615-185 Introduction to Programming

Students may not receive credit for this subject and 615-145, 433-171, 433-151 or 433-142.

This subject is taken by graduate diploma students.

Eligibility for the Graduate Diploma in Information Systems.

The object of this subject is for students to develop problem solving skills and to demonstrate the use of these skills in software development, using a high level language. This subject will cover topics including the software development life cycle; the main concepts of programming - selection, iteration, subroutines; software testing and debugging, modular design and file handling.

On completing this subject, students should:

• understand the concepts of software development;

• understand how to evaluate alternative algorithmic solutions to a problem;

• be able to put these concepts in practice to develop small applications using an application framework and a high-level programming language; and

• have a working knowledge of the structure of computer systems and the role of systems software.

In addition to these subject-oriented skills students are exposed to and are expected to develop the following generic skills:

• the ability to identify a problem and logically pick it apart to generate a creative solution;

• the ability to establish a supportive network of peers and regular and effective study techniques;

• effective time management; and

• using other software such as electronic mail and web browsers.

Ongoing assessment in the form of tutorial and laboratory assessment (50%); a written end-of-semester examination (not exceeding three hours) (50%).

Successful completion of this subject requires a pass in both the exam and the practical portion of the assessment.