NCHNAL472 Intensive Foundations of Computer Science and Programming I Course Descriptor

Course Summary

This course introduces the fundamental ideas of computing and programming principles. The course discusses a systematic approach to word problems, including analytic reading, synthesis, goal setting, planning, plan execution, and testing. It presents several models of computing, beginning with functional program design. Students will explore the Python programming language, its syntax, mathematical functionality and suitability for data analysis applications.

Course Aims

• Train students in the fundamentals of computing and programming principles.
• Train students in Python programming.
• Give students the tools to design and implement basic Python programmes. 

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

Subject Specific Skills

Transferable and Professional Skills

Teaching and Learning

This is an e-learning course, taught throughout the year.

This course can be offered as a standalone short course.

Teaching and learning strategies for this course will include: 

• On-line learning
• On-line discussion groups
• On-line assessment

Course information and supplementary materials will be available on the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Students are required to attend and participate in all the formal and timetabled sessions for this course. Students are also expected to manage their self-directed learning and independent study in support of the course.

• Learning and teaching (6 days x 8 hours) = 48 hours 
• Independent study = 102 hours 

Indicative total learning hours for this course: 150 hours 

Assignments (see below) will be completed as part of private study.

Assessment

Formative

Students will be formatively assessed during the course by means of set assignments. These will not count towards the final degree but will provide students with developmental feedback. 

Summative

The summative assessment will be assessed in accordance with the assessment aims set out in the programme specification.

Feedback

Students will receive formal feedback in a variety of ways: written (via email or VLE correspondence) and indirectly through online discussion groups. Students will also attend a formal meeting with their Mentor. These reviews will monitor and evaluate the student’s progress.  

Indicative Reading

Note: Comprehensive and current reading lists for courses are produced annually in the Course Syllabus or other documentation provided to students; the indicative reading list provided below is used as part of the approval/modification process only.

Books 

Summerfield, M. (2009), Programming in Python 3: A Complete Introduction to the Python Language, Upper Saddle River, NJ: Addison-Wesley

Lutz, M. (2011), Programming Python, Beijing; Farnham: O’Reilly

Allen, B. (2015), Think Python: How to Think Like a Computer Scientist. Farnham: O’Reilly

Journals

Students are encouraged to read material from relevant journals on Computer Systems and Programming as directed by their Course Leader.

Electronic Resources

Students are encouraged to consult relevant websites on Computer Systems and Programming.

Indicative Topics

• Basic syntax and semantics of Python
• Variables and primitive data types
• Sequential and binary search algorithms
• Stacks and Queues