Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2020-2021 (archived)
Module MATH1587: Programming I
Department: Mathematical Sciences
MATH1587: Programming I
| Type | Open | Level | 1 | Credits | 10 | Availability | Available in 2020/21 | Module Cap | None. | Location | Durham |
|---|
Prerequisites
- Normally grade A in A-Level Mathematics (or equivalent).
Corequisites
- Calculus I (MATH 1061) and Linear Algebra I (MATH 1071).
Excluded Combination of Modules
- Maths for Engineers and Scientists (MATH1551), Single Mathematics A (MATH1561), Single Mathematics B (MATH1571), Computational Thinking (COMP1051)
Aims
- Basic principles and basic competence in computer programming.
Content
- Programming: basic types (numerics), operators, variables and assignment.
- Control structures: conditionals, loops and functions.
- Floating-point arithmetic.
- Lists, strings and introduction to objects.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- The ability to: precisely formulate mathematical problems,
- develop algorithms to solve them,
- implement the algorithm as a Python program.
Subject-specific Skills:
- students will have basic mathematical skills in the following areas: Modelling and computer programming.
Key Skills:
- students will have an understanding of the principle of computational algorithms, and basic programming skills for mathematical applications.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Lectures introduce the basic concepts.
- Practical sessions develop and practice programming skills, and provide active engagement and feedback to the learning process.
- Weekly homework problems provide formative assessment to guide students in the correct development of their knowledge and skills. They are also an aid in developing students' awareness of standards required.
- A computer-based examination partially assesses overall achievement.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 10 | 1 per week | 1 Hour | 10 | |
| Practicals | 10 | One per week in Michaelmas Term | 2 Hours | 20 | ■ |
| Preparation and Reading | 70 | ||||
| Total | 100 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Continuous assessment for programming | Component Weighting: 75% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Computer project coursework | 67% | Yes | |
| Weekly programming assessments | 33% | Yes | |
| Component: Practical assessment for programming | Component Weighting: 25% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Computer-based examination | 2 hours | 100% | Yes |
Formative Assessment:
In the computer practicals examples will be given and direct oral feedback will be given on students' work.
■ 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