices. You'll learn to design robust test cases and adhere to industry standards, making you a valuable asset in the software development field. By the end of the course, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and expertise to ensure software quality through rigorous testing and validation processes. Join this course and kickstart your software development career today. This course is one of many, offered by Click Start, a UK training programme designed to help young people develop digital skills. Click Start offers a limited number of scholarships giving free access to young people in the UK. Check the FAQs to see more detail and follow the link to check if you are eligible for free access today.

Welcome to Foundations of Software Testing and Validation! In the first week, you will be focusing on the basic concepts of software testing, its goals and how it fits into the software development life cycle. During the second week, we'll build on these concepts and explore software validation, quality assurance and dynamic testing techniques. Let's get started!

What's included

7 videos11 readings4 assignments4 discussion prompts1 ungraded lab

7 videos Total 35 minutes

Welcome to your course and its creator 3 minutes
The importance of software testing and key concepts 6 minutes
The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and the role of testing 5 minutes
Test levels and test types 5 minutes
Functional and non-functional testing 9 minutes
Static testing techniques 2 minutes
Introduction to static code analysis tools 4 minutes

11 readings Total 43 minutes

What you will learn 5 minutes
The structure of the course 5 minutes
Lesson 1: Introduction 2 minutes
Software bugs in the real world 5 minutes
Exercise: Identifying software testing activities in the SDLC 10 minutes
Lesson 1: Summary and next steps 5 minutes
Lesson 2: Introduction 2 minutes
Lesson 2: Summary and next steps 5 minutes
Lesson 3: Introduction 2 minutes
Optional: Explanation of code review activity 0 minutes
Lesson 3: Summary and next steps 2 minutes

4 assignments Total 25 minutes

Check your understanding: Test levels and types 5 minutes
Check your understanding: Functional and non-functional testing 5 minutes
Check your understanding: Static testing 5 minutes
Week 1: Summary quiz 10 minutes

4 discussion prompts Total 45 minutes

What are you looking forward to? 5 minutes
Real-world software failures and consequences 15 minutes
Research and describe test levels and examples 15 minutes
Research popular static code analysis tools and their features 10 minutes

1 ungraded lab Total 15 minutes

Optional: Hands-on code review activity 15 minutes

Week 2 of the continues the journey into the core of software testing – the various techniques and methods used to ensure software is robust and reliable. You will explore dynamic testing, where software is run under specific conditions and observe the results. You will look at how to create appropriate test cases and learn about two crucial techniques: boundary value analysis and equivalence partitioning. Throughout this week, you'll gain practical skills and knowledge that will be essential for your journey into the world of software testing.

What's included

8 videos14 readings3 assignments4 discussion prompts

8 videos Total 28 minutes

Dynamic testing techniques 4 minutes
Testing activities 6 minutes
Dynamic testing techniques recap 2 minutes
Test design techniques 3 minutes
Boundary Value Analysis (BVA) 3 minutes
Compare and contrast BVA and EP 3 minutes
Software validation and quality assurance 4 minutes
Best practices for software validation and QA 3 minutes

14 readings Total 113 minutes

Lesson 4: Introduction 2 minutes
Exercise: Researching dynamic testing techniques 20 minutes
Exercise: Designing a basic test plan for a software scenario 15 minutes
Lesson 4: Summary and next steps 2 minutes
Lesson 5: Introduction 5 minutes
Lesson 5: Summary and next steps 2 minutes
Lesson 6: Introduction 10 minutes
What is Artificial Intelligence? 10 minutes
Lesson 6: Summary and next steps 10 minutes
Lesson 7: Introduction 2 minutes
Exercise: Design a validation plan and QA activities 15 minutes
Lesson 7: Summary and next steps 5 minutes
Course summary: What have you learnt? 10 minutes
Taking your learning further 5 minutes

3 assignments Total 30 minutes

Check your understanding: Week 1 refresher 10 minutes
Check your understanding: Reflect on BVA and EP 5 minutes
Test your learning and get your certificate 15 minutes

4 discussion prompts Total 50 minutes

Share your findings on dynamic testing techniques 10 minutes
Design a test case with equivalence partitioning (EP) 15 minutes
Design a test case with boundary value analysis 15 minutes
Differences between validation and verification 10 minutes

Instructors

Instructor ratings

(126 ratings)

Julian Brooks

University of Leeds

1 Course 44,409 learners

Offered by

University of Leeds

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Reviewed on Oct 22, 2023

The course is very useful, providing basic knowledge about software testing for students, thank you!

Reviewed on Nov 23, 2024

An excellent course providing a solid foundation in software testing and validation. Highly practical and engaging!"

Reviewed on Jun 10, 2025

This course is very basic and helps to understand the foundation of Software testing. Very Helpful

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Frequently asked questions

This course is part of Click Start, a UK training programme designed to help young people develop digital skills. Click Start is offering a limited number of scholarships giving free access to young people in the UK.

Check if you are eligible for free access today.

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.