Course Description: 

Topics address recently identified current events, skills, knowledge, and/or attitudes and behaviors pertinent to the technology or occupation and relevant to the professional development of the student.  This course was designed to be repeated multiple times to improve student performance.  This course is a study of automated software testing best practices and guidelines.Transferability of workforce courses varies.  Transferability of workforce courses varies.  Students interested in transferring courses to another college should speak with their Area of Study (AoS) advisor, Department Chair, and/or Program Director. [Credit Hours: 3]

Course Delivery:  

This course is delivered in a Synchrous Virtual Classroom Format with the professor delivering live lectures, laboratory instructions, and answering student questions.  If a student misses a lecture the course material includes recorded video lectures and power point presentations from the professor for each chapter in the text book and the course orientation.  The laboratory assignments are described in Blackboard and submitted via Blackboard.  Testing will be done via Blackboard.

Course Rationale:  This course is required as part of the Associate of Applied Science degree for Software Testing. The intent of the course is to introduce the student to the benefits and concepts of automated software testing.

Pre-requisite:  ITSE 1359 and ITSE 1391, or departmental approval.

Instructional Methodology: 

This course is delivered in a Synchrous Virtual Classroom Format with the professor delivering live lectures, laboratory instructions, and answering student questions.  If a student misses a lecture the course material includes recorded video lectures and power point presentations from the professor for each chapter in the text book and the course orientation.  The laboratory assignments are described in Blackboard and submitted via Blackboard.  Testing will be done via Blackboard.

Course Rationale:

This course is required as part of the Associate of Applied Science degree for Software Testing. The intent of the course is to introduce the student to the benefits and concepts of automated system testing.

Course Objectives / Learning Outcomes:

As an outcome of taking this course, the student will have demonstrated the following competencies:

1. Summarize the concepts of Automated Software Testing

What is Effective Automated Software Testing? (Chapter 1)

• Discuss the definition of Automated Software Testing
• Relate the characteristics of Automated Software Testing implementation
• Explain the reasons for developing software to test software
• Name the various software testing types
• Describe the role of AST in production testing
• Identify the need for Automated Standards Assessment

     Why Automate? (Chapter 2)

• Describe the challenges of testing software today
• Identify the key considerations that impact cost and time associated with testing software
• Describe the key factors that, if properly addressed, can lead to a decrease in test effort and schedule
• Discuss how AST "impact software quality" and how AST "enables more testing"
• Explain how using automated test tools can increase the depth and breadth of testing

     The Business Case (Chapter 3)

• Describe the purpose and importance of a business case as related to AST
• Identify the business needs for AST
• Explain the business need for ROI when justifying AST
• Distinguish the factors that impact risk when evaluating a business case for AST
• Give examples of other considerations related to implementing AST

     Why Automated Software Testing Fails and Pitfalls to Avoid (Chapter 4)

• Identify why automaton fails
• Discuss some of the recent trends in software development and testing
• Generalize some of the perceived AST myths and realities
• Describe the best practices for software development of AST
• Generalize how to evaluate and choose a tool for AST
• Recite standardized criteria for selecting automated tools
• Identify the benefits of having an approved business case for AST

2. Appraise various testing types using Keys 1-3 of ATLM

           Know Your Requirements (Chapter 5)

• Determine the requirements of the application or system under test (AUT/SUT) 
• Determine the requirements of the automation framework and tools
• Determine the requirements for obtaining/creating data for AST
• Determine the requirements of the AST environment
• Determine the requirements of the AST process
• Assess additional information needed to support AST requirements
• Devise how to proceed when information is not available
• Produce a Requirements Traceability Matrix

           Develop an Automated Test Strategy (Chapter 6)

• Explain the need for developing an AST Strategy Document
• Diagram AST throughout the software testing lifecycle
• Explain the criteria for deciding which tests should be automated
• Describe the methodology for designing, developing and documenting test cases
• Diagram the high level ASTF Architecture
• Critique the approach recommended for AST Configuration and Environment
• Summarize the steps for automating the RTM
• Elaborate the benefit/risk of having the RTM automatically populate defects

Test the Automated Software Test Framework (Chapter 7)

• Validate that the ASTF meets specified requirements
• Evaluate ASTF coverage, test cases and test data
• Establish reviews of all test steps, logic, code, coverage, templates, and data
• Validate requirements and coverage of all AST work products
• Arrange a customer review of all AST work products

AST Applied to Various Testing Types (Appendix B)

