Course Title: Introduction to Programming A

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Introduction to Programming A

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

COSC2511

City Campus

Undergraduate

155T Vocational Health and Sciences

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2011,
Sem 2 2011,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 2 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 2 2014,
Sem 1 2015,
Sem 2 2015,
Sem 1 2016,
Sem 2 2016

COSC2511

City Campus

Undergraduate

174T School of VE Engineering, Health & Science

Face-to-Face

Sem 2 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 2 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 2 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 2 2020

COSC2511

City Campus

Undergraduate

520T Future Technologies

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2022,
Sem 2 2022,
Sem 1 2023,
Sem 1 2024

Course Coordinator: Vikrant Patel

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 1409

Course Coordinator Email: vikrant.patel@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 57.5


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

 Nil

Please be aware that this course forms part of AD006 (Associate Degree in Information Technology) and is not part of the BP162 (Bachelor of Information Technology) study plan. Also, it will follow the Vocational Education calendar dates and not the Higher Ed semester dates which means that classes will start 3 weeks earlier. The timetable is published under the Vocational Education timetable link and is not available on STS. If you enrol in this course as an elective please check with your program coordinator before commencement.


Course Description

Programming is important in automation, particularly with scripts. However, a more formal study in a structured language provides an opportunity to learn how software is built. In this sense, the knowledge is transferrable, particularly to the study of other programming languages. Programming is characterised by its problem solving nature. You will be building these skills, particularly with the project work in the second half of the course. Applications programming is an essential skill for information technology practitioners involved in development and maintenance of software systems. Programming is a skill that has its foundation in problem-solving ability.

In this introductory course, you will acquire foundational knowledge about the conceptual building blocks necessary for programming and computer programming skills with basic object orientated constructs combined with procedural programming in Java. Primitive object orientated programming mixing data and functions (which Java calls methods) are taught. The emphasis is on teaching programming techniques which are transferrable to other programming languages. The course has two goals: teaching the art of programming and the academic study of coding through a written exam to improve comprehension of technical knowledge and prepare the student for further higher education and job application. By the end of the course, you are expected to have acquired a range of programming skills in the Java programming language.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes for AD006 Associate Degree in Information Technology:
1. Enabling Knowledge
2. Critical Analysis
3. Problem Solving


On completion of this course you should be able to:
1. Analyse simple computing problems
2. Devise and code suitable algorithmic solutions in Java
3. Appropriate detailed use of program logic (for example loops, variables, if-then-else, operators, initialisation, procedures and functions)
4. Format, compile, debug and document code
5. Create and use array data structures in problem solving.
6. Apply limited object orientated design principles


Overview of Learning Activities

Syllabus material will be presented, explained and illustrated with demonstrations, examples and problems in lectures, tutorials, laboratories or online.
Problem solving exercises such as class exercises, practical assessments, assignments and discussions are designed to develop your analytical skills, drawing on knowledge and frameworks covered in lectures.
As learners, you are expected to actively and constructively participate in lectures and tutorial discussions, in addition, to weekly private study, completion of tutorial and laboratory questions and careful planning and completion of assessment tasks.


Overview of Learning Resources

You will make extensive use of computer laboratories and relevant software provided by the School. Optionally you can use your own laptop computer. You will be able to access course information and learning materials through mystudies (also known as Blackboard) 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.

The computer science subject guide is located at http://rmit.libguides.com/compsci and can provide useful references to further augment your studies.


Overview of Assessment

This course has no hurdle requirements.

Assessment tasks

Assessment Task 1: Practical Test 1
Weighting towards final grade (%): 25%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1 ,2, 3, 4, 6
Individual

Assessment Task 2: Practical Test 2
Weighting towards final grade (%): 25%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Individual

Assessment Task 3: Project
Weighting towards final grade (%): 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Group

Assessment 4: Final exam
Weighting towards final grade (%): 20%
Written exam. This assessment supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Individual