COMPGC01 - Introductory Programming

Note: Whilst every effort is made to keep the syllabus and assessment records correct, the precise details must be checked with the lecturer(s).
Code
COMPGC01
Year
MSc
Prerequisites
This course should be taken in conjunction with the core courses for this programme (ie GC02. GC03, GC04 and GC05)
Term
1
Taught By
Dean Mohamedally (100%)
Aims
This course introduces imperative and object-oriented programming using both pure Java and Android. It aims to develop key programming and problem solving skills, provide a detailed introduction to Java and provide a large amount of programming practice. It will give a starting point for porting Java to other Java-like languages and environments, such as programming with Android technology.
Learning Outcomes
To be able to: specify a programming problem, and then design and implement a solution, to use Java effectively, to understand the key concepts of object- oriented programming.

Content:

Introduction to Imperative Programming

What is imperative programming?
Introduction to Java.
Variables.
Conditions and loops.
Types and type checking.
Operators and expressions.
Drawing simple pictures.

Containers

Arrays
Container classes (Vector, ArrayList).
Files and file handling.

Methods

Declaring methods and using method parameters.
Scope and lifetime.
Top-down programming.

Objects

Java class libraries.
Creating and using objects.
Object references.

Classes

Declaring classes.
Instance variables and methods.

Using an IDE and SDKs

Introduction to Eclipse and Project Workspaces
Introduction to Android
Activities and Intents
Views
Data Persistence
Introduction to other Java SDKs (Servlets, Midlets, Xlets)

Method of Instruction:

Lecture presentations, lab-classes and tutorial sessions.

Assessment:

The course has the following assessment components:
• Written Examination (2.5 hours, 80%)
•Coursework Section (1 piece, 20%)
 
To pass this course, students must:
 •Obtain an overall pass mark of 50% for all sections combined
 •Must pass 50% in the coursework
 
The examination rubric is:
Answer any 3 questions from 5, all questions carry equal marks.

Resources:

Developing Java Software, 2nd Edition, Russel Winder and Graham Roberts. Wiley, 2000. ISBN 0-471-60696-0.

Beginning Android Application Development, Wei-Meng Lee, Wiley 2011. ISBN 978-1-118-01711-1

 
This page was last modified on 12 September, 2012 and is maintained by Nicola Alexander