Course Descriptions
Software Design and Development
SDD 100
Basic Web Design & Development
3 credits
This course will introduce the student to the Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), the language of the web. Students will produce and publish basic web sites using HTML, cascading style sheets (CSS), forms, and tables. The emphasis will be on creating web pages manually in a simple text editor to help prepare students for subsequent programming courses.
SDD 210
Database Fundamentals
3 credits
This course covers the fundamentals of the database management systems environment. Students will study database concepts including the Structured Query Language (SQL), the relational model, normalization, database planning, design, and administration. Students will obtain hands on experience using the MySQL DBMS.
SDD 240
JavaScript
3 credits
This course will introduce students to JavaScript, which is a popular programming language used for websites and for apps that run on smartphones and tablets. Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) generate what the user sees on webpages. JavaScript is used for the programming logic incorporated into website browsers and apps.
Prerequisite(s): SDD 100
SDD 305
Basic Applications Development
3 credits
This is the first of a two-course sequence focused on developing software using PHP, a powerful server-side scripting language. Students will explore software development with PHP. Features common to all programming languages will be studied, including variables, arrays, functions, and control constructs. Application development using HTML, forms, and server-side scripting will be explored.
SDD 306
Intermediate Applications Development
3 credits
This is the second of a two-course sequence focused on developing software using PHP. Object-oriented concepts will be introduced. Students will build on their knowledge of server-side programming, focusing on database connectivity to applications. Other concepts explored through class discussion and individual projects will include layered architectures, maintaining state, and sessions.
Prerequisite(s): SDD 305
SDD 310
Microsoft .NET I
3 credits
This is the first of a two-course sequence focused on developing software using the Microsoft .NET framework. In this course, students will learn how to set up the .NET development environment, including creating an ASP.NET website in Microsoft Visual Studio. Students will be introduced to the C# programming language and will learn how to use AJAX and JQuery in ASP.NET.
SDD 311
Microsoft .NET II
3 credits
This is the second of a two-course sequence focused on developing software using the Microsoft .NET framework. In this course, students will learn to incorporate databases into their .NET application. In addition, students will learn how to handle errors and exceptions, and how to implement security and access controls. Lastly, students will learn how to deploy ASP.NET websites.
Prerequisite(s): SDD 310
SDD 315
Foundations of Object-Oriented Programming
3 credits
This course introduces students to software development using object-oriented programming techniques. Students will learn to apply common software design concepts including abstraction, encapsulation, composition, and inheritance to simplify application development.
SDD 320
Advanced Applications Development
3 credits
This advanced course will further explore applications development from the perspective of the client and server. Students will investigate the details of http, the browser, server-side, and database components that together comprise a complete platform for developing rich applications.
Prerequisite(s): SDD 306
SDD 325
Java Programming I
3 credits
This course will provide student with an understanding of basic Java programming elements and data abstraction using problem representation and the object-oriented framework. Students will learn to write procedural programs using variables, arrays, control statements, loops, recursion, data abstraction and object in an integrated development environment.SDD 335
Java Programming II
4 credits
This course will expand upon knowledge learned in Java Programming I. Advanced Java concepts will be introduced, such as inheritance, polymorphism, abstract classes, exception handling, use of collections and database connectivity. Increased practical experience will be gained by students in designing and writing Java applications.Prerequisite(s): SDD 325
SDD 345
Database Foundations
3 credits
This course covers the fundamentals of the database management systems environment. Students will study database concepts including the Structured Query Language (SQL), the relational model, normalization, database planning, design, and administration including database security. Students will obtain hands on experience using MySQL DBMS.
SDD 370
User Centered Design
3 credits
This course explores human-computer interaction, providing training in the basic skills of task analysis and user interface evaluation and design. Students will learn to develop designs that are usable and useful for people by using well-established heuristics. Graphical user interface (GUI) designs will be implemented and analyzed using rapid prototyping.
SDD 400
Object-Oriented Systems Analysis and Design
3 credits
The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) will be the focus of study. Emphasis will be on current and emerging technologies for systems analysis and requirements gathering. Various object-oriented modeling techniques will be examined in a hands-on environment. Other topics covered will include testing, documentation, and configuration control.
SDD 487
SDD Senior Project
3 credits
As a culmination of their studies, students in the software design and development major will complete a senior project to demonstrate the knowledge they’ve gained across the curriculum. The project requires students to participate in the identification of a problem, develop a project proposal outlining an approach to the problem’s solution, implement the proposed solution, and test or evaluate the results. Students must document their work in the form of written reports and, when required, oral presentations.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Program Chair
SDD 490
Software Design and Development Internship
3 credits
This course will provide students with real-world experience in the field of software design and development. The goal of this course is for the student to reflect critically and constructively on their academic internship. This includes determining how the internship relates to the Software Design and Development coursework, professional skills, career goals, and what it means to have meaningful work that contributes to personal and professional development.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Program Chair