Module overview
This module aims to introduce students to the principles of programming using an object oriented approach, and to provides them with the programming skills necessary to continue the study of computer science. Java is used as the introductory language.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a range of basic C&IT skills, including use of the Web to locate study materials
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Use simple programming environments to aid the above process
- Design a short program, compile the program, debug the program and test the program
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Good programming style
- Basic programming constructs including sequence, selection and iteration, the use of identifiers, variables and expressions, and a range of data types
- Simple object oriented terminology, including classes, objects, inheritance and methods
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Analyse a problem in a systematic manner and model in an object oriented approach
Syllabus
- Writing and running programs
- Compilation, Interpretation and the Java Virtual Machine
- Variables, Objects, Primitives and Scope
- Methods
- Computational Thinking
- Constructors
- Loops and Arrays
- Collections and Iterators
- The Java Library
- Integrated Development Environments
- Testing and Debugging
- Software Design (What makes a good program)
- Super and Sub Classes (Inheritence)
- Polymorphism and Dynamic Binding
- Abstract Classes and Interfaces
- Designing Applications (Moving from problem to solution)
Learning and Teaching
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Follow-up work | 10.5 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 10.5 |
Completion of assessment task | 22 |
Wider reading or practice | 36 |
Lecture | 21 |
Supervised time in studio/workshop | 20 |
Tutorial | 20 |
Revision | 10 |
Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Barnes and Kolling (2006). Objects First with Java: A Practical Introduction using BlueJ. Pearson/Prentice Hall.
Sierra, K. Head first Java (2005). Great for Ground Controllers. An alternative learning book, for those that need additional support beyond the BlueJ book. O'Reilly Media.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Final Assessment | 40% |
Continuous Assessment | 60% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Set Task | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Set Task | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External