Module: Programming Fundamentals

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Programming Fundamentals
Module Code	CA177 (ITS) / CSC1014 (Banner)
Faculty	Engineering & Computing	School	Computing
Module Co-ordinator	Stephen Blott
Module Teachers	Brian Davis
NFQ level	6	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Repeat examination
Resits will be available for both the continuous assessment and the written exam.

Description

This is an introduction to computer programming. Students will learn to write simple computer programs, including variables, basic flow control, basic types (including strings).

Learning Outcomes

1. write, debug and run simple computer programs.
2. use basic computer programming types (integers, floating-point numbers, Booleans and strings) appropriately in simple computer programs.
3. use basic flow-control constructs (conditionals and loops) in simple computer programs.
4. design algorithms for solving simple computational problems.
5. estimate the complexity of simple computer programs.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Laboratory	24	Weekly lab 1. This will include a brief presentation, discussion and then laboratory tasks.
Laboratory	24	Weekly lab 2. This will include a brief presentation, discussion and then laboratory tasks.
Independent Study	24	Studying course materials.
Independent Study	53	Independent learning and lab-exam/exam preparation.
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

Types
Integers, floating-point values, Booleans, strings

Variables and expressions
Variables and expressions

Flow control
Conditionals and loops

Algorithms
Numeric and string algorithms

Complexity
Understanding the computational cost of loops, nested loops, etc.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	50%	Examination Weight	50%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Practical/skills evaluation	Lab exam 1.	10%	Week 4
Practical/skills evaluation	Lab Exam 2.	20%	Week 8
Practical/skills evaluation	Lab exam 3.	20%	Week 12

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

Other Resources

None