Fundamentals of Programming
COMP1005

Year 1, Sem 1 or Sem 2 Core Enabling Knowledge and Skills Engineering Application Experience Personal and Professional Skills Practical and ‘Hands-on’ Experience

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Code COMP1005
Credits 25
Graduate Attributes

Introduction

This unit has been developed as an introduction to programming for engineering and science students. It responds to an increasing focus on data analytics and computational science in research and industry. You can’t go far in science or engineering without using a computer. To do research, or anything that hasn’t been done before, you need to be coding.

The unit is not just "Fundamentals of Programming"… it will give you valuable simulation and research tools to apply and extend in your later studies and careers.

We will start with programming basics that apply to almost all languages. Once we have that basis, we will start applying programming to data visualisation, simulation and modelling real-world problems. You'll then be challenged with an assignment that puts all of the ideas into practice.
Lecture 1 x 2 Hours Weekly 
Computer Laboratory 1 x 2 Hours Weekly 

Unit Learning Outcomes

  • 1 describe data representation in a computer, GC1, GC3
  • 2 design and implement and document simple algorithms, GC1, GC2, GC3, GC6
  • 3 recognise the purpose of modularising computer programs, GC1, GC2, GC3, GC6
  • 4 compare and contrast design choices and communicate design and design decisions in a manner appropriate to the audience, GC1, GC2, GC3, GC6

Course Learning Outcomes

  • 1 Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of fundamental science, mathematics, data analytics, information science, and computing underpinning the broad field of engineering
  • 2 Solve complex chemical engineering problems of industrial and societal significance through the application of discipline-specific and integrated bodies of knowledge, design and sustainability principles

Assessment Breakdown

Recent Unit Changes & Response to Student Feedback

Students are encouraged to provide feedback through student surveys (such as Insight and the annual Student Experience Survey) and interactions with teaching staff.

Listed below are some recent changes to the unit as a result of student feedback.

 
  • In 2022, the assessment weighting changed from 30% to 40% for the Assignment, and from 50% to 40% for the Final Assessment/Exam.
  • In response to the widespread use of Generative AI, the unit returned to written, closed-book, face to face exams in 2023.
  • In Semester 1, 2023, significant numbers of students delayed having all of their Practical Tests marked until
  • Study Week, causing long delays and disrupting the demonstration of assignments. In response to complaints, we now have a two-week limit on submissions/assessments.
  • The assignment due date is now earlier in semester to reduce clashes with other assessments at the end of semester (Sem 1, 2024). This clashed with even more assignments, so we will stay with week 11/12.
  • The hurdle requirement for the assignment has been increased from 15% to 30% to emphasise its importance for the outcomes of the unit. The assignment is highly scaffolded, with code and templates being provided as a base, making it easy to gain 15% without much extension of the given material.