BCS Certificate in Systems Modelling Techniques (UML)

Overview

In order to communicate system requirements clearly and accurately to both business and IT stakeholders, it is vital for analysts and designers to be able to construct models from a variety of perspectives. In most cases these models will provide the basis for more detailed design.

The starting point for this course is a set of requirements, as defined in the Systems Development Essentials course. It is primarily concerned with modelling systems using UML techniques. It requires delegates to construct diferent types of model reflecting different perspectives and to describe the interactions between them.

At the end of the course delegates may sit an examination to attain the BCS Certificate in Systems Modelling Techniques. (These delegates should also book on course code SMTUEX-1). This course may be taken as part of the QA programme leading to the BCS Diploma in Systems Development.

• Systems Modelling Techniques (UML) examination

Prerequisites

• An understanding of the fundamentals of systems development, or attendance of QA's Systems Development Essentials course. Candidates with special examination requirements should consult the BCS web site (www.bcs.org.uk) for the BCS Special Needs policy. Note that the BCS must be advised at least four weeks in advance of any special requirements.

Photographic identification for exams and BCS reasonable adjustments policy

• If you are taking a BCS exam you must bring photographic identification (passport, driving license or student card) as it is a BCS requirement to produce it for the invigilator prior to the exam. Failure to produce a valid form of photographic identification will result in a candidate not being able to sit the exam.
• The BCS also allow additional time for candidates who have a disability or whose business language is not English. Candidates can request this additonal time in line with the BCS reasonable adjustments policy. If you believe you qualify please contact our examination administration team as early as possible. At least three weeks notice will be required for processing and delegates failing to advise QA and provide proof if requested by the BCS may not be allowed the additional support offered via this BCS policy.

For any questions about what form of identification is acceptable, or for more information about the BCS reasonable adjustments policy, please contact your Account Manager or the QA Examination Administration team on 44 (0)1793 696273.

Delegates will learn how to

• justify the need for modelling and modelling techniques
• explain why it is important to model system requirements from different perspectives and identify specific modelling techniques
• construct a static structure model (class diagram)
• construct a process model (activity diagram)
• construct a simple dynamic event driven model (statechart)
• evaluate how the various models reflect business objectives and system requirements (via critical success factors)
• appreciate how the various perspectives inter-relate to each other

Course Outline.

Systems Modelling

• The need for modelling and modelling standards; Rationale for the selected approach; The approach and a Systems Development Lifecycle; Place of models within the Systems Development Lifecycle; Modelling the system from different perspectives; Interaction of the models; Validating and verifying models

Systems Modelling in Context

• Monitoring analysis against business objectives and system requirements; The bridge to design, software package selection, and development

Use Case Modelling

• Modelling user requirements; Use cases; Actors and the system boundary; Use case diagrams; Generalising actors and use cases; Use case associations; Use case descriptions â€' Template, Pre- and Post-conditions, Main and alternative flows

Activity Diagrams

• Process modelling; Modelling use case descriptions

Static Modelling of Data

• Analysis class modelling rationale; Objects and classes; Representing classes and encapsulation; Defining attributes; Associations; Generalisation, inheritance and abstraction; Class diagrams and object diagrams

Dynamic Modelling

• State machine diagrams; Use case realisation; Introduction to communication diagrams; Sequence diagrams

Interaction of Models

• Activity diagram and Use cases; Use cases and Class Model; State machine diagram and Use cases; Objects and Activity diagrams

Throughout the course a case study is used to allow delegates to practise the modelling techniques.

Related training courses

• BCS Certificate in Systems Development Essentials
• BCS Certificate in Systems Modelling Techniques (Structured)
• BCS ISTQB Software Testing Foundation (inc examination)