CSC 252 Introduction to Software Testing

The scope of this course is to review the primary concepts of software testing. The course will provide the students with a perspective on how a software tester should approach testing a software product and create test cases that will reduce the risk of having defects in the final product. 1 credit hour.

 
   
   
Prerequisite
  

CSC 112 or CSC 114 or CSC 116


Course Objectives  
  • Provide an understanding of what software testing is and the value it provides to the customer and the software organization.
  • Provide an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a software tester within a Test organization.
  • Provide an understanding of the objectives, components and deliverables of the Test Planning, Test Acquisition, Test Execution phases and their roles within the software testing life cycle.
  • Provide an understanding of how to develop test plans based on project deliverables.
  • Provide a working knowledge of how to develop test cases based on project deliverables.
  • Provide a working knowledge of how to execute test cases and document test logs based on execution results.
  • Provide an understanding of the different levels and types of software testing and when they are utilized.

Course Topics  

This course will provide you with an understanding of the software testing activity and its key role in determining the quality of software for customers. The course covers the Software Test Life Cycle and it’s different phases: Test Planning, Test Analysis, how the Software Test Life Cycle aligns with the Software Development Life Cycle, and the different levels and types of Software Testing.

Within each phase of the Software Test Life Cycle, you will become familiar with testware deliverables, their purpose and methods used to create them. The course will also teach you basic principles and techniques used to test software products.

 
Textbook
  

Patton, Ron, Software Testing, 2nd edition, Sams Publishing. ISBN 0-672-32798-8


Course Requirements  
Grading:  
20 % One mid-term exam
25 % One comprehensive final exam
30 % Three Assignments (10% each to be submitted via e-mail on the due date)
25 % Final Research Project (individual reports only)

 
Computer and Internet Requirements  

NCSU has recommended minimum specifications for computers used for classes. Depending on your computer needs, we recommend your computer meet or exceed the following minimum specifications below.

PCs must have an Intel-compatible 1 GHz processor, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB hard drive with 1 GB free space available, 256 Color Display, CD-ROM drive, 1024x768 (min.) video adapter, sound card, and speakers. The operating system should be Windows XP Pro. Real One Player Basic (available free online) and high speed Internet connection such as cable, DSL, T1 or LAN will be required for EOL courses.

MAC users must have a G4 processor with firewire and USB factory built-in, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB with 1GB free space available, 256 Color Display, CD-ROM drive, 1024x768 (min) video adapter, sound card, and speakers. The operating system must be MacOS 10.4 (minimum) along with the above RealOne and Internet specifications above.

For more detailed information on computer specifications and recommendations, please refer to our website at: http://engineeringonline.ncsu.edu/currentstudents/computeraccess.htm

 

Instructor  

Aldo Dagnino, Ph. D., P. Eng.
Software Architectures Group
Principal Research Scientist
US Corporate Research Center – ABB Inc.
940 Main Campus Drive
Raleigh NC 27606, US

Telephone: (919) 807-5731
Email: adagnin@ncsu.edu