Gwybodaeth Modiwlau

Module Identifier

CX12010

Module Title

Microcredentials: Introduction to Programming

Academic Year

2021/2022

Co-ordinator

Mr Graeme Tyson

Semester

Distance Learning

Exclusive (Any Acad Year)

This module cannot be taken as part of a degree course. Credits achieved for this module will not count towards a standard Aberystywth University degree.

Course Delivery

Assessment

Due to Covid-19 students should refer to the module Blackboard pages for assessment details

Assessment Type	Assessment length / details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Weekly worksheet Weekly worksheet completed by student	30%
Semester Assessment	Mini-project A short project exploring the module concepts	40%
Semester Assessment	Weekly multiple choice quiz Each week a short multiple choice quiz will be help exploring that week's work.	30%
Supplementary Assessment	Worksheet Online worksheet covering all the topics from the module	60%
Supplementary Assessment	Programming task	40%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Describe the Programming Paradigm: Programming languages, elements, concepts and types.

Explain and use the basic language elements; Language structure, conventions, variables, constants, data types, operators, expressions, statements, blocks.

Solve a computational problem using the C++ language

Brief description

This module aims to provide a basic grounding in computer programming skills and assumes no previous knowledge or ability. After exploring the fundamentals of computer languages you'll move on to writing your first programs using the C++ language. Delivery will be online through lectures, recordings and practical workshops and you will therefore require an internet connection. On successful completion you will be awarded 10 credits at first year undergraduate level.

Aims

This module will introduce students to the paradigms of procedural and object oriented programming using the C++ language. It is in three parts: firstly examining the fundamentals of program design - the what, why and when of programming itself. Then it will explore the use of variables, conditionals and loops to build a program. Finally we will introduce the C++ programming language and use online tools to build working programs.
The course will be presented in a number of blocks - each will have a worksheet with linked mini-videos and an online workshop - the latter will be recorded so you can study the course at times that suit you.

Content

Using online videos, worksheets and live tutorials we will explore the following areas:
Fundamentals: why do we need programming and how do we go about doing it?
Languages: in general, what are computer languages and what do they have in common?
Key principles: what are the main components of a typical language and how can we use them in our coding?
C++: a common high level language. Time to apply the previous learning in writing your first programs to solve common problems.

Module Skills

Skills Type	Skills details
	The course will introduce the concept of Computational Thinking
	Students will gain problem solving skills as part of their coursework assessment and worksheet exercises.
	Understand and utilise the fundamentals of programming
	IT and, specifically, programming is ubiquitous in today's world - this course will give a grounding in their application in day to day activities.
	Students will be expected to make appropriate use of the Internet to access Blackboard, contribute to online workshops and discussions, and access their online programming site.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4