Computer Programming

Introduction to module

1
What is this module about?

• To teach you how to think about problems and

how to solve them.

• We are going to learn the concepts of how to

break a problem down.

• How to design a solution.

• How to develop the solution.

2
 How will we achieve this?

• A little bit of learning of the Java programming

language.

• A lot of practice of programming methods.

3
“But I’ve never programmed
before...”

• Perfect.
• We will begin from a complete novice’s point
of view.

• And expand throughout the year.

4
“Java? Why aren’t we using...”

• We are not using :

• C#
• C++
•C
• Visual Basic
• The language does not matter on this course.

5
 Learning to program, not
learning Java

• The skills you need to program are the same

not matter what language we cover.

• Java is used because it is free, cross-platform,

machine independent.

6
 What skills?

• On completing this module you will have the skill to:

• Break down a problem into it’s component parts.

• Create a code solution for each of the parts.

• Combine the parts into a solution.

• Analyze the code that you have created.

• Test and debug a program to correct coding mistakes.

• Modify a program to perform a different task.

7
 Contact Time

• Lectures:
• Tuesday 9.30 - 10.30 W201
• Wednesday 2.00 - 3.00 W202
• Labs:
• Tuesday 10.30 - 12.00
• Thursday 2.00 - 3.30

8
 Lectures

• Introduce topic.
• Explain topic.
• Do examples based on topic.
• Answer questions.

9
 Labs

• Time to practice on topics covered.

• Worksheets to test your understanding.
• Lots and lots of practice.

10
 Assessment
• Written exam in May : 30%
• Continuous assessment 70%
• Assignment 1 : 10%

• Assignment 2 : 10%

• Class Test : 20%

• Robocode entry : 10%

• Quiz : 5%

• Assignment 3 : 15%

11
 Class Rules

• Attend all sessions (lectures and labs).

• Be on time for class.
• Do homework and assignment with pride.
• Bring pen and paper to class.
• Be involved in class (see next slide).

12
 Participating in class

• Ask questions.
• Talk to class mates about material.
• Send emails.
• Use forum on Moodle.
• Ask questions via Twitter (@gcdprogramming).

13
 Final Points

• Do your best to stay focused in class.

• This is the hardest thing in this module.
• Do a little work outside class each week.
• Maybe write a quick summary of the week.

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