Introduction to Software Engineering from Coursera

Are you curious about the lucrative field that is software engineering and how you might be a part of it? This is the course for you! By taking this course you will gain foundational knowledge of software development, programming, and the many exciting job roles and career paths that the IT industry offers.

Learn about the power of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), and modern software development frameworks methodologies like Agile and Scrum. Explore fundamental programming principles and foundations of design, architecture, and deployment. The course offers a number of labs that will help you get important hands-on experience. These include, getting started with an IDE, basics of programming in Python, and Hello World in 10 languages.

The field of software engineering is growing at an estimated rate of 22% according to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics. In addition to aspiring software engineers, front-end, back-end, full stack developers and DevOps professionals, this course is also suitable for those in related careers such as Product and Project Managers, IT Managers, Information Developers, UI/UX designers and others who communicate and interact with software engineers.

You will learn about the different job opportunities and possible career paths in the software engineering field and also hear from industry professionals about what they do on a day-to-day basis.

Professionals in the software engineering field are in great demand and now is a great time to learn more about this exciting domain. Start by enrolling now!

What's inside

Syllabus

SDLC - The Software Development Lifecyle

This module provides you with an overview to the field of software engineering. In the first lesson of this module, you will be introduced to the field of software engineering, and learn about the software development lifecycle (SDLC), elements of building high-quality software, and writing requirements. In lesson two you will explore different approaches to building software and different career opportunities related to software development. You will also hear from experienced practitioners in the field and learn how different roles interact and work with each other as a team in order to develop enterprise-level software.

Introduction to Software Development

This module introduces you to the concepts of application development. In lesson 1 you’ll learn about the differences in front-end and back-end development in web and cloud applications and the technologies used in both. You’ll also learn about how working in teams and pairs can enhance the development process and make it more efficient. In lesson 2 you will explore many of the application development tools that a software engineer uses to write, test, and release code and be introduced to software stacks that support the execution of an application. Finally, in the hands-on lab, you’ll learn how to use an integrated development environment (IDE) to develop and run code.

Basics of Programming

This module introduces you to the basics of programming. In the first lesson, you will learn about the different categories of programming languages and the scenarios to which each is suited. You’ll also learn how to plan and organize your code effectively. In lesson 2 you will explore basic programming logic and investigate programming concepts such as identifiers, functions, and objects. Finally, in the hands-on lab, you’ll learn how to write simple Python code.

Software Architecture, Design, and Patterns

In this module, you will learn about the foundations of enterprise software development. Lesson 1 introduces you to software architecture and explains the importance of well-designed architecture. You will also learn about the design process, including structural design, behavioral models, and how you can create unified modeling language (UML) diagrams to communicate a software’s structure and behavior to all team members. You will also consider object-oriented analysis and design (OOAD). In Lesson 2 you will explore a variety of architectural patterns that support the architectural design process in a hands-on activity. Lastly, you will learn about the software production environment and some of the components required for deployment.

Job Opportunities and Skillsets in Software Engineering

In this module, you will learn about the tasks of a software engineer and what they do on a day-to-day basis. You will discover the hard and soft skills needed to become a successful software engineer. You will also investigate the job outlook for a software engineer, get a clear understanding of different software engineering career paths, and learn about various software engineering job titles and the responsibilities of those roles. You will also learn about the software engineering code of ethics.

Final Activity and Quiz

This is the final module of the course which contains the final assessment and final project. Both the assessment and the project address topics from all other modules in the course. The final assessment contains a total of 20 multiple choice questions comprised of 4 questions about each module. For the 20-point, peer-reviewed, final project, you will analyze a job posting in light of what you learned in the course. You are also required to review two of your peers’ projects based on the rubric provided.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores SDLC, Agile, and Scrum, which are industry standards in software development

Taught by Rav Ahuja and Bethany Hudnutt, who are recognized for their work in software engineering

Provides foundational knowledge of software development, programming, and job opportunities in IT

Offers hands-on labs for practical experience in Python and other programming languages

Covers topics relevant to industry job roles, career paths, and code of ethics in software engineering

Possibly requires learners to come in with some background knowledge in software development or programming

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Software Engineering with these activities:

Review Data Modeling Techniques

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Refresh understanding of data modeling techniques to ensure a solid foundation for database design and implementation.

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Review Entity-Relationship Modeling Concepts
Explore Different Types of Data Models
Practice Creating Data Models for Simple Scenarios

Review Notes and Course Materials

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Reinforce understanding by regularly reviewing notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams, ensuring retention and preparation for upcoming assessments.

