OCUP 2 Intermediate study plan
OCUP 2 Intermediate · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
UML elements and attributes of structures used in complex and larger system models
Enumerate the UML 2.5 structural classifiers (Class, Interface, DataType, Enumeration, Component, Artifact, Node, Association, etc.) and their metaclass relationships
Diagram a complex system with at least 15 classes using generalization, association classes, and n-ary associations
Specify multiplicities, navigability, and role names on associations in a class diagram
Distinguish aggregation vs. composition with concrete lifecycle examples
Your checkpoint
A class diagram of a library system (20+ classes) with a written legend explaining each structural notation used
UML elements and attributes of structures used in complex and larger system models
Model composite structure with ports, connectors, and collaboration roles
Apply property stereotypes (<>, <>, <>) in a class hierarchy
Construct a component diagram showing provided and required interfaces
Use deployment diagrams with nodes, artifacts, and communication paths
Your checkpoint
A composite structure and component diagram for a payment processing subsystem, with annotations for each port and connector
Designing and generating interoperating modules
Define module boundaries using packages and package merge semantics
Model interface contracts with pre/postconditions via OCL constraints
Create a component model that exposes only interfaces and hides internal classes
Specify dependency and realization relationships between modules
Your checkpoint
A package diagram and interface specification document for a three-module e-commerce application
Designing and generating interoperating modules & Improving upon other models
Generate class skeletons from a UML model using a forward-engineering tool (e.g., Eclipse Papyrus or Visual Paradigm)
Reverse-engineer existing code into a UML class diagram and compare with the original design
Identify and refactor at least three design smells (e.g., cyclic dependencies, leaky abstractions) in a provided model
Apply the Strategy and Observer patterns in a module design and document the UML representation
Your checkpoint
A refactored module diagram with a before/after comparison and a generated code stub for one module
Improving upon other models
Review a peer's UML model for consistency and completeness using a checklist
Improve an existing model by adding missing constraints, multiplicities, and stereotypes
Reorganize a flat class diagram into packages with clear dependencies
Document model changes with rationale in a model review log
Your checkpoint
A revised model (diagrams + change log) of a given case study, with a review checklist showing all issues found and resolved
Improving upon other models & Explaining the full UML diagram suite to model users
Explain the purpose and notation of all 14 UML diagram types to a non-expert audience
Create a one-page cheat sheet mapping each diagram type to its primary use
Present a 10-minute walkthrough of a complex model to a simulated stakeholder
Compare behavioral diagrams (activity, state machine, sequence, communication) with examples
Your checkpoint
A presentation slide deck (or cheat sheet) covering all diagram types with a recorded 10-minute explanation
Explaining the full UML diagram suite to model users
Explain the semantics of timing, interaction overview, and protocol state machine diagrams
Demonstrate how to choose the right diagram for a given scenario (e.g., real-time vs. business process)
Answer stakeholder questions about model elements using precise UML terminology
Create a glossary of UML terms with examples for each
Your checkpoint
A glossary of 30 UML terms with example diagrams, plus a written response to five stakeholder questions
UML elements and attributes of structures used in complex and larger system models & Designing and generating interoperating modules & Improving upon other models & Explaining the full UML diagram suite to model users
Complete a timed mock exam covering all domains with a score of at least 80%
Review incorrect answers and map them to specific UML specification sections
Revisit weak areas identified in the mock exam with targeted diagram exercises
Summarize key takeaways and create a personal exam-day checklist
Your checkpoint
Mock exam score report and a personalized study summary with action items for final review
Milestones
Week 2: Can draw a class diagram with advanced structural features (association classes, qualifiers, composite structure) without references
Week 4: Successfully generate code from a UML model and reverse-engineer code back to UML, explaining each step
Week 6: Deliver a clear 10-minute explanation of all UML diagram types to a peer, answering at least 5 questions correctly
Week 8: Score 80% or higher on a full-length practice exam covering all four domains