Skip to main content

KULeuvenX: UMLx UML Class Diagrams for Software Engineering

Syllabus

Instructors

Monique Snoeck
Monique Snoeck
Full Professor of Management Information Systems
KU Leuven University

Description

In this computer science course, you will gain an in-depth understanding of Unified Modeling Language (UML) class diagrams, which are used to visually represent the conceptual design of a system. You will learn about UML class diagrams and how they are used to map out the structure of a business domain by showing business objects, their attributes, and associations.

Prerequisites

We assume the learner to have completed a high school degree or equivalent, and to possess basic abstract thinking skills.
Basic knowledge of set theory is an advantage.

Duration and Work Load

The course is a self-paced course and will be available from March 3rd until the 15th June.

This course offers you a high degree of flexibility. You can follow the content in sequence or choose to complete sections in order of interest to you. Be aware that it would be realistic to spend around 5 hours per week during 3 weeks. The course will be available for 3 months and you can follow your own rhythm in studying and practicing what is offered in each section.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  • In-depth understanding of a UML class diagram
  • Basics of domain modeling and its importance
  • The basic building blocks of a class diagram: the concepts of "class", "attribute" and "association"
  • Advanced concepts of "inheritance" and "AssociationClass"

Grading

This course is graded using several quizzes that count towards 35% of your total grade and one final test which counts towards 65% of your final grade.

In order to pass this MOOC, your final grade needs to be 75% or higher.

Course Structure

The course consists of 3 sections.

  • Section 1: Introduction and UML Class Diagram Basics (part1)
    • Introduction as to what a data model is and why data modelling matters, and the concepts of modelling languages and notations. Introduction to the notions of "Class" and "Attribute."
  •  Section 2: UML Class Diagram Basics (parts 2 and 3)
    • Introduction to the concept of "Association" and its different variants:  "unary" and "ternary associations," and "aggregation." Learning to navigate a larger UML diagram.
  •  Section 3: UML Class Diagrams Advanced Topics
    • Introduction to the concept of "inheritance" and learning to read a model with inheritance. Introduction to the concept of "AssociationClass" and learning to reify an association.