• Appraise the usefulness of security testing
• Appraise the usefulness of soak testing
• Appraise the usefulness of concurrency testing
• Appraise the usefulness of performance testing
• Appraise the usefulness of unit testing

3. Appraise the right tool for the job using Keys 4-6 of ATLM

Continuously Track Progress and Adjust Accordingly (Chapter 8)

• Discuss how program tracking contributes to improved quality of AST
• Elaborate how to incorporate defect prevention in AST development
• Point out the characteristics of a good automated testing metric
• Recommend, and give reasons for your selection, a set of AST metrics
• Defend the usefulness of AST metrics in understanding the value of automation
• Explain the role of root cause analysis in AST development and execution

Implement AST Processes (Chapter 9)

• Diagram the six steps for the modified ATLM
• Highlight the five phases and milestones for AST development
• Discuss the “requirements gathering” phase
• Defend the rational for “test case design and development”
• Highlight the objectives of “automated framework and test script development”
• Discuss the activity performed during “test execution and results reporting”
• Elaborate the purpose of "program review and assessment"
• Explain the concept of "virtual quality gates"
• Explain the purpose of "process measurement"

Put the Right People on the Project (Chapter 10)

• Summarize the types of ASTF and key technical functions
• Summarize the skills required based on roles and responsibilities
• Summarize the program management skills required
• Summarize the systems engineering skills required
• Summarize the systems development skills required
• Summarize the configuration management skills required
• Summarize the quality assurance skills required
• Explain the importance of subject matter experts

The Right Tool for the Job (Appendix C)

• Explain the goal for the use of any tool
• Appraise the usefulness of requirements management
• Appraise the usefulness of unit test frameworks
• Appraise the usefulness of configuration management
• Appraise the usefulness of defect tracking
• Appraise the usefulness of security testing
• Appraise the usefulness of automated software testing framework
• Appraise the usefulness of other STL support tools

4. Construct Robot Framework Applications

• Construct a hexadecimal calculator
• Analyze log on rules
• Modify log on rules
• Construct highway naming rules

5. Construct Selenium IDE Applications

SCANS (Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills):

Refer to http://www.austincc.edu/cit/courses/scans.pdf for a complete definition and explanation of SCANS.  The following list summarizes the SCANS competencies addressed in this particular course:

Approved Text and Teaching Materials:

Implementing Automated Software Testing,1st edition, Dustin, Garrett, Gauf, Addison-Wesley, 2009.  (ISBN-13: 978-0-321-58051-1, ISBN-10: 0-321-58051-6)

Attendance/Class Participation

Regular and timely class participation in discussions and laboratory attendance is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.

In the event the college or campus closes due to unforeseen circumstances (for example, severe weather or other emergency), the student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignment or other activities designated by their professor as a result of class sessions being missed. 

Course Schedule

Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be reflected in the schedule in Blackboard and will be accompanied by an email to all students.  If the college or campus closes due to unforeseen circumstances (for example, severe weather or other emergency), the student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor as a result of class sessions being missed.

Withdrawal Policy

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or she decides to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date.  The Final Withdrawal Date for this semester is April 26, 2021.  The student is also strongly encouraged to keep any paperwork in cases a problem arises.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university many not withdraw (receive a W) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education.  Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count towards this limit.  Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals

Missed Exam and Late Work Policies

There are NO makeup exams given in this course.  If a student misses an exam, the next exam will count double.  Only one exam may be missed and there will be NO makeup for EXAM 3.

If a student fails to submit a good faith effort for a cumulative of four or more graded assignments during the semester, the student may be dropped from the course.

Incompletes

An incomplete grade of “I” will only be given in Spring 2021 due to extenuating circumstances.  What constitutes “extenuating circumstances” is left to the instructor’s discretion.  If a grade of I is given, the remaining course work must be completed by a date set by the student and professor.  This date may not be later than two weeks prior to the end of the Fall 2021 semester.  A grade of I also requires completion and submission of the Incomplete Grade form, to be signed by the faculty member (and student if possible) and submitted to the department chair.

1.      Prior to the end of the semester in which the “I” is to be awarded, the student must meet with the instructor to determine the assignments and exams that must be completed prior to the deadline date.  This meeting can occur virtually or in person.  The instructor should complete the Report of Incomplete Grade form.

2.      The faculty member will complete the form, including all requirements to complete the course and the due date, sign (by typing in name) and then email it to the student.  The student will then complete his/her section, sign (by typing in name), and return the completed form to the faculty member to complete the agreement.  A copy of the fully completed form can then be emailed by the faculty member to the student and the department chair for each grade of Incomplete that the faculty member submits at the end of the semester.   

