Module ICE-4101:
Introduction to Programming
Module Facts
Run by School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering
20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits
Semester 1
Organiser: Dr William Teahan
Overall aims and purpose
To provide an introduction to the fundamental concepts and techniques of programming including: algorithms and computer programs, physical and virtual machines, language processors, data types; control structures; methods; stepwise refinement; arrays; systematic documentation; input/output and file handling.
Course content
Indicative content includes:
Types of programming languages and their features; interpretation and compilation; applications; programming environment and library use.
Use of variables; variable names; primitive data types; arithmetic operators; relational operators; boolean operators; evaluation of arithmetic and boolean expressions; assignment of values to variables; strings; arrays; array algorithms.
Concept of an algorithm; basic control structures - sequencing, selection and iteration; code blocks; if and switch statements; use of for, do and while loops; loop conditions; nested loops; basic input/output facilities pseudo-code as a design and documentation aid.
White box and black box view of program modules; method/function components header and body; method/function signatures; parameters; solving problems using stepwise refinement; block structure and variable scope; recursion and recursive methods/function.
Permanent and volatile storage; the concept of a file; structure of a text file; methods for file I/O; binary data and files; formatting output.
Correct use of code indentation, use of comments; choice of variable, naming conventions..
Assessment Criteria
excellent
Equivalent to the range 70%+. Assemble critically evaluated, relevent areas of knowledge and theory to constuct professional-level solutions to tasks and questions presented. Is able to cross-link themes and aspects to draw considered conclusions. Presents outputs in a cohesive, accurate, and efficient manner.
threshold
Equivalent to 50%. Uses key areas of theory or knowledge to meet the Learning Outcomes of the module. Is able to formulate an appropriate solution to accurately solve tasks and questions. Can identify individual aspects, but lacks an awareness of links between them and the wider contexts. Outputs can be understood, but lack structure and/or coherence.
good
Equivalent to the range 60%-69%. Is able to analyse a task or problem to decide which aspects of theory and knowledge to apply. Solutions are of a workable quality, demonstrating understanding of underlying principles. Major themes can be linked appropriately but may not be able to extend this to individual aspects. Outputs are readily understood, with an appropriate structure but may lack sophistication.
Learning outcomes
-
Design and build a complex applications using a range of programming techniques using established techniques.
-
Select appropriate program structures and features of a programming language for a given situation.
-
Write programs which adhere to style and documentation guidelines.
Assessment Methods
| Type | Name | Description | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| COURSEWORK | Laboratories | A series of assessed laboratories, building all the necessary programming skills. |
40.00 |
| COURSEWORK | Mini Project | An opportunity to develop programming skills and explore the programming language further. |
60.00 |
Teaching and Learning Strategy
| Hours | ||
|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 1 hour per week |
12 |
| Laboratory | laboratory session for practice 3 hours per week |
36 |
| Private study | 152 |
Transferable skills
- Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
- Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
- Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
- Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
- Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
- Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others
Subject specific skills
- Problem solving strategies
- Deploy theory in design, implementation and evaluation of systems
- Knowledge of management techniques to achieve objectives
- Specify, design or construct computer-based systems
- Deploy tools effectively
- Development of general transferable skills
- Methods, techniques and tools for information modelling, management and security
- Specify, deploy, verify and maintain information systems
- Defining problems, managing design process and evaluating outcomes
- Knowledge and understanding of computational modelling
Resources
Talis Reading list
http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/ice-4101.htmlReading list
"Fundamentals of Python Programming", Richard L. Halterman. Southern Adventist University and Internet Archive. Available at: https://archive.org/details/2018Fundamentals.ofPython
"Think Python 2nd Edition", Allen B. Downey. O'Reilly. ISBN-13: 978-1491939369. ISBN-10: 1491939362. Available at: http://greenteapress.com/thinkpython2/thinkpython2.pdf
"Learning Python, 3rd Edition", Mark Lutz. O Reilly ISBN: 0-596-51398-6.
Courses including this module
Compulsory in courses:
- G5BC: MSc Computing for Data Science year 1 (MSC/CDS)
- G5BA: MSc Computing year 1 (MSC/COMP)
- Q1BC: MSc Language Technologies year 1 (MSC/LT)
- G5BD: MSc Rise of the Machines year 1 (MSC/MACH)