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Organize and Sort Materials
Summarize and Extract Key Concepts
Identify Areas for Improvement or Further Study

Practice Python Programming Exercises

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Reinforce Python programming skills through regular practice of coding exercises, improving fluency and confidence in applying syntax and concepts.

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Set Aside Regular Time for Practice
Find Practice Problems or Exercises
Code Solutions and Test Them Thoroughly
Review Mistakes and Identify Areas for Improvement

Five other activities

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Create a Software Development Blog or Tutorial

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Share knowledge and reinforce understanding by creating blog posts or tutorials on software development concepts, providing an opportunity for reflection and articulation.

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Identify a Specific Software Development Topic
Research and Gather Information
Write and Edit the Content
Publish and Promote the Blog or Tutorial
Engage with Readers and Respond to Feedback

Explore Advanced Software Architectures

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Expand knowledge of software architecture principles and design patterns through online tutorials, enhancing understanding of industry best practices.

Browse courses on Software Architecture

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Identify Essential Software Architecture Concepts
Explore Different Design Patterns
Apply Patterns to Practical Scenarios
Review and Discuss Architectural Design Choices

Pair Programming Practice

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Work with classmates to complete coding assignments during class, providing an opportunity to share knowledge and reinforce learning.

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Find a Study Partner
Break down the Coding Assignment
Take Turns Coding and Reviewing
Discuss Different Approaches and Solutions
Provide Feedback and Suggestions

Design and Implement a Software Solution

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Apply SDLC principles and software design patterns to create a practical software solution that addresses real-world problems.

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Identify a Problem or Need
Design a Solution Architecture
Develop and Implement the Software
Test and Refine the Solution
Deploy and Maintain the Software

Participate in a Hackathon or Coding Challenge

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Engage in practical problem-solving through hackathons or coding challenges to test and demonstrate skills.

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Find a Suitable Hackathon or Coding Challenge
Form a Team or Participate Individually
Develop and Submit a Solution
Reflect on the Experience and Identify Areas for Improvement

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Software Engineering will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Web Developer

Web Developers design, build, and maintain websites. This course can be useful for aspiring Web Developers, as it provides an introduction to front-end and back-end development technologies, as well as the different roles and responsibilities within a software development team.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Software Architect

Software Architects design and oversee the development of software systems. This course may be useful for aspiring Software Architects, as it covers the foundations of enterprise software development, software architecture, and design patterns.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Software Developer

Software Developers design and code computer applications and programs. This course provides learners with foundational knowledge of software development, programming, methodologies like Agile and Scrum, and key principles behind designing, creating, and deploying software. It may be useful for those seeking a career as a Software Developer, particularly those with an interest in web and cloud applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers bridge the gap between software development and operations teams. This course may be useful for aspiring DevOps Engineers, as it covers the principles of software development, architecture, and deployment, as well as the software production environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Software Tester

Software Testers evaluate and test software to ensure quality and functionality. This course may be useful for those interested in this role, as it provides an overview of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and methodologies like Agile and Scrum.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Tester

IT Project Manager

IT Project Managers plan and manage IT projects. This course may be useful for those interested in this role, as it provides an overview of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), software development methodologies, and the responsibilities of different roles within a software development team.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Project Manager

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and management of software products. This course may be useful for aspiring Product Managers, as it provides an overview of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), software development methodologies, and the responsibilities of different roles within a software development team.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts design and implement computer systems and applications. This course may be helpful for those interested in this role, as it covers the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), software development methodologies, and the foundations of enterprise software development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and maintain the code that allows software and applications to run. This course may be useful to those interested in this role, as it provides a foundation in programming principles, software development methodologies, and hands-on experience in writing Python code.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

UI/UX Designer

UI/UX Designers design the user interface and experience of software products. This course may be useful for aspiring UI/UX Designers, as it provides an overview of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and the responsibilities of different roles within a software development team.

See salaries and explore the career path for UI/UX Designer

Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases, ensuring data integrity and security. This course may be useful for aspiring Database Administrators, as it covers the principles of software architecture, design, and deployment, as well as the software production environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

IT Consultant

IT Consultants provide advice and guidance on IT-related matters. This course may be useful for aspiring IT Consultants, as it provides an overview of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and the different roles and responsibilities within a software development team.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Consultant

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts design and implement security measures to protect computer systems and networks. This course may be useful for those interested in this role, as it provides an overview of software engineering principles and practices, as well as the responsibilities of different roles within a software development team.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation for software products. This course may be useful for aspiring Technical Writers, as it provides an overview of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and the responsibilities of different roles within a software development team.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to extract knowledge and insights. This course may be useful for aspiring Data Scientists, as it provides an overview of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), software development methodologies, and the responsibilities of different roles within a software development team.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist