Back to: Software Development (VCE Units 3 & 4)
In this unit students apply the problem-solving methodology to develop working software modules using an object-oriented programming (OOP) language. Students develop an understanding of the analysis, design and development stages of the problem-solving methodology.
In Area of Study 1, students respond to teacher-provided solution requirements and designs to develop a set of working software modules through the use of an OOP language. Students examine a set of requirements and a range of software design tools in order to apply specific features of an OOP language to create working software modules. In Area of Study 2, students analyse an identified problem, need or opportunity, prepare a project plan, develop a software requirements specification and design a software solution. Area of Study 2 forms the first part of the School-assessed Task (SAT) that is completed in Unit 4, Area of Study 1.
Software tools
The following table indicates the software tools that students are required to both study and use in this unit.
| Area of Study 1 | An appropriate OOP language. |
| Area of Study 2 | Unified Modelling Language (UML) tools to create use case diagrams |
The following table indicates the software tools that students are required to use, but are not required to study, in this unit.
| Area of Study 2 | An appropriate tool for documenting and modifying project plans Appropriate tools for ideation and generating designs |
Area of Study 1
Software development: programming
In this area of study, students interpret the requirements and designs for developing working software modules. Students use a common OOP language and undertake the problem-solving activities of manipulation (programming), validation, testing and documentation in the development stage.
The working software modules should focus on a range of features within the OOP language. Students are expected to fully develop the working software modules in accordance with the given requirements and designs. This includes the development of a graphical user interface for at least two of the four modules. The working software modules will prepare students for creating a complete software solution in Unit 4, Area of Study 1. Validation is applied within relevant modules to ensure input data can be accepted and processed. Debugging and testing techniques are applied to all software modules to ensure they operate as intended and internal documentation is written to explain the functionality of each module. Students justify the use of the selected features of the OOP language and algorithms in the development of their working software modules.
Students apply computational thinking skills when interpreting given solution requirements and designs, and when developing them into the working software modules.
Outcome 1
To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge and key skills outlined in Area of Study 1