Module:

Module Specifications.

Academic Year 2026 - 2027

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Module Title
Module Code	(ITS: CA177)
Faculty		School
NFQ level		Credit Rating

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

Section Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	50%	End of Module Formal Examination	50%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment 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
Formal Examination	n/a	50%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None