CIS298AC - Software Testing

Special Topics in Computing

Fall 2007

 

Instructors: John Roberts, Dawn Jurgensmeier, Gary Marrer, Oris Friesen

Phone Contact Info.: (602)791-3296  (Dawn), 623-845-3235 (Gary), 602.992.4504 (Oris)

Office Hours:  By Appointment (location MCC Southern/Dobson)

Email Contact Info: john.roberts@gcmail.maricopa.edu (John), dawnerj@mail.mc.maricopa.edu (Dawn),  gary.marrer@gcmail.maricopa.edu (Gary), oris.friesen@mcmail.maricopa.edu (Oris)


Instructor Availability:

All Instructors adjunct faculty and do not have campus offices but can be reached via email (preferred) or contacted by voice mail.


Course Resources:

All course resources will be available on the class WebCT page at found in your MyMCC web page: http://www.mc.maricopa.edu/mymcc/

Class is on-line and facilitated through Elluminate (Broadband Internet Access required)


Course Description:

 

This Software Testing course teaches you about aspects of testing, from writing test plans and implementing tests to test management. The course provides an overview of the software lifecycle from a testing perspective, the role of testing in software development, testing concepts, and terminology. Hands-on practice in analyzing requirements as inputs to test cases, designing, documenting, implementing and executing tests, and analyzing test results is included.  An overview of test planning, risk analysis and test management practices is provided, as well as a discussion of effective use of metrics for reporting.  Also included in the Software Testing courses is discussion and application of IBM RUP (Rational Unified Process) software tools used by testers to execute a software test plan. Additional topics will include communication skills for the effective tester.

 

Prerequisite: Working knowledge of any object oriented programming language or permission of the instructor

General Course Information:

Instructional Materials:


Attendance and Withdrawal Policy – Class participation is an important component of this class and you are expected to attend all  Virtual classes. Even though the class will not meet in a traditional classroom you will be responsible for attending each virtual class. For an excused absence, you must notify the Instructor before the absence in person, by office phone or by email.  If you are unable to attend a class when a test is given, you must notify the Instructor before the class or receive no credit for that exam. Attendance will be taken and points will be given for participation.  School policy allows for withdrawal by the Instructor if there are more than three unexcused absences (one class week).


Class Format – We will split the class time between lecture and discussion. A complete list of readings, tests and assignments can also be found in WebCT   Assignments and chapter reading assignments are designed to be done outside of class time.


Grades:

Grades are based on accumulating points. You earn points through tests, activities, programs, and extra credit. The grading scale is as follows:

 

 

 

 

Tests  

 1 Test

Points

 

19% 

Take Home Comprehensive Final

100

 

 

 

 

 

 Case Studies

 4 Written Case Studies

 

 

 37%

4 assignments @ 50 points each case study

200 

 

 

 

 

 

Quizzes. 

16 weekly online quizzes (WebCT)

 

 

 15%

16 quizzes @ 5 points each week

 80

 

 

 

 

 

Participation 

 Attendance and Participation 

 

 

29%

 Participation and Discussion 16 weeks @ 10 points each week

160

 

 

 

 

 

Total Points

 

   540 points

Passing = 100 - 60% of total points

Z = below 60% of total points

    This class is offered P/Z, pass/no credit. A "Z" is not a failing grade and is not calculated into the student's GPA.

Tests/Quizzes:

There will be one comprehensive take home test (delivered electronically). The test will focus on topics covered in class with an emphasis on critical thinking.  The test format will consist of several essay questions.

Each week an electronic quiz will be assigned in WebCT to assess knowledge of on-line content and textbook reading assignments.  The quizzes are assigned to determine students preparation for weekly class meeting.


Activities:

Activities of different types, such as in-class exercises, team problem solving, etc., will be given at the instructor's discretion, and will generally be unannounced.  Students participation in class activities will be determined based on the following rubric (10 points of Participation credit per week):


Case Study Assignments:

You will be given the specifications for four case study assignments. These assignments will be one to two pages in length and submitted to the instructor as an email attachment.  The assignments are due the Friday of the week they are assigned. 



Late Assignments
Assignments are due on Friday. Late assignments will have 10 per cent deducted for each week late.  Any assignment 3 weeks late will not be accepted.


Minimum Technology Requirements to Enroll in Course:

To ensure that your computer will be able to support the needs of the virtual classroom, your computer should meet or exceed the following minimum requirements:

 
  • Sound card
  • 128MB of RAM
  • 20 MB free disk space on your hard drive

 

  • High-speed Internet connection is required.
  • Headset is preferred, but can use speakers and microphone
  • Firefox or Internet Explorer Browsers
 

(Note: 56kbps internet connection will work, but is subject to limited performance and delays and will have a negative impact on the virtual classroom experience.)


Academic Dishonesty - Any indication of misconduct (as defined in the General Catalog & Student Handbook found at:

 

http://www.dist.maricopa.edu/gvpolicy/adminregs/students/2_3.htm#academic )

 

which includes, but is not limited to, copying of work between students, will result in a reduction of one full letter grade for the course. This penalty will be applied to the originator who distributed or shared the assignment or practice files as well as to all other students that are involved. Shared files will be presumed to have been willfully distributed unless the originator can prove otherwise. 

 

Additionally, each party will receive a score of ZERO for the work involved. A second offense by any party or the use of lost or stolen work will result in a grade of "F" for the course as well as a referral to the appropriate Dean.


Audio Taping:
Audio taping is allowed only with Instructors permission.


Cell Phones / Portable Digital Devices
Cell phones and portable digital devices should be turned on vibrate or turned off. If you have a unique situation concerning these devices please get approval from instructor.


Disclaimer:
Course content may vary from the outline to meet the needs of this particular group.


 Disabilities - If any of you has a disability, including a learning disability, please see me as soon as possible to discuss your accommodation needs.


This is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. The Arizona Information Technology Skills Training Initiative (AITSTI) was funded by a grant awarded under the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative, as implemented by the U.S. DOL's ETA.

 

last updated 01/21/2008