CS210
Back-End Development & Software Testing in Kotlin
Faculty
Monika Protivova
Software Engineer at CleverFarm
Course length
Duration
Total hours
Credits
Language
Course type
Fee for single course
Fee for degree students
Skills you’ll learn
Overview
This course introduces students to back-end development and software testing using Kotlin. We will begin with a focused language introduction and progress to building, testing, and deploying a complete REST API through hands-on exercises.
In the first part of the course, we will establish a solid understanding of Kotlin fundamentals, object-oriented design, and testing practices. We will also learn how to structure code for testability and maintainability.
In the second part, we will learn how to design application architecture, apply SOLID principles, and build REST APIs with Spring Boot.
Finally, we will add data persistence, security, and observability, culminating in a fully functional, tested, and deployable back-end application.
Learning highlights
- The main goal of this course is to explain the use and application of Kotlin through practical examples and exercises while establishing the foundations for SOLID principles in application development.
- Students will learn not only how to design and programme in Kotlin, but also how to properly test it and observe its real-world behaviour.
Course outline
15 classes
Kotlin Essentials
Core Kotlin syntax, data types, functions, and language fundamentals
Object-Oriented Programming Principles & Models
Understanding and implementing object-oriented programming concepts in Kotlin
Collections, Advanced Functions & Lambdas
Lambdas, higher-order functions, collections, and functional programming techniques
I/O, Errors and Exceptions
File operations, command-line input, and comprehensive error handling
OOP Principles & Inheritance
Encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, abstraction, and generics
Testing Fundamentals
Testing principles, test design, unit testing, integration testing with Kotest
Memory & Concurrency
JVM memory management and concurrent programming with threads and coroutines
SOLID Principles, Architecture & Application Design
SOLID principles, design patterns, and application architecture
Spring Boot Application & Controllers
Introduction to Spring Boot framework, MVC pattern, beans, dependency injection, and controllers
Service Layer & Business Logic
Service layer patterns, dependency injection, data transformation between layers, exception handling, comprehensive testing overview with service and controller testing using MockK
Data Layer & Repositories
Repository pattern concepts, data access frameworks (JDBC, JPA, JOOQ), transactions, and testing
Security & Authentication
Authentication concepts, authorisation patterns, JWT tokens, and Spring Security framework
Development, Deployment & Monitoring
Containerisation with Docker, deployment strategies, logging, metrics, observability, and building resilient applications
Professional Development & Career
Working with AI, professional skills like code reviews, and navigating your career in modern software development
Final Project & Assignment Work
Final Project & Assignment Work
Prerequisites
No prior Kotlin experience is required. The course starts from the basics and builds up progressively.
Students should have:
* Basic familiarity with at least one programming language (e.g., Python, JavaScript, Java, C++) - understanding of variables, loops, and functions is sufficient.
* Comfort using a computer for development tasks (installing software, navigating a file system, using a text editor or IDE).
Helpful but not required:
* Familiarity with the command line / terminal.
* Basic understanding of how the web works (HTTP, client-server model).
Methodology
Lectures & Live Coding - Each session begins with a focused lecture introducing new concepts, followed by live coding demonstrations. Concepts are explained through practical examples rather than abstract theory.
In-Class Exercises - Students immediately apply new concepts through guided exercises during each session, reinforcing understanding through practice.
Homework Assignments (4 assignments) - Graded assignments distributed across the course that require students to independently implement features, write tests, and follow architectural guidelines.
Final Project (Fantasy.Space) - A running back-end project that grows session by session. Each homework assignment extends the project with new features, ensuring students see how individual concepts fit into a complete application.
AI-Assisted Development - Students are encouraged to use AI coding tools as learning aids and productivity boosters. The course teaches how to use these tools effectively while maintaining a deep understanding of the underlying concepts.
Code Reviews & Collaboration - Students review each other's code and learn professional git workflows, building habits for team-based development.
Grading
Monika is a seasoned software engineer with a career spanning over 15 years. Monika has a background in testing. In her previous positions as a Test Automation Engineer and Test Architect, she played a key role in designing software with a focus on testability as a critical component.
Currently working as a Software Engineer, she primarily focuses on application backends, where she brings a quality-focused approach to development, leveraging her testing background.
See full profileApply for this course
Back-End Development & Software Testing in Kotlin
by Monika Protivova
Total hours
45 Hours
Dates
Apr 27 - May 15, 2026
Fee for single course
€1500
Fee for degree students
€750
How to secure your spot
Complete the form below to kickstart your application
Schedule your Harbour.Space interview
If successful, get ready to join us on campus
FAQ
Will I receive a certificate after completion?
Yes. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a certificate signed by the director of the program your course belonged to.
Do I need a visa?
This depends on your case. Please check with the Spanish or Thai consulate in your country of residence about visa requirements. We will do our part to provide you with the necessary documents, such as the Certificate of Enrollment.
Can I get a discount?
Yes. The easiest way to enroll in a course at a discounted price is to register for multiple courses. Registering for multiple courses will reduce the cost per individual course. Please ask the Admissions Office for more information about the other kinds of discounts we offer and what you can do to receive one.