Syllabus
Special Topics in Computer Programming

Special Topics in Computer Programming

ITSE-1391

Credit Spring 2021
01/19/2021 - 05/16/2021

Course Information

Section 001
Distance Learning
TTh 09:00 - 10:15
DLS DIL
William Tucker

Section 001
Laboratory
TTh 10:15 - 10:45
DLS DIL
William Tucker

Office Hours

  • Su M T W Th F Sa
    NULL - NULL
    Professor will respond to emails within 24 hours.

Course Description / Rationale

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 the multiple phases of testing necessary to ensure the reliability of software products.  Transferability of workforce courses varies.  Students interested in transferring courss to anothe college should speak with their Area of Study (AoS) advisor, Department Chair, and/or Program Director.

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.

 Pre-requisite:

B-Reading and Math.

Instructional Methodology:

Thi section is a competency based version of ITSE 1391 and is offered in a synchrous virtual classroom format.  The student will need to demonstrate proficiency in seven competencies, which are listed in the Course objectives/Learning Outcome section.  Students will use the Blackboard learning management systm for assignment instructions and ofor submitting assignments.  

Course Rationale:

This course is required as part of the Associate of Applied Science degree in Software Testing. The course will introduce the student to the concepts of software testing and the use of several software testing and reporting tools.

Blackboard Access:

Students will use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, and collaboration. Students must access the course in Bb during the first week of class to be counted as “Attending”.  If a student does not access the course in Bb during the first week of class they will be classified as “Never Attended” and will be dropped from the course.  Students should be aware that this could impact their eligibility for financial aid from the college..

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

Course Objectives / Learning Outcomes:

At the conclusion of this course, the student will have demonstrated the following competencies:

1. Fundamentals of testing and testing throughout the software life cycle (Chapters 1 – 2)

  • Explain why testing is necessary and support that explanation with examples and evidence
  • Discuss how testing supports quality and contrast defects and symptoms
  • Relate how testing finds and prevents defects
  • Explain the fundamental principles of testing
  • Describe the fundamental test processes
  • Explain the psychology of testing and how people influence testing success
  • Explain and contrast the mindset of testers and programmers and why they often conflict
  • Explain the relationship between development and testing within a development life cycle
  • Relate the typical levels of testing with respect to their major objectives
  • Identify which persons perform the testing activities at various test levels (
  • Relate the four major types of test (functional, non-functional, structural and change-related) and show concrete examples for each
  • Compare maintenance testing with testing new applications
  • Identify triggers and reasons for maintenance testing
  • Demonstrate an understanding of software testing terminology

2. Labs 1 - 3

  • Create and execute a test plan, including test cases, to verify the correctness of documentation
  • Prepare a test summary report, and bug reports if necessary
  • Create and execute a test plan, including test cases, to evaluate compliance with specifications
  • Prepare a test summary report, and bug reports if necessary
  • Experiment with internet loading to create and execute a test plan that evaluates internet speed under various loads
  • Analyze and summarize the results of the experiment

3. Static techniques and test design techniques (Chapters 3 - 4)

  • Explain the importance and advantages of static testing
  • Contrast the difference between static testing and dynamic testing
  • Compare the differences between formal and informal reviews
  • Explain the factors for successful performance of reviews
  • Differentiate objectives of static analysis from static and dynamic testing
  • Describe the main features of static analysis
  • Differentiate between a test condition, a test case and a test procedure
  • Explain why both specification-based and experience-based testing approaches are useful
  • Write test cases from software models using equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis, decision tables and state transition diagrams
  • Describe the concept and importance of code coverage
  • Categorize the reasons for writing test cases based on intuition, experience and knowledge about common defects
  • List factors that influence selection of test techniques
  • Demonstrate an understanding of software testing terminology

4. Labs 4 - 6

  • Develop test cases based upon a given specification
  • Interpret actual results against predicted results
  • Prepare bug reports using an incident logging tool
  • Rewrite test cases to match changes in product specifications
  • Update the status of incident reports

5. Test management and tool support for testing (Chapters 5 – 6)

  • Explain the basic ideas of test organization
  • Describe the fundamentals of test planning and implementation
  • Explain the essentials of test progress monitoring and control
  • Identify the basics of configuration management that relate to testing
  • Explain how risk and testing relate
  • Describe incident logging
  • Classify different types of test tools according to the test process activity that they support
  • Recognize the tools that may help developers in their testing
  • Assess the potential benefits and potential risks of tool support for testing in general
  • State the main principles of introducing a tool into an organization
  • State the goal of a proof-of-concept or piloting phase for tool evaluation
  • Demonstrate an understanding of software testing terminology

6. Labs 7 - 9

  • Construct detailed test schedules using Microsoft Project
  • Create test cases and scripts using industry standard tools
  • Create test scenarios that incorporate the test cases and scripts previously created

Capstone     Lab 10 and Research Paper

  • Evaluate and arrange data collected from testing history
  • Prepare and justify a ship recommendation based on your analysis
  • Select a topic of interest in software testing
  • Prepare a research paper on this topic
  • Summarize the key elements as they relate to Software Testing

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

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

 

