This course is part of the Software Design and Architecture Specialization

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Kenny Wong

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Software Design and Architecture SpecializationUniversity of Alberta

About this Course

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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.
In the Capstone Project you will document a Java-based Android application with UML diagrams and analyze evaluate the application’s architecture using the Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method (ATAM).

After completing this course, you will be able to: 
• Compare and contrast the components, connections, protocols, topologies, constraints, tradeoffs, and variations of different types of architectural styles used in the design of applications and systems (e.g., main program and subroutine, object-oriented, interpreters, pipes and filters, database centric, event-based).	
• Describe the properties of layered and n-tier architectures.	
• Create UML ipackage, component, and deployment diagrams to express the architectural structure of a system.	
• Explain the behaviour of a system using UML activity diagrams.	
• Document a multi-application system with a layered architecture.

Flexible deadlines

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Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

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Course 3 of 4 in the

Software Design and Architecture Specialization

Intermediate Level

Approx. 10 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: French, Portuguese (Brazilian), Russian, English, Spanish

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Course 3 of 4 in the

Software Design and Architecture Specialization

Intermediate Level

Approx. 10 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: French, Portuguese (Brazilian), Russian, English, Spanish

Instructor

Instructor rating

4.64/5 (143 Ratings)

Kenny Wong

Associate Professor

Computing Science, Faculty of Science

315,972 Learners

11 Courses

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

Content Rating93%(2,867 ratings)

Week

Week 1

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

3.1.1 – Architecture Overview and Process16m

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

Week

Week 2

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

3.2.1 – Abstract Data Types and Object-Oriented5m

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

Week

Week 3

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)

Week

Week 4

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

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TOP REVIEWS FROM SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE

by ABDec 28, 2020

The contents of the course is quite information. Plus the assignments gives the learners more practical insight and how to deal with real life situations.

by SLSep 19, 2020

This is my 3rd course in the Software Design and Architecture Specialization, as the previous ones it is well designed and useful.

by MMApr 4, 2020

I have learnt many concepts such as various diagrams. Quality attributes and how to evaluate architecture.\n\nIt is outstanding course.

by ILApr 8, 2019

Combining practical knowledge with the information from this course i succeed to see the big picture of software architecture. Nice work.

View all reviews

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. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

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