Module ICE-1101:
Object Oriented Programming

Module Facts

Run by School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering

10 Credits or 5 ECTS Credits

Semester 2

Organiser: Dr David Edward Perkins

Overall aims and purpose

To introduce the object-oriented approach to software design and implementation; to explore a range of advanced features of Java, such as the Java Collections Framework (JCF). Introduce basic algorithms and the use of the UML design language; To familiarise students with a variety of test strategies.

Course content

Indicative content includes:

  • Classes, objects and encapsulation; instance variables and method implementation; the public interface of a class; constructors and overloading; access and mutator methods; reference types; static variables and methods.
  • Inheritance; superclasses and subclasses; overriding methods; polymorphism; interface types; abstract classes; final methods and classes; the class Object; generic types and classes; generic programming techniques.
  • Use and implementation of various structures such as lists, sets, maps, stacks and queues; iterators; efficiency of data structures.
  • Compile time vs. run time errors; error handling strategies; the exception mechanism; use of try, catch.
  • Introduce UML diagrams; class relations; top-down and bottom-up design;.
  • System testing; white-box and black-box testing; tester classes; use of debugging facilities in a modern IDE;
  • Text and binary file formats; Java class hierarchy for handling IO; streams; sequential and random file access; object streams.

Assessment Criteria

threshold

Equivalent to 40%. 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.

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.

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

  1. Apply an object-oriented approach to the process of software construction.

  2. Use a range of advanced file handling techniques.

  3. Understand and use simple search and sort algorithms

  4. Make use of and/or develop inheritance hierarchies; implement interfaces; utilize facilities for generic programming.

  5. Test and debug software

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
CLASS TEST Class test x4

A series of class tests over the semester (25 minutes each x 4)

 40
COURSEWORK Laboratories

A series of practice exercises building to assessments

 30
COURSEWORK Programming Project

A small project that consolidates the module outcomes

 30

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Lecture

Traditional lecture (2hrs x 12 weeks)

 24
Laboratory

Practical laboratories including exercises (2hrs x 12 weeks).

 24
Private study

Tutor-directed private study including individual assessments and preparation.

 52

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
  • 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.
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting

Subject specific skills

  • Knowledge and understanding of facts, concepts, principles & theories
  • Use of such knowledge in modelling and design
  • Problem solving strategies
  • 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
  • System Design
  • Knowledge and/or understanding of appropriate scientific and engineering principles
  • Knowledge and understanding of computational modelling
  • Specify, deploy, verify and maintain computer-based systems
  • Principles of appropriate supporting engineering and scientific disciplines

Courses including this module