What preparation is needed for this course?

If you have already studied the OU course M868 Object-oriented software technology, this is an ideal preparation. If you have used an OO programming language, such as C++ or Delphi, for at least a year then this would also be a good preparation.

Note that M868 has now finished, and a replacement for it, M878 Object-oriented software development, will be available from November 2000.

If you have not taken a course involving object-oriented concepts or have no experience of OO programming then we would strongly advise you to spend some time on the preparatory materials available via the home page of the web site. Depending on your programming experience, this may take you up to 8 weeks of additional work.

Does this course lead on to the project course?

Yes, there are a large number of projects that you could attempt with a working knowledge of Java. For example, it would provide you with the skills necessary for the development of client-server software.

Is the course of uniform difficulty?

We would say no. The initial 25% of the course is relatively easy. However, the parts of the course which deal with the AWT library and the development of client server software require hard study.

I am not very good at programming but have studied M868. Should I take this course?

If you really have difficulty developing even small programs then you will struggle with this course as it is very practical.  For example, the TMAs deal with the development of a selected piece of Internet software.

I have a Macintosh computer: could I take this course using this computer?

If the Macintosh runs the System 7 operating system then you could take the course. However, the University's Computing Helpdesk can only provide advice and support for students who are using Windows 95. Java is a portable language which has been implemented on a wide variety of operating systems and the course team view is that you should be able to take the course irrespective of the operating system that you use.

Will I need to revise the development method stuff (OMT) I covered in M868?

No, we do not require this; when we require you to develop a number of classes you will be provided with a set of templates for this.

What sort of skills will I gain from studying this course?

You will learn enough to be a moderately competent Java programmer who can turn out classes up to a hundred lines in length with ease. It will provide you with the springboard whereby you will become an expert Java programmer relatively quickly. You will also learn about the different types of Internet software and the course will reinforce your knowledge of object-oriented concepts.