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Software Design and Architecture Specialization Course

A comprehensive beginner-friendly program that provides practical insights into software design and architecture, perfect for those starting a career in this field.

access

Lifetime

level

Beginner

certificate

Certificate of completion

language

English

What you will learn in Software Design and Architecture Specialization

  • Apply design principles, patterns, and architectures to create reusable and flexible software applications and systems.

  • Express and document the design and architecture of a software system using visual notation.

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  • Evaluate and develop a Java-based Android application through a comprehensive Capstone Project.

  • Understand and implement object-oriented design principles, design patterns, and software architecture concepts.

Program Overview

Object-Oriented Design
⏳  17 hours

  • Learn object-oriented analysis and design, creating modular, flexible, and reusable software by applying object-oriented design principles and guidelines. Communicate designs using Unified Modeling Language (UML). 

Design Patterns
⏳  15 hours

  • Incorporate design patterns to create interactive applications. Gain a foundation for more complex software applications and identify problematic software designs by referencing a catalog of code smells. 

Software Architecture
⏳  9 hours

  • Study the ways software architectures are represented, both in UML and other visual tools. Learn about common architectures, their qualities, tradeoffs, and how architectures are evaluated and improved. 

Service-Oriented Architecture
⏳  8 hours

  • Understand the principles and practices of service-oriented architecture (SOA), including how to design and implement services that are scalable, reusable, and maintainable.

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Job Outlook

  • Completing this specialization prepares you for roles such as Software Architect, Software Engineer, or Systems Designer.

  • The skills acquired are applicable across various industries that utilize software development and architecture practices.

  • Enhance your employability by gaining practical experience in designing and architecting software systems.

Explore More Learning Paths

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9.7Expert Score
Highly Recommended
The "Software Design and Architecture Specialization" offers a comprehensive and practical approach to mastering software design and architecture practices. It's ideal for beginners aiming to enter the field of software architecture.
Value
9
Price
9.2
Skills
9.6
Information
9.7
PROS
  • No prior experience required, making it accessible to beginners.
  • Self-paced learning with a flexible schedule.
  • Taught by experienced instructors from the University of Alberta.
  • Provides a holistic view of software design and architecture, encompassing technical and practical perspectives.
CONS
  • Requires basic Java programming knowledge.
  • May require supplementary resources for those seeking in-depth technical skills beyond the scope of the specialization.

Specification: Software Design and Architecture Specialization Course

access

Lifetime

level

Beginner

certificate

Certificate of completion

language

English

FAQs

  • You should have basic Java knowledge.
  • Advanced coding experience isn’t required since the focus is on design and architecture.
  • The specialization is beginner-friendly but assumes some comfort with coding concepts.
  • It emphasizes design principles, patterns, and architectural thinking.
  • Focuses on scalability, maintainability, and flexibility of software systems.
  • Goes beyond “how to code” and teaches “how to design software systems.”
  • While Java is the main language used in examples, principles apply to any language.
  • Design patterns, UML, and architecture concepts are language-independent.
  • You can adapt the same frameworks to C#, Python, or C++.
  • Most assignments are individual, but the capstone encourages practical project work.
  • Collaboration tools or teamwork aren’t heavily emphasized.
  • However, the design documentation skills prepare you to communicate with teams effectively.
  • Prepares you for roles like Software Architect, Systems Designer, or Software Engineer.
  • Strengthens employability in industries that demand scalable applications.
  • The certificate adds credibility for moving from coding to design-focused roles.
Software Design and Architecture Specialization Course
Software Design and Architecture Specialization Course
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