Unit Outline

This unit introduces the principles of software design and development from initial concept to working solution. You’ll begin by learning how to analyse and define a problem, applying needs analysis and project scoping methodologies to solve real-world challenges. This will provide a crucial foundation before you learn to design and build programs using the versatile Python language.

Through a series of hands-on, authentic projects, you’ll apply industry best practices in areas such as:

software planning and design

core programming concepts including data structures, logic, and control flow

best practices in coding and documentation

project evaluation.

By the end of this unit, you’ll have the foundational skills to manage a software development project from initial concept to a working solution.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Design software solutions that apply fundamental programming principles to solve real-world problems.
2	Apply programming methodologies to create programs that meet specific requirements.
3	Communicate and document ideas and solutions for software projects using professional standards.
4	Evaluate the effectiveness of the project development process.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Anti-requisite (mutual excl)	ZAE104 ZAT103

Alterations as a result of student feedback

To be determined.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Project Scoping and Design Presentation	Week 5	20 %	LO1, LO3
Assessment Task 2:	Programming Portfolio	Week 6	35 %	LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	Integrated Development Project	Week 13	45 %	LO1, LO2, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Project Scoping and Design Presentation

Task Description:

This task requires you to act as a consultant and record a video presentation proposing a software project for a client. You will be provided with various contexts and general problem statements. Choose one to work with and develop a high-level scoping document for a software solution.
In your video presentation, you will:
• Describe the problem and the solution.
• Outline the user needs.
• Propose an initial program structure.
• Identify strengths and weaknesses of the proposed solution.
Your video should communicate your ideas clearly and professionally, as if presenting directly to a client.

Task Length:

5 minute video presentation

Due Date:

Week 5

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Analyse the core problem.	LO1
2	Define user needs and requirements.	LO1
3	Propose a program structure.	LO1
4	Communicate in a professional context.	LO3
5	Analyse project strengths and weaknesses.	LO3

Assessment Task 2: Programming Portfolio

Task Description:

This task requires you to complete a series of practical programming tasks that will be combined into a cohesive portfolio submitted in two parts due in weeks 6 (part A) and 10 (part B). You will use Python to write and test code, applying the fundamental concepts covered in the unit from Weeks 2-9.
The tasks will progressively challenge you to apply your skills in:
• Python basics, input, and logic
• string formatting and conditional logic
• data structures
• loops and functions
• file handling and error management.
Your final submission will include:
• the working Python code for all tasks
• a written report that explains your approach to each task and reflects on your problem-solving process.

Task Length:

Approximately 300 lines of code and 2 pages text

Due Date:

Week 6

Weight:

35 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Develop a program to meet functional requirements.	LO2
2	Apply programming methodologies.	LO2
3	Document the code and development process.	LO3
4	Reflect on challenges and solutions.	LO4

Assessment Task 3: Integrated Development Project

Task Description:

You will implement a complete Python program based on a set of pre-defined requirements. This project will demonstrate your ability to apply programming concepts, structure a larger codebase, and reflect on your development process.

Your final submission will include the complete, working code and a comprehensive video presentation (up to 10 minutes). This video will include a demonstration of your program’s functionality, justify your design decisions and reflect on your development process, including challenges you encountered and how you would improve the project in the future.

Task Length:

Python code length as required plus a 8-10 minute video presentation

Due Date:

Week 13

Weight:

45 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Implement a software solution.	LO2
2	Apply software design principles.	LO1
3	Justify the program's structure and design decisions.	LO1
4	Evaluate the project and development process.	LO4

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.