Advanced Software Development

The Advanced SoftwareDevelopment Certificate teaches skills needed by the software engineering industry. It can be completed in one of the major mainstream languages of instruction (Java, C++ or Python). Besides learning intermediate skills relating to syntax, control structures and simple data structures, the program teaches students advanced data structures including hash tables, trees and graphs, and introduces algorithms intended to solve complex problems using such data structures. 

400

Program goals include: 

·      Design, document, test and debug programs using Python, C++ or Java 

·      Use design patterns in application programs 

·      Learn and use techniques for creating modular reusable code  

·      Learn and use advanced data structures and algorithms in solving non-trivial application problems. 

Students learn software development techniques and methods for creating applications using Python, C++or Java. They will learn non-trivial data structures (e.g. hash tables, trees, graphs) and advanced techniques for manipulating them to solving complex real-world problems. Students also apply these skills in practical projects. The successful student will be able to use much of the coursework toward a Bachelor’s degree in computer science. 

Program LearningOutcomes:  

·       Students are able to design, document, test and debug programs using Python, C++ or Java

·       Students use design patterns in application programs 

·       Students demonstrate techniques for creating modular reusable code 

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
Required: Select programming language and complete sequence (A, B and C)			Please see suggested sequence below
CS 3A	Object oriented programing methodologies in Python	4.5
CS 3B	Intermediate Software Design in Python	4.5
CS 3C	Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms in Python	4.5
CS 2A	Object oriented programing methodologies in C++	4.5
CS 2B	Intermediate Software Design in C++	4.5
CS 2C	Advanced Data Structures and algorithms in C++	4.5
CS 1A	Object oriented programming methodologies in Java	4.5
CS 1B	Intermediate software design in Java	4.5
CS 1C	Advanced data structures and algorithms in Java	4.5
Plus any three courses from the list below
CS 10	Computer Architecture and Organization	4.5
CS 18/Math 22	Discrete Mathematics	5
CS22A	Javascript for Programmers	4.5
CS 30A	Introduction to Linux	4.5
CS 31A	Introduction to database management systems	4.5
CS 40A	Software Engineering Methodology	4.5
CS 50A	Software Basics (CCNA)	4.5
Math 10	Elementary Statistics	5.0
Math 48A	PreCalculus I	5
Math 48B	PreCalculus II	5
Math 48 C	PreCalculus III	5

SuggestedSequence: 

Fall:CS 3A/2A/1A and MATH 48A 

Winter: CS 3B/2B/1B and CS 30A 

Spring:CS 3C/2C/1C and CS 40A 

Most of the prospective students of this Certificate of Achievement are from the San Francisco Bay Area, which is a hub of technological innovation in the world. However, the certificate is relevant and useful to any student who wishes to contribute to the area and potentially seek employment with one of the major multinational technology companies. There is a great need within the software industry for more trained graduates of diverse backgrounds with knowledge of advanced algorithms and data structures, which is a need this certificate seeks to meet. The certificate prepares a student to continue their education at an accredited transfer institution in Computer Science.

This program is similar to the De Anza College Certificate of Achievement for Programming in Python, C++ or Java. However, the program includes advanced topics in each sequence that are not part of the sequence of corresponding courses at De Anza College. The motivation for such advanced courses is to provide a pathway for students to potentially obtain gainful employment at software organization and/or pursue further studies in CS at an accredited 4-year institution with a solid foundation. Data shows that there is currently yet unmet demand for graduates in this area. Several students at Foothill college come here from north of Foothill and will be better served by an offering of this program at our campus. Furthermore, the focus of our program is different from the De Anza offering due to our emphasis on software engineering patterns and principles. None of the community colleges in the San Mateo Community College district (north of Foothill) offer this program currently.