Skip to main content
Unit outline_

SOFT3202: Software Construction and Design 2

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit is a sequel of Software Construction and Design I (SOFT2201). It introduces advanced concepts which build on the topics of SOFT2201. SOFT3202 covers topics including software validation and verification, the theory of testing, and advanced design patterns. The unit has a strong focus on the theoretical underpinning of software design. In the labs the theory is applied with contemporary tools with concrete examples.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Computer Science
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
SOFT2201
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
INFO3220
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Rahul Gopinath, rahul.gopinath@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Hong Jin Kang, hongjin.kang@sydney.edu.au
Rahul Gopinath, rahul.gopinath@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Nelum Attanayake, nelum.attanayake@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
hurdle task
Final exam
Supervised exam that tests all concepts
50% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment AI Allowed Assignment 1
You are given a high level customer requirement. Your task is to produce a complete set of functional requirements for that task.
10% Week 06
Due date: 01 Apr 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 08 Apr 2025
2 Weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Assignment AI Allowed Assignment 2
You are given a program. You are required to review the code, write test cases to explore the program behaviour especially at boundary conditions, and identify bugs.
10% Week 08
Due date: 15 Apr 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 22 Apr 2025
2 Weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment AI Allowed Assignment 3
You are given a program. The task is to refactor the code, provide contractual guarantees, and write a comprehensive regression test suite (including properties) for it.
10% Week 11
Due date: 13 May 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 20 May 2025
2 Weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment AI Allowed Examination preparation
Example questions similar to what you can expect in the examination for practice. This will be a pdf submission.
10% Week 12
Due date: 20 May 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 27 May 2025
2 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Online task AI Allowed Weekly quiz
The students will be required to answer a set of questions based on the week's tutorial and lecture content. Each submission is worth 1 mark in the final grade, but the total from this component is capped at 10.
10% Weekly Online, flexible timing
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
AI allowed = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator. 

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions. 

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit. 

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply. 

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late Policy: For assignments, lste work is not accepted after the closing date, as solutions or general feedback are released then. For weekly quizzes, late work is not accepted. For assignments, late work without special consideration or simple extension, before the closing date, we apply a penalty of 5% of the available marks per calendar day late.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Meta Information, Unit-in-brief, Prerequisites, (I) Review of object oriented programming in Python, (II) Test cases in Python Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 02 Students review OO programming in Python, Students practice writing test cases in Python Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
(I) Review of basic design patterns and their Idiomatic Implementation in Python (1) -- (II) The essence of software verification including requirements (Static) Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 03 (I) Students implement design patterns from class, (II) Students practice collecting verifiable software requirements. Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
(I) Review of basic design patterns and their Idiomatic Implementation in Python (2) -- (II) The design of test cases using functional (static) requirements Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 (I) Implementing of Design Patterns (2) -- (II) Design of Test Cases with Python Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
(I) Review of basic design patterns and their Idiomatic Implementation in Python (3) -- (II) Evaluating basic (statement, branch) coverage of test suites on source code (Dynamic) Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 05 (I) Implementing of Design Patterns and (II) Extracting coverage from Test Suites with Python Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
(I) Discussion of advanced design patterns, and their idiomatic implementation in Python (1) (II) Overview of advanced coverage requirements which are used for critical applications Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 06 (I) Implementing Advanced Design Patterns in Python (1) (II) Continuation of software test evaluation with coverage. Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
(I) Discussion of advanced design patterns, and their idiomatic implementation in Python (2) (II) Overview of fault based testing for evaluating software validation and verification requirements. Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 (I) Implementing Advanced Design Patterns in Python (2) (II) Applying fault based testing and mutation analysis for evaluating test suite quality Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
(I) Discussion of advanced design patterns, and their idiomatic implementation in Python (3) (II) Discussion of basic verification techniques with software contracts and properties (1) Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 08 (I) Implementing Advanced Design Patterns in Python (3) (II) Advanced verification with software contracts Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
(I) Discussion of advanced design patterns, and their idiomatic implementation in Python (4) (II) Discussion of verification techniques with software contracts and properties (2) Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 (I) Implementing Advanced Design Patterns in Python (4) (II) Writing tests with software properties Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Overview of software verification and validation including advanced techniques Lecture (2 hr) LO4 LO5
Week 10 Overview of software verification and validation, last questions about assignment 3 Tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO5
(I) Practical Fuzzing, Sanitizers, Oracles -- (II) Debugging Lecture (2 hr) LO4 LO5
Week 11 (I) Practical Fuzzing, Sanitizers, Oracles -- (II) Debugging Tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO5
Industry Guest Talk Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 (I) Practical Fuzzing, Sanitizers, Oracles -- (II) Debugging Tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO5
(I) Practical Fuzzing, Sanitizers, Oracles -- (II) Debugging Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 13 Unit Review and Exam Preparation and Practice Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Unit Review and Examination Preparation Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available on Canvas or is available online.

  • Software Engineering Body of Knowledge: https://www.computer.org/education/bodies-of-knowledge/software-engineering
  • (optional -- not reserved)
    • Software Testing - A Craftsmans Approach (4th Edition) Paul C Jorgensen)
    • Why Programs Fail: Andreas Zeller
    • The Art of Software Testing (3rd Edition) Glenford J Myers
    • Effective Software Testing (2022) Mauricio Aniche
    • Gangs of Four (GoF) Design Patterns

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Explain processes and elements in object-oriented design
  • LO2. Apply advanced object-oriented design approaches to software design
  • LO3. Apply advanced object-oriented design principles to implementation using an OO programming language
  • LO4. Discuss and apply testing techniques to software systems
  • LO5. Dscuss and apply software validation/verification techniques to Software systems.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

In response to student feedback, the unit has been completely restructured with focus on techniques rather than tools. Furthermore, more advanced testing techniques are discussed.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.