Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2011-2012 (archived)
Module COMP1011: INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING
Department: Computer Science
COMP1011: INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING
| Type | Open | Level | 1 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Available in 2011/12 | Module Cap | None. | Location | Durham |
|---|
Prerequisites
- None.
Corequisites
- None
Excluded Combination of Modules
- None
Aims
- To introduce the theory and practice of programming by means of the Java programming language, and to use this in the wider context of problem solving and software development
Content
- The Construction of simple programs.
- The use of objects from the Java API.
- Using control statements to loop and make decisions.
- Using methods to structure the algorithmic aspects of programs.
- Defining data types through class and interface declaration.
- Building collections of data within a program.
- Object inheritance and abstraction
- Making programs robust through the use of exceptions and exception handling
- Awareness of intellectual property issues for software including copyright, patents and open source licensing..
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- Know the java language to a detailed level, sufficient to realise working solutions to a range of problems.
- Decribe the nature of imperative programming in the object-oriented style.
- Recognise good programming practice (for example: reuse, documentation, style).
Subject-specific Skills:
- Realise solutions to problems as working Java programs.
- Work in the object-orient paradigm through the use of classes, interfaces and packages.
- Apply reuse by exploiting predefined components such as those of the Java API.
- Use software tools related to programming (programming environments, compilers, interpreters, documentation tools, etc.).
Key Skills:
- Reasoning about problems for which an algorithmic solution is suitable.
- Recognise and apply the principles of modelling.
- Communicate technical information.
- Confident use of general computing tools (editors, file management, printing, etc.).
- Reflection on learning and performance through the maintenance of a learning log (or diary).
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Lectures provide the students with a focus for what is to be learned which is then supported by practical classes where the applcation of the theory is enabled. Summative assignments encourage and guide further independent study to be conducted. Summative examinations test the knowledge acquired and the students' ability to use this knowledge to solve complex problems.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 40 | 2 per week | 1 Hour | 40 | |
| Practicals | 20 | Weekly | 2 Hours | 40 | ■ |
| Preparation and Reading | 120 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Examination | Component Weighting: 40% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Examination | 2 hours | 100% | Yes |
| Component: Coursework | Component Weighting: 60% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Practical work | 100% | Yes | |
Formative Assessment:
Example exercises given through the course. In addition a collection paper for the module is sat during a student's first practical class of the 2nd term. Additional revison lectures may be arranged in the modules lecture slots in the 3rd term.
■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University