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Learning Partnerships, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


AS10383: Introduction to programming

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Certificate (FHEQ level 4)
Click here for further information Period: Semester 2 at City of Bath College
Semester 2 at Weston College
Semester 2 at Wiltshire College (Chippenham Campus)
Semester 2 at Wiltshire College (Salisbury Campus)
Semester 2 at Wiltshire College (Trowbridge Campus)
Click here for further information Assessment: CW60EX40
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: Supplementary assessment information not currently available (this will be added shortly)
Click here for further information Requisites:
Click here for further information Description: Aims:
To enable the learner to:
* gain an understanding of the fundamental principles and concepts of computer programming;
* appreciate the importance of planning and designing programs before coding them;
* acquire analytical skills that are transferable and language independent.

Learning Outcomes:
The learner should be able to:
* design and develop code using structured programming methods and recognised design methodologies;
* subdivide a large program into smaller modules;
* produce appropriate user and program documentation;
* devise suitable test data, suitable test schedules and record the results in test logs.

Skills:
Practical skills:
* Program design skills, coding skills (taught and assessed).
Personal skills
* Time management, personal organisation, problem solving (facilitated and assessed).
Communication skills
* Demonstrations, working in a team (facilitated and assessed).

Content:
Data storage
* Files, variables, constants, literals, pre-defined and user defined data types, program elements
Software constructs
* Sequence, selection, iteration
Comparison of procedural and object-oriented languages
* Similarities and differences between a variety of programming languages e.g C and C++.
Program design tools
* For example: pseudo code, step-wise refinement, structure diagrams, decision trees, decision tables
Program Structure
* Modularisation - divide and conquer, use and re-use of modules
* Pre-defined and user defined functions
* Use and scope of variables, parameter passing
* Good programming practise - the attributes of a `good� program
Program documentation
* The importance of documentation
* Documentation requirements. Internal (e.g. variable names, comments) and external documentation (e.g. user guide)
Program testing
* Types of error: logic, syntax and runtime
* Test plans, test data, test log
* Testing methodologies e.g. white/black box, dry running, structured walkthrough
* Use of testing tools
Design of front ends
* Consideration of different user groups in organisations, design and implementation of different front ends.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

AS10383 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Learning Partnerships
  • UDAS-DFF09 : FdSc Applied Computing (Full-time at City of Bath College) - Year 1
  • UDAS-DPF09 : FdSc Applied Computing (Part-time at City of Bath College) - Year 1
  • UDAS-LFF04 : FdSc Applied Computing (Full-time at Weston College) - Year 1
  • UDAS-LPF04 : FdSc Applied Computing (Part-time at Weston College) - Year 1
  • UDAS-WFF12 : FdSc Applied Computing (Full-time at Wiltshire College (Chippenham Campus)) - Year 1
  • UDAS-WFF13 : FdSc Applied Computing (Full-time at Wiltshire College (Salisbury Campus)) - Year 1
  • UDAS-WPF12 : FdSc Applied Computing (Part-time at Wiltshire College (Chippenham Campus)) - Year 1
  • UDAS-WPF13 : FdSc Applied Computing (Part-time at Wiltshire College (Salisbury Campus)) - Year 1
  • UDAS-WPF16 : FdSc Applied Computing (Part-time at Wiltshire College (Trowbridge Campus)) - Year 1

NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.