Module FOUD0897: Foundation Computer Science

Department: Foundation Year (Durham)

FOUD0897: Foundation Computer Science

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To give students an appreciation and understanding of the way in which modern computer systems (comprising both hardware and software) can effectively represent, transport and manipulate data.
• To extend students’ understanding of the principles and practices of programming and using different computer systems.
• To introduce students to the theory, principles and practice of programming by means of Python programming language.
• To use Python in the wider context of problem solving and software development.

Content

• Networks: Technologies in supporting data communications, including network architectures, protocols and standards, addressing and routing methodologies, socket programming, and multimedia content transmission.
• Computer Systems: processors architectures; memory systems; input-output mechanisms and operating systems.
• The construction of simple programs
• 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
• 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

• By the end of the programme students will have:
• 1. Knowledge of a range of foundational subject concepts
• 2. Knowledge of a range of relevant research methods (N/A)
• 3. Knowledge of a range of relevant vocabulary

• By the end of the programme students will be able to:
• 1. Demonstrate the appropriate use of a range of foundational subject concepts
• 2. Demonstrate the appropriate use of relevant research methods (N/A)
• 3. Demonstrate the appropriate use of a range of relevant vocabulary

• By the end of the programme students will be able to:
• 1. Demonstrate critical thinking
• 2. Demonstrate effective communication using appropriate academic styles
• 3. Demonstrate appropriate use of number
• 4. Demonstrate the use of appropriate IT tools

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Theoretical concepts followed by bite-size coding sessions will be performed during lectures aiming to consolidate the theoretical understanding. Additional coding activities will be performed in groups aiming to increase collaboration amongst students and familiarization with remote access and documentation of coding projects.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Weekly coding sessions Software control and documentation using Github Each formative assessment opportunity enables the students to receive feedback to enable progress towards the learning outcomes of the module and to improve their attainment.

■ 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