3.      The student must complete all remaining work by the date specified on the form above.  This date is determined by the instructor in collaboration with the student, but it may not be later than the final withdrawal deadline in the subsequent long semester.  

4.      Students will retain access to the course Blackboard page through the subsequent semester in order to submit work and complete the course. Students will be able to log on to Blackboard and have access to the course section materials, assignments, and grades from the course and semester in which the Incomplete was awarded.  

5.      When the student completes the required work by the Incomplete deadline, the instructor will submit an electronic Grade Change Form to change the student’s performance grade from an “I” to the earned grade of A, B, C, D, or F.  If an Incomplete is not resolved by the deadline, the grade automatically converts to an “F.”  Approval to carry an Incomplete for longer than the following semester or session deadline is not frequently granted.”     

               Transferability of workforce courses varies.  Students interested in transferring courses to another college                         should speak with their Area of Study (AoS) advisor, Department Chair and/or Program Director.

Statement on Academic Integrity

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process. Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements, and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations. Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources. Further information is available at https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process

For this course, the penalty for scholastic dishonesty is a grade of ‘F’ for the course.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Students at ACC have the same rights and protections under the Constitution of the United States. These rights include freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition and association. As members of the community, students have the right to express their own views, but must also take responsibility for according the same rights to others and not interfere or disrupt the learning environment. Students are entitled to fair treatment, are expected to act consistently with the values of the college, and obey local, state and federal laws.www.austincc.edu/srr

As a student of Austin Community College you are expected to abide by the Student Standards of Conduct.  https://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-standards-of-conduct

Student Complaints

A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. You are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, students should first address their concerns through informal conferences with those immediately involved; formal due process is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved.

Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability.

Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to submit complaints, is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-andresponsibilities/student-complaint-procedures

Statement on Privacy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)  protects confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student.  Individual student grades are posted in BlackBoard.

Students Accessibility Services 

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through the office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS).  Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be delayed. Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Arrangements for academic accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from the student. Students with approved accommodations are encouraged to submit the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ to the instructor at the beginning of the semester because a reasonable amount of time may be needed to prepare and arrange for the accommodations.

Safety Statement 

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies. Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester.

All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an illness outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

Freedom of Expression Policy

It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.

Tutoring

Free tutoring is provided for this course both on line and face-to-face.  For online schedules and details please refer to https://sites.austincc.edu/cs/student-resources/csit-tutoring-schedule/

Campus Carry

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy. In addition, concealed weapons are not allowed on ACC-sponsored field trips where the school owns or has chartered or leased vehicles for transportation. It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times. Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999. Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at http://austincc.edu/campuscarry

Student Files – Privacy

Their instructor for educational and academic reasons may view the information that a student stores in his/her student volume in the Computer Studies Labs.

Discrimination Prohibited

The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.  Faculty at the College are required to report concern regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms o sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance.  Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students.  Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o55xINAWNvTYgI-fs-JbDyuaMFDNvAjz/view

              Use of ACC E-mail

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACC mail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify you of any college related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account. Likewise, students should use their ACC mail account when communicating with instructors and staff.                                              

Classroom Behavior

Students are expected to demonstrate proper classroom behavior.  The professor has the prerogative to request any student that demonstrates improper and disruptive classroom behavior to leave the classroom.  Improper and disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to: profanity, verbal outbursts, unwarranted physical activity, and lack of respect for fellow students and/or the professor.

Safety Statement

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities.  Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies.  Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester. All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.  In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an illness outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

Emergency Situation

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an illness outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course.  In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

The official schedule for this coure is maintained under "Syllabus" on the official Blackboard site for this course.

NOTE 1:  Items in bold are graded assessments.

NOTE 2:  This is the required schedule to ensure that the course is finished by the end of the 16 week semester.  Assessments are always accepted earlier.

Grades will be assigned based both on concepts and practical application. Exams, quizzes, and lab projects will be a part of the grade.  An overall grade will be assigned on the following grading scale:

90%  - 100%         A

80%  -  89%          B

70%  -  79%          C

60%  -  69%          D

0%    -  59%          F

Each student’s grade for this course consists of 3 comprehensive exams, 3 Excel projects, 8 laboratory exercises, and a semester report and presentation.  Excel projects and laboratory exercises receiving a grade of less than 90% may be resubmitted for grading subject to a maximum grade of 90%.