COMPUTER SCIENCE 312 - CSC 312

FacultyNatural Sciences
Home DepartmentComputer Science
Module TopicHuman Computer Interaction, Software Engineering, and Database Systems.
Generic Module NameComputer Science 312 
Alpha-numeric CodeCSC312
NQF Level7
NQF Credit Value30
DurationSemester
Proposed semester to be offeredSecond Semester
Programmes in which the module will be offeredBSc (Computer Science) (3221,3023), BSc (Mathematical and Statistical Science) (3227)(3031); BSc (Physical Science) (3233,3120)
Year level3
Main Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

In Software Engineering

  • Interpret and implement principles, processes, methods and tools for quality software development.
  • Use UML to specify, visualize, construct and document a software system.

In Database Systems

  • Explain the Relational Model Concepts & Principles.
  • Represent the Architecture for a Database System.
  • Design a Relational Database.
  • Implement a Relational Database.

In Human Computer Interaction

  • Analyse interface needs for interactive applications.
  • Design and implement effective user interfaces with CLI, GUI, and API.
  • Understand the importance of feedback and help systems.
Main Content

Software Engineering

  • Definition of software engineering, principles, goals, process, methods and tools.
  • The evolving role of software.
  • SE paradigms / process models.
  • Object-oriented analysis & design.
  • Introduction to formal specification.
  • Verification and validation.
  • Software quality assurance / reliability.
  • Unified Modeling Language (UML).

Database Systems

  • File systems and databases.
  • Modeling.
  • Database design principles.
  • Database models.
  • Normalization.
  • Structured Query Language.

Human Computer Interaction

  • Human factors of interactive software.
  • Theories, principles and guidelines of HCI design including command line interface (CLI), graphical user interface (GUI) and application programmatic interface (API)
  • Event-driven application design and development.Direct manipulation.
    Interaction devices.
    System and feedback messages.
Pre-requisite modulesCSC211 and CSC212
Co-requisite modulesNone
Prohibited module CombinationDatabase modules offered by other faculties and departments
Breakdown of Learning TimeHoursTimetable Requirement per weekOther teaching modes that does not require time-table
Contact with lecturer: / tutor:42Lectures p.w.3 
Assignments & tasks:28Practicals p.w.0
Practicals:84Tutorials p.w.2
Tutorials:0  
Tests & Examinations:3  
Selfstudy:143  
Other:0  
Total Learning Time300 5
Methods of Student Assessment

Continuous Assessment (CA): 100%

Final Assessment (FA): 0%

Assessment Module typeContinuous Assessment (CA)