The design step in developing software has some unique characteristics. First of all, it’s the only step where drawing pictures of things is the norm. Why is that? What do pictures do that other representations cannot do? Pictures have varying levels of detail; pictures have context. Pictures…paint a picture. Why are these things important? In this course, too, we begin looking at other disciplines (building architecture is a favorite one) for lessons on design.

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Course 2 of 4 in the Secure Software Design Specialization

Syllabus

WEEK 1

Who needs abstractions?

Contrasted to design as a step in the software development process, a look at design as an abstract representation of the project.

WEEK 2

Focus on the Users

Design considerations to make when users are involved.

WEEK 3

What if there are no users?

Design considerations to make when users are not involved

WEEK 4

Advanced database design

When to create a database in third-normal form, and when not to.

WEEK 5

The Good and Bad of Design Patterns

When and how design patterns are useful and when they are not.

WEEK 6

Language choices

Choose languages and operating systems wisely because you will have to live with them.

WEEK 7

Final Exam

A comprehensive course assessment comprising of 5 quizzes. Each assessment contains a randomized set of questions from different modules of the course.

Secure Software Design Specialization

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Course Auditing

Coursera

University of Colorado System

Albert Glock

CS: Software Engineering