Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025
All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).
As such, this is a point in time view of data which will be refreshed periodically. Some fields/data may not yet be available pending the completion of the full Coursebuilder upgrade and integration project. We will post status updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Date posted: September 2024
| Module Title |
Introduction to Programming |
| Module Code |
CA146 (ITS) / CSC1008 (Banner) |
|
Faculty |
Engineering & Computing |
School |
Computing |
| Module Co-ordinator | Liang Xu | | | Module Teachers | Darragh O'Brien, Manoj Kesavulu, Yalemisew Abgaz | |
|
NFQ level |
6 |
Credit Rating |
5 |
|
Pre-requisite |
Not Available |
|
Co-requisite |
Not Available |
| Compatibles |
Not Available |
| Incompatibles |
Not Available |
|
Coursework Only
|
Description
The aim of this module is to introduce the student to basic programming concepts.
|
Learning Outcomes
1. Write programs that use control statements to coordinate problem solving
2. Select a data structure suitable for solving a given problem
3. Decompose a problem's solution into functions
4. Implement algorithms in terms of data structures and functions
5. Use a debugger to trace program control flow and inspect data values
|
| Workload |
Full-time hours per semester |
| Type |
Hours |
Description |
| Lecture | 12 | Classroom lecture | | Laboratory | 24 | Computer labs | | Independent Study | 89 | Independent learning | | Total Workload: 125 |
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml
|
Indicative Content and Learning Activities
BasicsProgram structure, variables, fundamental data types, simple I/OControl statementsif statements, for loops, while loopsArraysOne and two dimensional arrays, sorting arrays, searching arraysFunctionsWriting functions, calling functions, returning values from functionsDebuggingUsing a debugger to trace program control flow and inspect data values |
| Assessment Breakdown | | Continuous Assessment | 100% | Examination Weight | 0% |
| Course Work Breakdown |
| Type | Description | % of total | Assessment Date |
|---|
| Practical/skills evaluation | Lab test: writing a simple program using the selected programming environment (Python3, Termcast, and Einstein) | 5% | Week 2 | | Practical/skills evaluation | Lab exam: up to control statements. | 25% | Week 4 | | Loop Quiz | Class activity: problem-solving | 5% | Week 6 | | Practical/skills evaluation | Lab exam: program writing that covers problems related to strings, lists (arrays), searching, and sorting algorithms | 25% | Week 8 | | Practical/skills evaluation | Pair programming: Students will solve problems related to their field of study in a group of two to three members. This is a home take and an open-book assignment. Assessment to be released before two weeks. | 35% | Week 12 | | Reflective journal | Students reflect on their journey of learning programming focusing on individual and group programming tasks. | 5% | Sem 1 End |
| Reassessment Requirement Type |
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories:
Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module.
Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element. |
| * ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment |
| This module is category 1 |
|
Indicative Reading List
- Gaddis, Tony: 0, Starting out with Python, 1-9, Pearson, 0133582736
|
Other Resources
None |
|
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