Course Teaching: [CAPSTONE DESIGN PROJECT] [2024/2025]
Course Overview
This course offers you an in-depth exploration of the principles and practices of software engineering. With a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, you will delve into the entire software development lifecycle, mastering essential skills. Topics include methods and tools for software specification, design, and documentation, software development processes, professional ethics, responsibility, and liability in the software lifecycle. You will learn about current software engineering practices and tools, and complete team projects in the process. Interaction with project sponsors from industry, government, and academia will provide realistic experience with software engineering from a professional perspective. As part of the course outcome, you will also hone your abilities in both oral and written communication.
- Credits: 3
- Audience: Undergraduate (Senior Year)
- Delivery Mode: In-Person
- No. of Students: 46
- No. of Projects: 9 unique team-based projects
- Team Size: 5–6 students per team
- External Mentors: 9 industry and government professionals
- Student Evaluation Score: [N/A]
Teaching Objectives
Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
Assessment & Student Engagement
- Strategies for Engagement: (discussions, group work, etc.)
Assessment Methods Weighting Presentation 10% Peer & Sponsor Evaluations 40% Progress Report 40% Poster & Demo 10%
Reflections
What worked well:
Students embraced ownership of their projects, and industry mentors significantly enhanced authenticity and motivation. Use of agile roles improved accountability and leadership within teams.What could be improved:
Initial onboarding and expectations alignment took longer than anticipated. Will develop a pre-course mini bootcamp in the next iteration to accelerate team formation and stakeholder interviews.Student feedback highlights:
“This was the most realistic preparation for my current job as a junior developer.”
“I appreciated having someone from industry review our work—it felt like what I’d experience on the job.”
Resources
David Kung. (2024). Software Engineering, 2nd Edition. McGraw Hill.
Testimonials (optional)
If you’ve taken this course and you’re visiting this site, feel free to drop a comment and share your thoughts or experience!