Module Details

Module Code: SOFT7019
Title: C Programming
Long Title: C Programming
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2024/25 ( January 2025 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4814 - Computer Software
Module Delivered in: 4 programme(s)
Module Description: C is a general-purpose, procedural, imperative computer programming language that is used to develop applications in many domains including embedded systems.
In this module the learner will effectively design and implement C applications, with a special emphasis for the memory representation of a program execution.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Assess the memory representation in the execution of a program and evaluate the evolution of the stack and heap areas.
LO2 Apply pointers in programming and use pointers to achieve efficient handling of storage.
LO3 Model complex applications via the use of arrays and user-defined data types (structs).
LO4 Apply well-known String and Input/Output (I/O) APIs to efficiently read from/write to text files.
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).
22403 SOFT7019 C Programming
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
Introduction.
Basic syntax. Compiled vs. interpreted languages. The C-compiler application. Stages: Pre-processing, compilation and linking. Circular dependencies. Makefiles.
Memory Perspective.
Hexadecimal representation. Virtual memory: Static-based data and code areas vs. dynamic-based stack and heap. Heap memory management: Malloc, free and realloc. Memory debugging tools.
Pointers.
Definitions and operatiors. Void, non-initialised and null pointers. Maths with pointers. Pointer as function arguments. Pointer to pointers. Pointer to functions.
Arrays.
Declaration and initialisation. Equivalence of arrays and pointers. Array limitations. Functions and arrays. Multi-dimensional arrays.
Strings and Input/Output (I/O) APIs
Main API. Variable-length argument programs. Reading and writing characters and lines. Parsing text and formatted files.
User-defined Data Types.
Structs. Fields access and manipulation. Compound structs. Structs and dynamic data structures. Struct pointers for isolating data usage from data internal representation.
Language Spectrum
High, mid and low-level languages. Positioning C vs. a low-level language as assembly and a high-level language as Java or Python. Assembly and machine architecture: Registers, Memory Allocation, System Calls, Data Transfer, Memory Stack, Labels and Branches. Use 'asm' to embed assembler instructions within a C program to control the use of registers and system calls.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 2,3,4
Assessment Description
In-class assessment on lab desktops to implement a set of C programming tasks involving the use of pointers, arrays, basic data types, input and output.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Design and implement a complex C application involving the use of pointers, arrays, user-defined data types, file I/O, multiple functions. The students have the option of submitting their solution to a programming competition organised for this assessment.
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
An examination of the students understanding of the key concepts in C and their competencies in writing C code.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 10
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Complete short programming tasks during the lab, without the aid of IDE tools or the Internet. 1 task per lab, 8 tasks are required in total to obtain the 10 points (all or nothing).
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 Lecture delivering theory underpinning learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Practical computer-based lab supporting learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent Study. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture delivering theory underpinning learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Practical computer-based lab supporting learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent Study. 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
  • Zed A. Shaw. (2015), Learn C the Hard Way: Practical Exercises on the Computational Subjects You Keep Avoiding (Like C), Addison-Wesley Professional, [ISBN: 9780133124385].
  • Richard Reese. (2013), Understanding and Using C Pointers, O'Reilly Media, [ISBN: 9781449344184].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Brian W. Kernighan, Dennis M. Ritchie. (1988), The C programming language, Prentice Hall, [ISBN: 9780131103627].
  • Peter Prinz and Ulla Kirch-Prinz. (2003), C Pocket Reference - C Syntax and Fundamentals, O'Reilly Media, [ISBN: 9780596004361].
  • Daniel Kusswurm. (2014), Modern X86 Assembly Language Programming: 32-bit, 64-bit, SSE, and AVX, Apress, [ISBN: 9781484200650].
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 4 Mandatory
CR_KDNET_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Systems 4 Mandatory
CR_KCOMP_7 Bachelor of Science in Software Development 4 Mandatory
CR_KCOME_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Software Development 4 Mandatory