Module Details

Module Code: SOFT6018
Title: Programming Fundamentals
Long Title: Programming Fundamentals
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4814 - Computer Software
Module Delivered in: 7 programme(s)
Module Description: Computer programming involves instructing the computer to perform a certain task. It achieves this by writing software (computer programs) that defines instructions presented as source code. These instructions manipulate different types of objects and involves describing processes, procedures and algorithms. In this module students will be introduced for the first time to computer programming. As part of this module the fundamental programming concepts and constructs in a high-level programming language will be presented.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Determine the outcome of programs, written in a high-level programming language, that utilise basic programming concepts and constructs.
LO2 Implement solutions to programming tasks by identifying necessary variables and constants and choosing appropriate data types for these variables and constants.
LO3 Choose appropriate sequential, conditional and iterative constructs for a given task.
LO4 Implement solutions to programming tasks that require files.
LO5 Test and debug programs developed.
LO6 Document code using best practices and conventions.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
12700 SOFT6018 Programming Fundamentals
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Fundamental Programming Concepts
Students will learn the fundamental programming concepts that apply to modern programming languages: data types, variables, constants, operators, expressions, input and output using keyboard and screen. Control structures - conditional control (if, else, if then), iterative control (loop and exit statements), sequential control and selection statements.
Documentation of Code
Students will be encouraged to document their code at all stages and to employ appropriate layout and use standard naming conventions to aid the readability of their code.
Testing and Debugging
Test plans will be designed during the design stage to ensure that the defined problem is understood and that the student's subsequent code solves the defined problem. Students will learn how to use an appropriate development environment to identify and eliminate syntax and logical errors.
Files
This section shall include, but is not be limited to, writing to and reading from text files, reading up to the end of the file, and storing data in appropriate constructs for processing.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 4 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
This quiz will examine a student's knowledge of basic programming concepts, his/her ability to understand code and his/her ability to fix code.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 15
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 2,3,5,6
Assessment Description
An open book in-lab exam in which the student can use his/her knowledge, programs and notes to code a solution to a defined problem. An example exam would be getting data from the user through the keyboard, processing that data, and displaying a result on the screen. A test plan may be provided to the student.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 2,3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
The project aims to evaluate the student's programming ability by solving a defined problem. An example of a project would be a Christmas wish-list system, in which users would create an account, provide details of items and their prices, and the list would be stored for him/her. The user would be able to retrieve and add to these lists at any time. The student may be required to develop a test plan.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 2,3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
An open book in-lab exam in which the student can use his/her knowledge, programs and notes to code a solution to a defined problem. An example of an exam might be a programme to determine the winner of a race. Users would provide the details of the an entrant's name and his/her race time. The winner of the race would be displayed on the screen along with some statistics e.g. average time, slowest time. All data would be stored in a file. A test plan may be provided to the student.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Introduce programming concepts. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Design, code, test and debug solutions to defined problems. Every Week 3.00 3
Independent Learning Non Contact Practise coding. Every Week 2.00 2
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 5.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Introduce programming concepts. Every Week 1.00 1
Lab Contact Design, code, test and debug solutions to defined problems. Every Week 3.00 3
Independent Learning Non Contact Practise coding. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Tony Gaddis. (2014), Starting out with Python, Global Edition, 3. Pearson, [ISBN: 9781292065502].
  • Tony Gaddis. (2015), Starting out with Java: From Control Structures through Objects, 6. Pearson, [ISBN: 9781292110653].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_KSDEV_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Software Development 1 Mandatory
CR_KDNET_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Systems 1 Mandatory
CR_KITMN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in IT Management 1 Mandatory
CR_KWEBD_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Web Development 1 Mandatory
CR_KITSP_7 Bachelor of Science in Information Technology 1 Mandatory
CR_KCOMP_7 Bachelor of Science in Software Development 1 Mandatory
CR_KCOME_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Software Development 1 Mandatory