Golad Academy · Course syllabus
Software Development
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Skill level
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Next cohort
- 1 March 2027
- Course price
- £99
Overview
This Software Development course introduces learners to programming, problem-solving, and building efficient applications. You’ll explore core concepts such as coding, algorithms, databases, and modern development practices. Designed for beginners and aspiring developers, it provides hands-on projects and practical skills to prepare you for real-world software creation and career growth.
Format: Live online classes + GADLE
Learning outcomes
- Write clean, tested code using object-oriented principles
- Build responsive front-ends with HTML, CSS, JavaScript and React
- Build RESTful APIs with a back-end framework and a database
- Collaborate with Git and GitHub using pull requests and code review
- Apply secure coding practices (OWASP Top 10)
- Deploy a full-stack application to the cloud with CI/CD
Curriculum
Module 1: Introduction to Software Development
- Overview of Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) Models: Waterfall, Agile, DevOps
- Software Development Roles and Responsibilities
- Programming Paradigms: Procedural, Object-Oriented, Functional
- Introduction to Development Environments and Version Control
Module 2: Programming Fundamentals
- Variables, Data Types, Operators, and Expressions
- Control Structures: Loops, Conditionals
- Functions, Modular Programming, and Code Reuse
- Debugging and Error Handling Techniques
Module 3: Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
- Classes, Objects, and Encapsulation
- Inheritance, Polymorphism, and Abstraction
- Design Patterns: Singleton, Factory, Observer
- Real-World Application of OOP Principles
Module 4: Web Development Basics
- Introduction to HTML, CSS, JavaScript
- Responsive Web Design Principles
- DOM Manipulation and Event Handling
- Frontend Frameworks: React.js or Angular Basics
Module 5: Backend Development & APIs
- Server-Side Programming: Node.js, Python (Flask/Django), or Java (Spring)
- RESTful API Design and Implementation
- Database Integration (SQL and NoSQL)
- Authentication and Authorization
Module 6: Database Fundamentals for Developers
- Relational Database Concepts and Normalization
- Writing Queries: SELECT, JOIN, GROUP BY
- Transactions, Indexing, and Performance Optimization
- Introduction to NoSQL Databases
Module 7: Version Control & Collaboration
- Git Basics: Commit, Push, Pull, Branch
- Collaborating in Teams Using GitHub/GitLab
- Resolving Merge Conflicts and Code Review Practices
- Continuous Integration (CI) Basics
Module 8: Software Testing Fundamentals
- Types of Testing: Unit, Integration, System, User Acceptance Testing
- Test-Driven Development (TDD) Concepts
- Writing Automated Test Scripts
- Bug Tracking and Defect Management
Module 9: Agile & DevOps Practices
- Agile Methodology: Scrum and Kanban Overview
- Sprint Planning, Daily Stand-Ups, Retrospectives
- DevOps Practices: CI/CD, Automated Builds, Deployment Pipelines
- Monitoring and Feedback Loops
Module 10: Security in Software Development
- Secure Coding Principles and Common Vulnerabilities (OWASP Top 10)
- Input Validation, Authentication, and Encryption
- Secure API Design and Data Protection
- Static Code Analysis and Vulnerability Scanning
Module 11: Software Project Management
- Estimation Techniques: Story Points, Function Points, Effort Estimation
- Project Planning, Milestones, and Deliverables
- Risk Management in Software Projects
- Documentation and Reporting Best Practices
Module 12: Capstone Project & Career Workshop
- Capstone: Build A Full-Stack Web Application (Frontend, Backend, Database)
- Implement Secure Coding, Version Control, and Testing
- Deployment to Cloud or Local Servers
- Career Preparation: Resume, LinkedIn, Interview Techniques
Industry-extension modules (optional, on GADLE)
- Cloud-Native Deployment — Containers with Docker; Deploying to AWS, Azure or a platform-as-a-service; Environment configuration and secrets; Monitoring and logging in production
- AI-Assisted Development — Using AI coding assistants productively and safely; Reviewing and testing AI-generated code; Integrating AI APIs into applications; Licensing, privacy and security considerations
Tools
VS Code, Git & GitHub, HTML & CSS, JavaScript / TypeScript, React, Node.js, Python (Flask/Django), Java (Spring), PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Docker, GitHub Actions, Postman
Prepares you for
- Microsoft AZ-900: Azure Fundamentals
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (next step)
- Python Institute PCEP / Oracle Java SE (language foundations)
Career paths
Junior Software Developer, Front-End Developer, Back-End Developer, Full-Stack Developer, Graduate Software Engineer, Junior DevOps Engineer
What you’ll gain
Efficiency & Automation · Innovation & Growth · Customization · Scalability