Course Outline

ICT112 Programming Fundamentals

Course Coordinator:Andrew Lang (alang1@usc.edu.au) School:School of Science, Technology and Engineering

2024Semester 1

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Online

Online You can do this course without coming onto campus.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

This course will show you how real-world problems can be solved in a creative and flexible way by writing simple computer programs. It presents the key concepts and skills of programming, which are an essential foundation for all kinds of scripting and programming tasks in many different application areas, such as business, science, engineering, gaming and web development.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Asynchronous learning materials including Pre-recorded concept videos and associated activity 1hr Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Computer workshop 2hrs Week 1 3 times
Tutorial/Workshop 2 – Programming workshops 3hrs Week 2 10 times
Seminar – Whole of cohort meeting 1hr Week 1 3 times
Online
Learning materials – Asynchronous online learning materials, including Pre-recorded concept videos and associated activity 1hr Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Interactive computer workshop 2hrs Week 1 3 times
Tutorial/Workshop 2 – Interactive online programming workshops 3hrs Week 2 10 times
Seminar – Whole of cohort meeting online 1hr Week 1 3 times

Course Topics

  • Course overview and introduction to programming.
  • Variables, calculations & Data types
  • Control Flow: 
    • Sequenced commands
    • Choice and selection
    • Iteration (loops)
  • Abstraction and Reuse 
    • designing functions
    • scope of variables
  • Data collections 
    • lists and strings
  • Testing and debugging
  • Object-oriented Python Lecture

What level is this course?

100 Level (Introductory)

Engaging with discipline knowledge and skills at foundational level, broad application of knowledge and skills in familiar contexts and with support. Limited or no prerequisites. Normally, associated with the first full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Demonstrate knowledge of the foundation concepts of software development. Knowledgeable
2 Use industry-standard software tools to develop software. Empowered
3 Communicate software design through writing effective reports, design documentation and specifications. Engaged
4 Build and evaluate solutions for simple computing problems to meet specified stakeholder needs. Creative and critical thinker

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Not applicable

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

SGD203

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

The first few weeks of computer workshops will include practical Python programming tasks that give instant feedback. You will then be able to ask your tutor in the workshops about ways of solving those difficulties.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Artefact - Technical and Scientific Individual 30%
8 Weeks
Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Examination - not Centrally Scheduled Individual 25%
1 hour
Week 12 Online Test (Quiz)
All 3 Artefact - Technical and Scientific, and Written Piece Individual 45%
Up to 1000 words including code
Exam Period Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Computer workshops
Goal:
Each week you will be given some online exercises to complete, to learn basic programming and problem-solving concepts. You will develop small computer programs to solve problems in a creative way. This task will help to build your knowledge of basic programming skills and problem-solving techniques.
Product: Artefact - Technical and Scientific
Format:
One online submission per week during weeks 2 to 9. A variety of assessments methods will be used, including online achievements, peer assessment, and tutor marking. Further details will be available on the learning management system in the assignment specification each week.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Insightful analysis of the given problem
1 4
2
Creative approaches to solving the problem
1 4
3
Application of relevant programming concepts
1 2
4
Correctness of the program output
4
All - Assessment Task 2:Examination
Goal:
The purpose of this task is to obtain a comprehensive view of software development in terms of definitions and concepts, techniques, and producing software driven solutions to business problems.
Product: Examination - not Centrally Scheduled
Format:
This one hour examination will consist of a set of questions to test understanding and application of concepts. This is an individual assessment.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Comprehend, apply and communicate definitions and concepts used in software development
1
2
Comprehend and present programming structures
1
3
Design an algorithm
1
All - Assessment Task 3:Python Programming Assignment
Goal:
To produce a Python program that effectively solves a real-world problem.
Product: Artefact - Technical and Scientific, and Written Piece
Format:
You will be presenting a report and algorithm design showing how you might solve a given problem using a Python program. Further details will be available on the learning management system in the assignment specification.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Presentation and organisation of report
2 3
2
Insightful analysis of the given problem and creative approaches to solving the problem
1 4
3
Application of relevant programming concepts
1
4
Correctness of the program output
4
5
Adherence to the recommended programming styles
2 3

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

This course requires specialist software which is provided at UniSC campuses for student use. If you elect to do this course online, you may either; attend a campus at which it is available, discuss alternative solutions with your course coordinator that would enable you to demonstrate the learning outcomes, or if you prefer you may acquire this software (if necessary at your own expense). Some software may offer discounted or free academic licensing.

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au