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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2017 - 2018

Module Title Fundamentals of Software Development
Module Code CA598
School School of Computing

Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinator Ray WalsheOffice NumberL2.50
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

The module aims to give the students a foundation in Object-Oriented programming. While Introductory, the focus is on thorough understanding of the basic concepts. The course progresses in three levels of difficulty. Students have weekly, non-assessed programming exercises, to develop competence in the concepts being covered, with formal assessments scheduled for the end of each stage. This enables the students to bring themselves up to date, before moving on. Laboratory exams are open book; the project is small-group (joint). Introductory Topics: introduction to the Computer; introduction to Java Programming; Introductionto the Java Development Environment Problem Solving Techniques: Problem Analysis and Problem Solving; Control Structures - sequence, selection and iteration Introduction to the basic features of Java: Integer and floating point variables; Boolean variables; Arithmetic calculations; Operator precedence; Mathematical functions; Control structures in Java- if and if/else; while loops; for loops; Arrays - Declaration, initialisation and data storage for arrays. Manipulating arrays. Strings: Using the String classes in Java. Modularity: Use of Java methods; passing data between methods. Object-oriented Techniques: Defining classes. Class scope; Controlling access to members; co-operating classes.

Learning Outcomes

1. * Analyse a problem and write its solution in structured English
2. *Read and modify Java programming code
3. *Use variables to store data in Java programmes
4. *Write programmes using the programming structures Sequence, Selection and Iteration
5. *Use arrays for storing and manipulating data in a programme
6. * Use Java methods to break a programme into modules
7. * Design and write classes to implement an object-oriented programme



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Tutorial10Exercises from notes and previewing laboratory exercises are worked through. Weeks 2 to 8 and review clinic week 11
Lecture24Full class notes are provided in booklet form in advance of lectures and material is divided by lecture and topics covered. Course content, including supplementary material on key topics and a short interactive tutorial are available online
Laboratory20Practical exercises are attempted by students in the laboratory. Stages 1 and 2 assessments involve laboratory-based exams. on these exercises.
Independent Study71This comprises time for reading, reviewing given and other exercises, group interaction on project, project time and write-up and revision
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

Introductory topics
Introduction to the computer. Introduction to Java Programming. Java development environment. Java Program structure. Problem solving techniques: Problem analysis and problem solving. Algorithm design. Control structures - sequencing, selection and iteration. Introduction to the Basic features of Java: Integer and floating point variables. Boolean variables. Arithmetic calculations. Operator precedence. Mathematical functions. Control structures - If and if/else; Switch; While loops; For loops Arrays: Declaring initialising and storing data in arrays.Strings: Using strings. Operations on strings Modularity: Use of methods. Passing information between methods Object-Oriented Techniques: Defining classes. Class scope. Using objects. Controlling access to members. In brief: Extending classes. Overview of Inheritance.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment50% Examination Weight50%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • Ira Pohl and Charlie Mc Dowell: 2006, Java by dissection, 2nd, Lulu, 141165238X
  • John Lewis, William Loftus: 1998, Java software solutions, Addison-Wesley, Reading, Mass., 0201571641
  • H. M. Deitel, P. J. Deitel: 1999, Java, 3rd, Prentice Hall-Gale, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 0130125075
Other Resources

None
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