Software Design and Development

Two units for each of Year 11 and HSC NESA Developed Course

What background knowledge do I need to study Software Design and Development?

Previous study of Information and Software Technology is not expected when electing this course for study during Years 11 and 12. Prior knowledge from students is not a requirement nor an indicator for their level of success. It is assumed that students have an interest in logic, problem solving and coding.

Why study Software Design and Development?

Software Design and Development provides students authentic opportunities to design and develop software solutions. The subject provides students with a systematic approach to problem solving, an opportunity to be creative, excellent career prospects and interesting content. The subject is not only for those who seek further study or careers in this field, but also for those who wish to understand the underlying principles of software design and development. Students with software development skills wishing to acquire team and communication skills will find this subject relevant.

The computing field, particularly in the area of software design and development, offers opportunities for creativity and problem solving and a collaborative work environment where working with people and exploring issues is an integral part of the job. It is critical that students of both genders have the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to pursue the many new, exciting and highly paid employment opportunities that exist in the field. The study of Software Design and Development promotes intellectual, social and ethical growth. It provides the flexibility to be able to adapt in a field that is constantly changing, yet vital to the Australian economy. This course opens the door to a wealth of opportunities in new areas of entrepreneurship and start-ups as well as traditional industries. On completion, the subject provides students with options in the workforce and university study.

Course description:

The Year 11 course introduces students to the basic concepts of software design and development. It does this by looking at the different ways in which software can be developed, the tools that can be used to assist in this process and by considering the interaction between software and the other components of the computer system. The HSC course builds on the Year 11 course and involves the development and documentation of software using a variety of data structures and language facilities. Students learn to solve a number of interesting and relevant software problems.

Main topics covered:

Year 11 Course

• Concepts and Issues in the Design and Development of Software (30%) o Social and ethical issues o Hardware and software o Software development approaches

• Introduction to Software Development o Defining and understanding the problem o Planning and designing software solutions o Implementing software solutions o Testing and evaluating software solutions (50%)

• Developing software solutions

HSC Course

(20%)

• Development and Impact of Software Solutions o Social and ethical issues o Application of software development approaches (15%)

• Software Development Cycle o Defining and understanding the problem o Planning and design of software solutions o Implementing software solutions o Testing and evaluating software solutions o Maintaining software solutions (40%)

• Developing a Solution Package

• Options - Study one of the following options: o Programming paradigms, or o The interrelationship between software and hardware (25%)

(20%)

• It is a mandatory requirement that students spend a minimum of 20% of Year 11 course time and 25% of HSC course time on practical activities using the computer.

Project work:

Students will be assigned project work in both the Year 11 and HSC courses as part of their internal assessment. As part of the HSC course they will complete a major project in which they may choose any area of interest. Students have an opportunity to design and produce a software solution that satisfies a genuine need. Students are strongly encouraged to seek professionals currently in the workforce who need software solutions. If successful, these solutions have the potential to be possible business beginnings.

HSC examination structure:

Written paper – 100 marks, three hours, divided into three sections:

• Section I Multiple-choice questions • Section II Short-answer questions • Section III Option topic 20 marks 60 marks 20 marks

How is Software Design and Development relevant to tertiary studies and career choice?

Software Design and Development provides students with an excellent platform for the world of work. The skills of translating a human need into a software solution are invaluable in the modern world, with many students able to commence paid work during their tertiary studies. These opportunities can be treated both as the building of a portfolio for future career options or simply as a lifestyle decision to support them during their next years of study.

The study of Software Design and Development can open many doors to a variety of careers in IT as nearly every area of IT involves an element of coding. It is also highly beneficial for those students who have an interest in pursuing a career as an entrepreneur or being involved in the world of start-ups. Each of the major universities have many degrees in which the knowledge and skills learned in Software Design and Development are highly relevant and beneficial, from computer-science based courses, through to mathematics, science and business.