Introductory description

The Industry 4.0 revolution is taking place which is also driving every single industry to become more smart and adaptable. Smart and portable devices can display important information on touchscreens using software programs embodied in hardware. As such, programming skills are needed to create reconfigurable, customized and dependable programs that would not be only useful to improve customer experience but will also help the industry to differentiate itself from the other competitors. During the module, learners will also be introduced self-learning and development as the foundation for lifelong learning and Continuous Professional Development (CPD).

This module contributes to AHEP 4 learning outcomes for Partial CEng and BCS accreditation criteria for Full CITP as referenced in the learning outcomes.

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.

Variables and constants
Variable types and assignment
Local variables, global variables, variable scoping
Operators
Mathematical operators
Bitwise operators and logical operators
Loops and decision structures
For loops
While and do-while loop
If/else statements
Switch and case statements
Nested decision structures
Functions
Built-in functions
Passing arguments to functions and returning values
Recursive functions
Version control
Version management
Head, master, origin, branch
Professional competences

Learning outcomes

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

• Recall basic syntax, grammar, and algorithms used in modern programming languages, and associated development techniques and tools. [AHEP:4-C1,C3][BCS:2.1.1,2.1.2]
• Describe underlying theories of object-oriented programming, and how these are applied at different stages of software development. [AHEP:4-C5,C6][BCS:2.1.5,2.1.12]
• Discuss factors affecting software quality and approaches for how to control them including code quality and coding standards. [AHEP:4-C14][BCS:2.2.2]
• Apply the basic principles of coding, version control, testing and debugging software for data analysis involving different data formats. [AHEP:4-C14][BCS:2.2.4]
• Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a software development team. [AHEP:4-C16,C17][BCS:2.3.1,2.3.2]
• Reflect on their own learning and experience in terms of developing Knowledge, Skills, Behaviours and Professional Engineering / IT Competences (as appropriate to their role), to set and monitor their own professional development goals. [AHEP:4-C18][BCS:2.1.13]

Indicative reading list

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

Contributes to the occupational standard for Digital and Technology Solutions Professional (ST0119):
Initiate, design, code, test and debug a software component for a digital and technology solution (S4).
Work effectively within teams, leading on appropriate digital technology solution activities (S7).
Initiate, design, implement and debug a data product for a digital and technology solution (S10).
Report effectively to colleagues and stakeholders using the appropriate language and style, to meet the needs of the audience concerned (S13).
Apply relevant legal, ethical, social and professional standards to a digital and technology solution (S15).

Transferable skills

Has the capabilities that enable living, learning and working in a digital society; Comfortable with using digital media to communicate, solve problems, manage information, collaborate, create and share content.
Use rational and logical reasoning to deduce appropriate and well-reasoned conclusions.
Operate within, and contribute to, a respectful, supportive and cooperative group climate; Sensitive to the impact of action on others.
Actively seek opportunities for personal development in the context of employment and life; Aware of personal strengths and emotional intelligence; Reflect on learning, seeking feedback on and evaluating personal practices, strengths and opportunities for personal growth.
Prepared to operate autonomously; Self-motivated, setting and achieving goals, prioritising tasks.
Verbal communication: Communicate orally in a clear and sensitive manner which is appropriately varied according to different audiences.
Written communication: Present arguments, knowledge and ideas, in a range of formats.