Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Fundamentals of Computer Programming
Module Code	CA211
School	School of Computing
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Jennifer Foster Semester 2: Jennifer Foster Autumn: Jennifer Foster
Module Teacher	Jennifer Foster
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	10
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

The aim of this module is to introduce the student to fundamental programming concepts and to enhance their problem-solving skills

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain how a problem solution can be expressed as a program and how programs can be compiled and executed by computers
2. Write programs that use control statements to coordinate problem solving
3. Select a data structure suitable for solving a given problem
4. Explain the concept of an algorithm
5. Implement algorithms in terms of data structures and methods
6. Write programs that process files
7. Discuss the importance of writing well-structured programs
8. Be familiar with the main principles of object-oriented programming

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	48	Classroom lecture
Lab	40	Computer lab
Examination	2	Lab exam 1
Examination	2	Lab exam 2
Examination	2	Final exam
Examination	2	Lab exam 3
Independent learning	152	Independent learning
Group work	2	Group Project
Total Workload: 250

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

Basics.
Program structure, simple I/O.

Variables.
Primitive data types, variable declarations, assignment and scope.

Control statements.
if statements, for loops, while loops, do-while loops.

Basic Algorithms.
Linear and binary search; greatest common divisor;random number generation; elementary string algorithms.

Methods.
Why are methods useful; defining methods; parameter passing.

Classes.
Writing classes; defining field variables and methods; creating objects; static vs non-static fields and methods.

Introduction to Arrays.
Creating and manipulating arrays.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	50%	Examination Weight	50%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Computerised test/exam	Lab exam	10%	Week 6
Computerised test/exam	Lab exam	10%	Week 12
Computerised test/exam	Lab exam	10%	Week 24
Project	Group project	10%	Week 30
Laboratory	Participation in weekly lab sessions	10%	Every Week

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
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Other Resources

None

The module teacher should be listed as Jennifer Foster rather than Donal Fitzpatrick.

Programme or List of Programmes

BSSA

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

BSc in Enterprise Computing

SHSA

Study Abroad (Science & Health)

Timetable this semester: Timetable for CA211

Date of Last Revision