Introductory description

This module is a first course in computer programming.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Fundamentals of programming

Introduction to programming: Programming paradigms; From Specification through Algorithms to Implementation; Program compilation and testing.
Building Elements: Preconditions and postconditions; Basic data types; Variables, identifiers and scope.
Control structures: Conditionals; Case statements and loops; Correctness issues when programming with loops.
Methods: Comparison between iteration and recursion.
Object oriented programming.
An introduction to multi-threading.

Programming with objects and classes: Complex data types; Parameter passing by reference and by value; Encapsulation.
Arrays and strings
Class inheritance: Dynamic binding; Multiple inheritance; Interfaces, abstract classes and generics.
Design, construction and testing

Program specifications
Error handling and exceptions.
Methods of testing, coding practices and basic software engineering techniques.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Students should be able to understand the programming process, from the definition of the problem and the design of a solution at an abstract level, to the coding itself with an integrated approach to testing for correctness.
• Student should be able to develop programs in a high-level programming language using the imperative paradigm.
• Students should be able to structure complex software using principles of encapsulation and abstraction in the object-oriented programming abstractions.
• Students should be able to apply informal reasoning techniques to justify the correctness of methods and programs, and justify desired properties such as termination.
• Students should be able to use different strategies for testing programs and managing run-time errors using exception handling.

Indicative reading list

Please see Talis Aspire link for most up to date list.

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

Experience with the Java programming language
Understanding of Data Types
Iterative Statements
Conditional Statements
Imperative Programming
Object Oriented Programming
Inheritance
Abstract classes
Generics
Multi-threading in Java
Error Handling & Exceptions
Passing by value vs passing by reference.
Learning to think programatically and algorithmically and how to take a specification and turn it into a plan for a program.
Introduction to good coding practices & basic software engineering techniques

Transferable skills

Coding
Problem solving
Communication skills (verbal)
Critical thinking