Module BIC-0006:
COMPUTING 1 (Introduction to Problem Solving and Programming)

Module Facts

Run by Bangor University International College

10.000 Credits or 5.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1 & 2

Organiser: Mrs Laura McKenzie

Overall aims and purpose

1) To introduce students to the notion of problem solving through use of computer applications 2) To provide students with a basic understanding of algorithms and their uses 3) To provide students with the additional experience of developing and using simple software programs to help solve particular problems 4) To prepare students with a basic introduction to the techniques of data handling and processing and to the syntax of programming languages for their work on the later years of a Computing degree

Course content

This module recognises that students will come onto the programme with a wide range of experience with computers and in computer programming. The syllabus aims to give students the opportunity to study problem solving techniques and to see how data processing, the use of algorithms and aids to logical thinking can be deployed in designing software applications to assist in solving practical and everyday problems. Students are introduced to the notion of programming and the syntax appropriate to programming languages but no particular language is studied in detail. The module’s intention is to build and refine transferable skills that will be of use to the students when they progress onto the later years of their Computer Science degree. Key topics Problem solving techniques Data capture, handling and representation Construction and use of algorithms Logical and computational thinking Notion of programming and the syntax of programming languages Construction of simple software programmes to solve particular problems

Assessment Criteria

good

Student has demonstrated sound, basic knowledge and practical techniques in tackling many of the topics and tasks covered in the module and so shown clear suitability for undergraduate degree studies.

excellent

Student has performed effectively in all aspects of the module and has demonstrated a high level of suitability for and can proceed with confidence to undergraduate degree studies.

threshold

Student has coped sufficiently well with some aspects of the module to achieve the minimum level of pass to allow progression onto an undergraduate degree programme.

Learning outcomes

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the construction and use of algorithms

  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the notions underlying programming languages

  3. Use problem solving techniques including logical and computational thinking to solve practical and everyday problems

  4. Work towards solutions to set problems by the use of simple software applications

  5. Explain the importance of and the techniques associated with data capture and representation

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
5 Tasks 100.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Laboratory 40
Seminar 10
Private study 50

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
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.

Subject specific skills

  • Demonstrate knowledge and use of useful software packages
  • Demonstrate the ability to undertake practical work, on computers and the capability to work in a laboratory collecting, organising and presenting data using appropriate techniques

Resources

Resource implications for students

Core Text Book

Reading list

Reeves, B (2015) AQA A Level Computer Science Hodder Education

Heathcote, PM and Heathcote RSU (2016) AQA AS Computer Science 2nd edition Payne-Galway (PG Online)

Courses including this module