RESOURCES

1.1 Manages Time

INTERPERSONAL

2.1 Participates as a Member of a Team

2.2 Serves Clients/Customers

2.6 Works with Cultural Diversity

INFORMATION

3.1 Acquires and Evaluates Information

3.2 Organizes and Maintains Information

3.3 Uses Computers to Process Information

SYSTEMS

4.1 Understands Systems

4.2 Monitors and Corrects Performance

4.3 Improves and Designs Systems

TECHNOLOGY

5.1 Selects Technology

5.2 Applies Technology to Task

5.3 Maintains and Troubleshoots Technology

BASIC SKILLS

6.1 Reading

6.2 Writing

6.3 Arithmetic

6.5 Listening

6.6 Speaking

THINKING SKILLS

7.1 Creative Thinking

7.2 Decision Making

7.3 Problem Solving

7.4 Mental Visualization

7.5 Knowing How to Learn

7.6 Reasoning

PERSONAL SKILLS

8.1 Responsibility

8.4 Self-Management

8.5 Integrity/Honesty

 

Readings

Approved Text and Teaching Materials:

Foundations of Software Testing, ISTQB Certification,3rd edition, Black / Van Veenendaal / Graham, Cengage Learning, 2012.  (ISBN-13: 978-1-4080-4405-6, ISBN-10: 1-408-04405-6)

Course Requirements

Grade Policy: 

Grade 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 the grades from all competencies:

 

Orientation Exam

60 points total

Competency 1 – EXAM 1

200 points total

Competency 2 – Labs 1-3

60 points total

Competency 3 – EXAM 2

200 points total

Competency 4 – Labs 4-6

60 points total

Competency 5 – EXAM 3

200 points total

Competency 6 – Labs 7-9

60 points total

Capstone Competency

160 points total

TOTAL

1000 points

 

Exams will be taken using Blackboard.  This platform is designed to accommodate Chromebook users, as well as students with Windows or Mac desktop computers, and laptops – the platform does not support iPad users at this time because of iPad split-screen sharing limitations.  Details on how to take these exams are provided in Blackboard.

Availability of computers is NOT an excuse for being late with any assignment.  The last date to submit assignments for consideration this semester is May 18, 2021.

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.

Course/Class Policies

Attendance/Class Participation

Students are expected to regularly monitor their ACC email and Blackboard, and to keep up with the published course schedule. If course participation or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw a student 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 days 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 case 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 Sudy (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.

Student Accessibility Services 

Students with documented disabilities who need academic or other accommodations must request them through the office Student Accessibility Services (SAS).   SAS offices are located at each major campus.  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 document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Accommodations will not be provided retroactively.  Arrangements by the instructor for academic accommodations can only be made after he or she receives the “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from the student.

Additional information about Student Accessibility Services is available at https://www.austincc.edu/offices/student-accessibility-services-and-assistive-technology

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.  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.  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. 

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.

               Illness

Any ACC student or employee with symptoms or exposure to the COVID-19 virus should inform their professor(s) or supervisor and complete the college’s self reporting form:  https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?AustinCC&layout_id=124

 

 

 


 

Course Subjects

 

Week Num

 Topic 

   Labs /  Projects

  Due Date

1

  Course Introduction / Lab Orientation

  Testing Overview / Product Defect Examples

 

    1/19

    1/21

2

  Development Process Overview

  ISTQB Overview

 

    1/26

    1/28

3

  Chapter 1 Fundamentals of Testing

  Chapter 1 continued

 

    Lab 1

     2/2

     2/4

4

  Chapter 1 continued 

  Chapter 2 Testing trough the software life       cycle

 

    Lab 2

    2/9

    2/11

5

  Chapter 2 continued

  Review for EXAM 1

 

   2/16 

   2/18

6

  EXAM   1

  Chapter 3 Static Techniques    

 

    Lab 3

   2/23

   2/25

7

  Chapter 3  continued

  Chapter 3 continued 

 

    Lab 4

   3/2

   3/4

8

  Chapter 4 The Test Development Process

  Chapter 4 continued

 

    Lab 5

  3/9

  3/11

 

  SPRING BREAK

   

9

  Chapter 4 continued

  Review for Exam 2

 

    Lab 6

  3/23

  3/25

10

  EXAM 2

  Chapter 5 Test Management

 

  3/30

  4/1

11

  Chapter 5 continued

  Chapter 5 continued

  Lab 7

 

  4/6

  4/8

12

  Chapter 6 Tool support for testing

  Chapter 6 continued

  Lab 8

 

   4/13

   4/15

           13

  Chapter 6 continued

  Chapter 7 ISTQB Foundation Exam

  Lab 9

 

  4/20

  4/22 

14

  Chapter 7 continued

  Chapter 7 continued

  Lab 10

 

  4/27

  4/29

15

  Review for Exam 3

  EXAM 3

  

  5/4

  5/6

16

  Semester Project Report/Presentations

  Semester Project Report/Presentations

  Research Paper

  Research Paper

  5/11

  5/13

NOTE:  Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be announced in class and posted as a Blackboard Announcement.

Students are expected to read and study the assignmed material, per the course schedule, BEFORE each class, this includes the lab assignments!!.