The way that software components — subroutines, classes, functions, etc. — are arranged, and the interactions between them, is called architecture. In this course you will study the ways these architectures are represented, both in UML and other visual tools. We will introduce the most common architectures, their qualities, and tradeoffs. We will talk about how architectures are evaluated, what makes a good architecture, and an architecture can be improved. We'll also talk about how the architecture touches on the process of software development.
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Software Design and Architecture SpecializationUniversity of AlbertaAbout this Course
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Learner Career Outcomes
25%
started a new career after completing these courses
25%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
12%
got a pay increase or promotion
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Course 3 of 4 in the
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Intermediate Level
Approx. 10 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: French, Portuguese (Brazilian), Russian, English, Spanish
Learner Career Outcomes
25%
started a new career after completing these courses
25%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
12%
got a pay increase or promotion
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Course 3 of 4 in the
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Intermediate Level
Approx. 10 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: French, Portuguese (Brazilian), Russian, English, Spanish
Offered by
University of Alberta
UAlberta is considered among the world’s leading public research- and teaching-intensive universities. As one of Canada’s top universities, we’re known for excellence across the humanities, sciences, creative arts, business, engineering and health sciences.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
5 hours to complete
UML Architecture Diagrams
In this module you will learn about software architecture. You will learn why architecture is important, what perspectives need to be considered, and how to communicate architecture using UML.
5 hours to complete
6 videos (Total 42 min), 8 readings, 3 quizzes
6 videos
3.1.2 – Kruchten's 4 + 1 Model View5m
3.1.3 – UML Component Diagram3m
3.1.4 – UML Package Diagram5m
3.1.5 – UML Deployment Diagram5m
3.1.6 – UML Activity Diagram4m
8 readings
Meet Your Presenter – Sam Jeffery10m
Meet Your Facilitators10m
Software Architecture – Course Notes10m
Software Architecture Glossary10m
Discussion: Introduce Yourself10m
Peer Review Request Forum10m
Capstone Assignment 3.1 - Draw a Component Diagram (Solution)10m
Capstone Assignment 3.2 - Draw a Deployment Diagram (Solution)10m
1 practice exercise
Module 1 Review30m
2 hours to complete
Architectural Styles
Software comes in all shapes and sizes. The architecture you choose will affect every part of your software, from its security and efficiency, to its modularity and maintainability. In this module we will examine the different architectures that you have to choose from to shape your software.
2 hours to complete
9 videos (Total 64 min), 3 readings, 1 quiz
9 videos
3.2.2 – Main Program and Subroutine4m
3.2.3 – Databases9m
3.2.4 – Layered Systems8m
3.2.5 – Client Server n-Tier8m
3.2.6 – Interpreters5m
3.2.7 – Pipes and Filters5m
3.2.8 – Event Based10m
3.2.9 – Process Control7m
3 readings
State Transition Systems10m
Publish–Subscribe10m
Discussions: Architectural Styles10m
1 practice exercise
Module 2 Review30m
1 hour to complete
Architecture in Practice
The architecture is the most fundamental aspect of software. You will learn how development teams describe architectures, plan successful architectures based on quality attributes, and evaluate the resulting architecture. You will also learn how architecture relates to organization structure and even product planning!
1 hour to complete
4 videos (Total 43 min)
4 videos
3.3.2 – Analyzing and Evaluating an Architecture14m
3.3.3 – Relationship to Organizational Structure3m
3.3.4 – Product Lines and Product Families8m
1 practice exercise
Module 3 Review30m
2 hours to complete
Capstone Challenge
Now, in the final module of the course, you will evaluate the proposed architecture to extend the functionality of the example Android code base.
2 hours to complete
4 readings
4 readings
Capstone Assignment 3.3 - Analyze and Evaluate an Architecture (Solution)10m
Discussion: Last Word – Software Architecture10m
Acknowledgements10m
Credits10m
1 practice exercise
Final Exam30m
Reviews
TOP REVIEWS FROM SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE
by CSDec 23, 2019
This is a excellent course for Software architects, addressing all key areas needed in the field. Good content, definitely recommend this course for anyone aspiring to be a Software architect.
by PCJun 20, 2018
Not as informative as the previous two courses in this specialization, although the links to free materials in the discussion boards helped a lot.
by NGAug 17, 2020
This course is very useful, but i think intructor need add more example in presentation. I support student easy make assigment.\n\nThank you!
by OSJul 22, 2018
Very comprehensive course, but in my opinion it lacks some updates in terms of new concepts like serverless architecture and cloud in general.
About the Software Design and Architecture Specialization
In the Software Design and Architecture Specialization, you will learn how to apply design principles, patterns, and architectures to create reusable and flexible software applications and systems. You will learn how to express and document the design and architecture of a software system using a visual notation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
- The course may not offer an audit option. 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.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You'll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. You'll need to complete this step for each course in the Specialization, including the Capstone Project. Learn more.
Will I earn university credit for completing the Course?
This Course doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Course Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more. Online Degrees and Mastertrack™ Certificates on Coursera provide the opportunity to earn university credit.
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