This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module provides an introduction to programming. Software pervades many aspects of most professional fields and sciences, and an understanding of the development of software applications is useful as a basis for many disciplines. This module covers the development of simple programs. Concepts common to all types of programming – such as sequence, selection and iteration – are covered to provide an understanding of the basic principles of software. In addition, object-oriented concepts are introduced, including classes, objects, constructors, methods and fields. The module includes an introduction to an educational software development environment, as well as other electronic tools, such as electronic mail, a web browser and printing facilities.
Total contact hours: 88
Private study hours: 212
Total study hours: 300
Main assessment methods:
- In-class exercises (10 hours per term submitted as one cumulative mark per term) (2 x 10%)
- 2 x take-home assignments (2 x 40%)
- 2 x In-class pass/fail assessments (2 x 1 hour) (0%)
Reassessment methods:
- Reassessment Instrument: 100% coursework
Subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- Demonstrate familiarity with fundamental concepts of imperative programming (sequence, selection, iteration).
- Read, understand and modify simple programs in a standard programming language.
- Understand the concepts of development tools (editor, compiler, execution).
- Use an integrated development environment.
- Select relevant information from a corpus of reading and lecture material and apply it to simple software development problems.
- Find and use documentation of a programming system.
- Test solutions to programming problems.
- Reason about correctness of small programs.
Generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- Recognise and be guided by social, professional and ethical issues and guidelines.
- Make effective use of IT facilities for solving problems.
- Make effective use of a range of tools, such as a web browser and email client.
- Be able to manage their own learning and development, through self-directed study and working on continuous assessment.
- Develop skills of working and communicating with peers.
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