Programming

Summary module description:

Aims:
This module aims to introduce student to procedural computer programming. The C and C++ family of programming languages will be used for examples and practical work. Programming will be undertaken using both the Windows and UNIX/LINUX operating systems and a variety of editors and environments. By the end of the module students should be able to write moderately complex programs in both C and C++.

Assessable learning outcomes:
Recognise and describe programming constructs in C and C++
Explain and demonstrate how to edit and debug programs
Explain and demonstrate how to compile, link and run programs with and without integrated development environments
Compare the use of Windows and UNIX
Predict what a segment of code will produce (tracing)
Distinguish programming approach and constructs best suited to a particular problem
Analyse a problem and design a programmatic solution
Develop a program
Critically evaluate programming solutions
Test programs
Reflect on approach and solutions

Additional outcomes:
Word processing skills; generic programming skills; use of compilers and linkers; use of modern integrated programming environment; problem solving; debugging.

Outline content:
1. Computing Concepts and Introduction to C Programming; Structured Program Development
2. Program Control; Types and Operators; Functions; Arrays and Pointers; Characters and Strings; Formatted Input/Output; Structures, Unions, and Enumerations; File Processing; Data Structures.
3. Introduction to C++ (from C); Classes; Inheritance; Operator Overloading; Advanced Topics.
4. Using UNIX and Windows operating systems; Compilers, Linkers, Debuggers and Integrated Development Environments; typical computer organisation

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
During the Autumn and Spring term each week will follow a pattern similar to this:
Lectures
Practical work and quizzes
Additional tutorials for beginners
Additional challenges for those with programming experience
During the Spring term students will undertake an extended piece of practical work.

Students will attend either 10 or 20 hours of practical classes and workshops during the Autumn Term and Spring Term.

Summative Assessment Methods:
Written exam 50%
Project output other than dissertation 20%
Set exercise 30%

Other information on summative assessment:

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.
where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Length of examination:
One 2-hour examination paper in May/June.

Requirements for a pass:
40%