Module Information

Module Identifier
CS38110
Module Title
Open Source Development Issues
Academic Year
2019/2020
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Other Staff

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 20 x 1 Hour Lectures
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Exam 2 Hours   Written Exam  100%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   Written Exam  Resit failed examination  100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of the issues surrounding open source software

Exercise judgement to decide which licence is appropriate for a piece of software they wish to open-source

Exercise judgement on whether or not to open source a project

Demonstrate an understanding of the potential financial (and other) implications of open-sourcing

Brief description

Open Source software is normally considered to be freely available, with few restrictions on its use. The programmers are not paid directly for their work, but may make money from consulting or books. Whether or not our students wish to follow such a career, the subject is worthy of study from an academic standpoint alone.

Content

1. What is Open Source and why you should care about it.

2. A Brief History of the open source development culture

3. Contrasting two main methods of building large pieces of software: "The Cathedral and the Bazaar"
Teams led by a chief architect, as opposed to software development led by users.
Open sourcing initiated by companies.

4. The property and ownership customs of the open-source culture.
Legal issues including licensing, using open source software in other packages, which may come under a different licence.

5. The economics of open source software.
How to make money out of Open Source software.

6. Current issues and future challenges.
Is Open Source a threat to big corporations? Are there implications for national governments?


Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number
Communication Written, in exam Oral, in class discussion
Improving own Learning and Performance Through work for the module
Information Technology Inherent to subject
Personal Development and Career planning Students will be provided with information to decide if this environment is of interest to them in their career.
Problem solving
Research skills In background reading leading to exam
Subject Specific Skills
Team work

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6