Software Design & Development and Computer Applications
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS (BEC)
PRELIMINARY 1 UNIT CATEGORY B HSC / NON ATAR
Prerequisite None
Course Description
Computer-based technology is an integral part of contemporary society. This is reflected in daily activities carried out in contexts such as the workplace, education, entertainment, recreation and the home. In this course, students will participate in hands-on activities to develop skills, knowledge and understanding related to information and communication technologies so that they can participate confidently in these environments.
Project work is integrated into the course and there are opportunities for individual and group projects in each of the modules. Project-based methodology is commonly used throughout the information and communication technology industries and students will emulate these approaches. The importance of project work is reinforced through a mandatory project assessment requirement.
This course is studied as a 1 unit 60-hour course over Year 11. The course is a Content Endorsed course and cannot be counted towards the ATAR. There is no HSC examination in this subject.
For whom is this subject intended
Students who do not require an ATAR and would like to develop skills using popular computer applications. The skills gained will be valuable in a wide variety of workplace environments.
Course Content
Computing Applications consists of 12 modules which may be studied as either 15-hour or 30-hour modules. Modules selected will meet students’ specific needs and interests. Module 1 – Hardware and Software Skills provides an opportunity to assess student’s understanding and skills and is therefore advised as an introductory module. It is also expected that where two modules of the same title are mentioned, Module I is taught first. For example, Graphics I precedes Graphics II.
These are an example of modules to be delivered.
Hardware and Software Skills
Desktop Publishing II
Graphics I
Databases
Graphics II
Communications I
Spreadsheets I
Communications II
Spreadsheets II
Multimedia I
Desktop Publishing I
Multimedia II
SOFTWARE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT (BDC)
PRELIMINARY THEN HSC 2 UNIT CATEGORY A HSC and ATAR
Prerequisite
None, however it is recommended students considering this course are at a competency level of Mathematics Standard. Completion of the Information and Software Technology Stage 5 course is desirable.
Course Description
Software design and development refers to the creativity, knowledge, values and communication skills required to develop computer programs. The subject provides students with a systematic approach to problem solving, an opportunity to be creative, excellent career prospects and interesting content. Software Design and Development provides a context within which to develop general competencies considered essential for the acquisition of effective, higher-order thinking skills necessary for further education, work and everyday life.
The Year 11 course introduces students to the basic concepts of computer 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 asks students to develop and document software using a variety of data structures and language facilities. Through these students will learn to solve a number of interesting and relevant software problems and develop a software solution to their own design through a major project.
For whom is this subject intended
Students wishing to enter the information technology arena and who would like to specialise in the development of computer-based solutions that require the design of computer software.
Main Topics Covered
Year 11 course
HSC Course
Concepts and Issues in the Design and Development of Software
Social and ethical issues
Hardware and software
Software development approaches
Introduction to Software Development
Defining and understanding the problem
Planning and designing software solutions
Implementing software solutions
Testing and evaluating software solutions
Maintaining software solutions
Developing Software Solutions
Development and Impact of Software Solutions
Social and ethical issues
Application of software development approaches
Software Development Cycle
Defining and understanding the problem
Planning and designing software solutions
Implementing software solutions
Testing and evaluating software solutions
Maintaining software solutions
Developing a Solution Package
Options
Study one of the following options:
Programming paradigms
OR
The interrelationship between software and hardware