Course Title: Programming 1

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Programming 1

Credit Points: 12

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
COSC1073	City Campus	Undergraduate	140H Comp Sci & Info Technology	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2006, Sem 2 2006, Sem 1 2007, Sem 2 2007, Sem 1 2008, Sem 2 2008
COSC2081	RMIT Intl University Vietnam	Undergraduate	140H Comp Sci & Info Technology	Face-to-Face	Viet2 2007, Viet3 2007, Viet1 2008, Viet2 2008, Viet3 2008
COSC2362	City Campus	Postgraduate	140H Comp Sci & Info Technology	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2006, Sem 2 2006, Sem 1 2007, Sem 2 2007, Sem 1 2008, Sem 2 2008

Course Coordinator: Charles Thevathayan

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 9604

Course Coordinator Email:Charles.Thevathayan@rmit.edu.au

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Introduction to Programming. If you are in BP094, BP096, BP098, BP002, BP003, BP004, or BP018 program, you are exempted from this pre-requisite.
If this is your first semester/course in the School of Computer Science and IT, you should attend the Unix Survival Skills induction sessions (held during Weeks 0, 1 and 2 of each semester; see http://www.rmit.edu.au/csit).

Course Description

This course introduces object-oriented programming using the Java programming language. This course covers algorithm development using standard control structures, design methods such as step-wise refinement, the object oriented programming framework, the use of standard Java classes and interfaces, the use of container classes, disk file processing, introduces techniques for code reuse, and basic strategies for software testing.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the development of the following graduate capabilities:

Enabling Knowledge: Syntax and basic features of the object-oriented programming language Java; good programming style, standards and practices in programming; the use of standard Java classes, interfaces, containers; and basic techniques for code reuse and testing.

Critical Analysis: Ability to analyse and model requirements for solving algorithmic computing problems.

Problem Solving: Ability to design and implement computer programs to solve algorithmic computing problems, based on analysis and modelling of requirements.

Communication: Ability to explain key concepts of object-oriented programming in Java, standard classes and interfaces, code reuse and strategies for software testing, in written form, to IT specialists.

Responsibility: Ability to apply relevant standards and ethical considerations to writing computer programs. Developing an awareness of the role and responsibility the individual has with regard to their own learning.

On completion of this course you should:
• be able to use standard Java classes and interfaces;
• use object oriented program development framework ;
• be able to develop simple algorithms and implement them using the standard control structures;
• be able to use arrays and other container classes for storing and manipulating objects;
• be able to write programs that promote code reuse;
• refine the design using step wise refinement
• be able to correctly manipulate standard data files, focusing on text files;
• be able to handle exceptions thrown and write exception classes;
• follow good coding guidelines
• devise strategies to test the software developed.
   

Overview of Learning Activities

In addition to the lectures, tutorials and laboratory classes, learning activities will include programming assignments, weekly Weblearn quizzes specially designed to clarify concepts presentation of concepts and demonstrations in the lecture and group discussions in the tutorials. Regular feedback will be provided during the laboratory sessions. Java Helpdesk sessions provide help with programming tasks. Use of electronic discussion forums are used for promoting greater staff/student interaction. Mid semester test is designed to give detailed individual feedback.

Overview of Learning Resources

You will make extensive use of computer laboratories and relevant software provided by the School. You will be able to access course information and learning materials through the Learning Hub (also known as online@RMIT) and may be provided with copies of additional materials in class or via email. Lists of relevant reference texts, resources in the library and freely accessible Internet sites will be provided.

Use the RMIT Bookshop’s textbook list search page to find any recommended textbook(s).

Overview of Assessment

Assessment tasks for this course will include periodic tests including a mid-semester test, assessed laboratory exercises, programming assignments and a formal written examination.

See Assessment Tasks (part B course guide for this Teaching Period) for assessment details, including deadlines, weightings, and hurdle requirements. For standard assessment information relating to Computer Science and IT courses see: http://www.rmit.edu.au/csit/cgi