KV6025 - Contemporary Methods of Software Development

What will I learn on this module?

This module will give you an essential foundation in contemporary software development methods. You will learn key principles in architecting and constructing interactive applications using contemporary tooling and approaches. You will apply these principles by building a system that incorporates a user interface, a database and system logic for creating, reading, updating and deleting data. You will also gain hands on experience with industry standard developer tools, including code editors, versioning systems, package managers and debugging tools. The module will include use of generative AI as a code assistant (e.g. for generating assets and designs, for debugging, and for optimization).

‘Contemporary Methods of Software Development’ will provide you with skills for developing interactive applications. By the end of the module you will have built an application that others will be able to download and use. The skills you learn will be valuable if you want to develop software for your dissertation project. Employers are looking for software developers with transferable skills and the ability to think critically.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through lectures, workshops, and independent learning. When appropriate, examples will be taken from real business and industrial situations. Throughout the module you will be given the opportunity to examine and discuss the application of concepts in real and simulated situations. You will have scheduled workshop sessions, with staff available to provide support and feedback to you. Workshops will be hands-on sessions in Northumbria’s CIS building computer labs, which are fully equipped with the latest industry-standard software.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported by lecturers during the timetabled sessions when you will receive feedback on your work. You can approach staff outside formal teaching sessions to request an appointment to seek advice if required. The University’s eLearning Portal offers remote access to all lecture and seminar materials to reinforce your learning. In addition, the university library offers support for all students through providing electronic resources

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:

MLO1 – Demonstrate knowledge of the major languages, frameworks and architectures used for building interactive applications.

MLO2 – Demonstrate an understanding of how software applications can store data, interact with other services, and support user interaction.

MLO3 – Demonstrate knowledge of the tools and approaches used to build, maintain and optimise systems and for managing quality and risks across the project lifecycle.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

MLO4 – The ability to critically evaluate and trade off different quality concerns in building interactive systems.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

MLO5 – Effectively communicate information, arguments and analyses about software using appropriate technical documentation

How will I be assessed?

The module will be assessed using two items of coursework.

Firstly, you will use contemporary developer tools and approaches to design, build and test an interactive software application. Core functional and quality requirements will be specified in the coursework brief but you will have creative freedom with your overall design. This part of the assessment will address MLO1, MLO2 and MLO5.

Secondly, you will write a critical, reflective discussion on the use of contemporary developer tools including generative AI in software development. The report will be based upon you experiences working on the first part of the assessment and your broader reading and research in the area. This part of the coursework will address MLO1, MLO3, MLO4 and MLO5

You will receive both informative and confirmatory feedback on your assessments.

There will also be formative assessment and feedback through your work on the course materials. The formative assessment will address all module learning outcomes. The formative assessment will not contribute to your final marks but will be helpful to you when completing the final assessments.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module will explore contemporary approaches for developing interactive systems. The module will combine practical, hands-on experience of using contemporary developer tools and approaches for designing and building systems with theory and reflective discussion (for example, how software quality can be balanced with developer productivity). The module will show how interactive systems can be architected to combine databases, application logic and user interfaces and how such layered systems are typically constructed using combinations of languages, frameworks and services. The module will cover the tools and techniques used in contemporary development, including the use of integrated development environments (IDEs), library and package managers, versioning tools, debugging and testing tools and documentation. Generative AI plays an important role in modern software development systems and the module will explore how chatbots and code assistants can be directly integrated into developer tools

Course info

UCAS Code Z066

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 4 years Full Time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

School Computer Science

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2027

Fee Information

Module Information

Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

Contact time

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

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The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.

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Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

Contact time

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

Images and video

The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.

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