Learning outcomes

The major learning outcome of this module is that students should:
1. have an appreciation of the Java concepts covered in the syllabus and be able to make full use of them in their programs (A1, A2);

In addition, on successful completion of the module, students should:
2. have an awareness of the need for professional software development within computing, demonstrated through the quality of their program code (A4);
3. be able to demonstrate their understanding of problem abstraction and program design by producing good software designs (A3, A4);
4. be able to describe their designs using simple Universal Modelling Language (UML) notation (A3);
5. be capable of realising their design in the Java programming language (A3, A4);
6. be able to use the workstations to develop their programs to meet the specified requirements (A3);
7. have experience of team work within varying environments and have an appreciation of the idea of team roles (A4).

Brief description

Aims

Students are introduced to the basic concepts of programming in the context of a professional approach to software development. The module concentrates on the design of software using object oriented design in a way that eases development by a team of programmers, enhances reuse of existing components and improves the maintainability of the resulting software.

The idea of problem solving and algorithm design is addressed very early on in the module. Through extensive practical experience, students gain skills in developing, evaluating and implementing their own designs. Through the tutorial system they are also given practice in evaluating and implementing designs produced by others. Emphasis is placed on distinguishing between the design of a software product and its implementation.

Although Java is used as the implementation language, the module is taught in a way that attempts to ease the task of learning second and subsequent programming languages. The practical work associated with the module enables students to learn how to edit, compile, run and test programs that cover all aspects of the Java language addressed in lectures.

The intention of the supervised practical sessions is to develop the problem solving and programming skills of participants.

Weekly tutorials provide the pastoral support for the first semester and give a forum for discussing the technical aspects of material presented in this module.

The Activity Weekend is designed to enhance the student'r team working skills and to further develop their interpersonal and communication skills. Through a series of varied tasks held over the weekend, and supported by further project work, students will be exercised in their problem solving abilities.

Content

2. Management Issues and Professional Conduct - 1 Lecture
The growing role of computing and software. The need for software engineering and professionalism.

3. Computer system appreciation - 2 Lectures
Introduction to the basic computer organisation. Emphasis is placed on the relationships between hardware, architecture and software, with reference to the computer systems at Aberystwyth. Using the computing facilities at Aberystwyth.

4. Representation of designs - 3 Lectures
An introduction to illustrating designs using the Unified Modelling Language (UML).

5. Programming in the large - An introduction to Java - 33 Lectures
Software crisis, abstraction, algorithms and programs. The design of algorithms, object oriented programming, and an introduction to Java. Programming constructs, expressions, primitive types, classes and objects. Information hiding. Further object oriented design - inheritance.

6. Testing - 2 Lectures
Techniques and aids for error detection.

7. Personal Communications Skills - 1 Weekend
Team roles; Belbin methodology and self assessment. Interpersonal skills - achieved in associated Team Skills weekends.

Reading Lists

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4