Students

COMP115 – Introduction to Computer Science

2014 – S1 Day

General Information

Download as PDF
Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Lecturer
Gaurav Gupta
Contact via gaurav.gupta@mq.edu.au
TBA
Unit Convenor
Matthew Roberts
Contact via matthew.roberts@mq.edu.au
E6A 374
Monday 11-12, Friday 11-12, or by appointment
Lecturer
Anthony Sloane
Contact via anthony.sloane@mq.edu.au
E6A315
Monday 11-12, Friday 11-12, or by appointment
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit is an introductory computer science unit, providing a practical introduction to basic computing and programming concepts. Students gain an understanding of, and practical experience in, computer programming; practical experience in implementing informal prose descriptions of problem solutions using an imperative language; an understanding of, and practical experience in, designing, coding, testing and debugging simple algorithms; and an understanding of the principle of incremental development. Other topics include: the concept of program correctness; the differences between high-level languages, assembly languages and machine languages; the role played by compilers; and the execution of programs by computer hardware. Together with ISYS114 Introduction to Systems Design and Data Management, this unit forms the entry point for mainstream computing units.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Describe the main components of a computer system and the role that different kinds of programming language play in computer software development
  • Apply problem solving skills to develop algorithms that solve small to medium-sized computational problems
  • Design and code implementations of their algorithms in an imperative programming language
  • Use standard software engineering practices to document, debug and test their programs
  • Identify and describe ethical issues that arise in the application of information technology

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Assignment One 6% Weeks 2-4
Assignment Two 17% Weeks 5-8
Assignment Three 17% Weeks 9-12
Module Exams 60% Various

Assignment One

Due: Weeks 2-4
Weighting: 6%

The assignments are programming exercises that allow skills to be demonstrated by solving a more substantial problem than in the weekly exercises. Assignment One is a relatively simple exercise that is designed to begin building competency in using the Processing language to solve problems.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply problem solving skills to develop algorithms that solve small to medium-sized computational problems
  • Design and code implementations of their algorithms in an imperative programming language
  • Use standard software engineering practices to document, debug and test their programs

Assignment Two

Due: Weeks 5-8
Weighting: 17%

Assignment Two exercises concepts and techniuqes learned in the first half of the unit to build a non-trivial solution to a problem using the Processing language.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply problem solving skills to develop algorithms that solve small to medium-sized computational problems
  • Design and code implementations of their algorithms in an imperative programming language
  • Use standard software engineering practices to document, debug and test their programs

Assignment Three

Due: Weeks 9-12
Weighting: 17%

Assignment Three builds on the first two assignments to reinforce the basics of programming and includes some of the more advanced aspects that are covered in the second half of the unit.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply problem solving skills to develop algorithms that solve small to medium-sized computational problems
  • Design and code implementations of their algorithms in an imperative programming language
  • Use standard software engineering practices to document, debug and test their programs

Module Exams

Due: Various
Weighting: 60%

The module examinations ask students to answer conceptual questions about the course material as well as solve simple programming problems.  Module exams are run in the first hour of the workhop in which the student is enrolled.  Students may only attend module exams in workshops they are enrolled in.  In the case a student cannot attend a module exam, a request for special consideration must be made.

Six module examinations are each offerred up to four times during semester.  The student's best mark for each module is used in their final mark.

The exam mark for each module is worth 10% of the final mark.

Students must demonstrate satisfactory performance in modules 1-5 to pass the course.  Satisfactory performance is defined as getting more than 50% on any one of the module exams offered for that module.  A student's final mark for a module is the maximum mark they achieved in any of the module exams for that module.  


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Describe the main components of a computer system and the role that different kinds of programming language play in computer software development
  • Apply problem solving skills to develop algorithms that solve small to medium-sized computational problems
  • Design and code implementations of their algorithms in an imperative programming language
  • Use standard software engineering practices to document, debug and test their programs
  • Identify and describe ethical issues that arise in the application of information technology

Delivery and Resources

 

CLASSES

Each week of COMP115 has three hours of lectures and a two-hour laboratory class which is a mixtured of tutorial and practical session. For details of days, times and rooms, consult the University timetables webpage (http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au). The Day and Evening streams of COMP115 have the same content. Laboratory classes commence in Week 1 and are held in the E6A Computer Laboratories.

REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED TEXTS AND/OR MATERIALS

  • Learning Processing: A Beginner's Guide to Programming Images, Animation, and Interaction, Daniel Shiffman, Morgan Kaufmann, 2008

We cover a large proportion of the material in this book and it will be extremely difficult to successfully complete this unit without reading the relevant chapters. This text is the primary source of examinable material in this unit. Furthermore, you will find the lecture material much easier to understand if you read the textbook in advance of the lectures. The lecture schedule below lists the relevant sections of the textbook.

The textbook website at http://www.learningprocessing.com/ provides supplementary material that you may find useful, including tutorials on Processing, the complete code for the examples in the book, and related downloads. The Macquarie University library has a number of copies of the textbook, including some in the reserve collection. The library also has many other books on programming that you may find useful if the concepts are not adequately explained by the textbook or class material.

UNIT WEBPAGE AND TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED

Web Home Page

COMP115 will make extensive use of the iLearn course management system, including for delivery of class materials, discussion boards, online self-tests, submission of work and access to marks and feedback. Students should check the iLearn site (https://ilearn.mq.edu.au) regularly for unit updates.

Questions and general queries regarding the content of this unit, its lectures or mixed classes, or its assignments should be posted to the discussion boards on the COMP115 iLearn site. In particular, any questions which are of interest to all students in this unit should be posted to one of these discussion boards, so that everyone can benefit from the answers. Questions of a private nature should be directed to the unit teaching staff.

iLecture

Any audio and screen video recordings of the lectures in the Day and Evening streams will be made available online at iLearn via the echo360 system.

Technology Used and Required

The practical work in this unit involves programming in the Processing language (http://processing.org) which will give students experience with features that are used in many modern programming languages. The Processing software can be downloaded free of charge for Windows, Linux and Mac OS X computers from the Processing web site. It is also installed in the E6A Computer Laboratories.

There are many versions of Processing available. In our teaching and in the laboratories we will be using the latest that is available at the time of writing, namely version 2.1.1. To ensure compatibility with us you should make sure to install this version, not an older version, nor a newer version if one should become available during the semester.

Changes since Semester 1 2013

This year the weekly exercises have been removed and regular module exams will be offerred in addition to an exam in the exam period.  Objects and classes are no longer taught in COMP115 and the treatment of conditionals, loops and functions has been expanded.

Unit Schedule

 

The unit is broken into six modules

  • Pixels and Variables (P&V)
  • Conditionals (C)
  • Loops (L)
  • Functions (F)
  • Arrays and Strings (A&S)
  • Program Design and Problem Solving (PD&PS)

Each of the first 5 module (P&V, C, L, F, A&S) cover one skill which is absolutley necessary to program a computer.  Thus each student must demonstrate a satisfactory performance in each of these modules to pass the course.  Satisfactory performance in a module is defined in the assessment tasks section.  The final module (PD&PS) synthesises the skills learned in the other modules.  Student performance in this module is important to their final grade and to demonstrate they have reached the level of mastery required to pass, but less than satisfactory performance in this module does not preclude a student from passing (as it does for the other modules).

Module exams are offerred five times during semester giving students more than one opportunity to demonstrate satisfactory performance in each module.

 

Week Topic Module Exams Lecturer Textbook
1 Pixels and Variables I   Tony, Gaurav Introduction, Chapter 1, Chapter 2
2 Pixels and Variables II   Tony, Gaurav Chapters 3, 4
3 Conditionals   Tony, Gaurav Chapters 5
4 Loops I P&V, C Tony, Gaurav Chapter 6
5 Loops II   Tony, Gaurav Chapter 6
6 Program Design and Problem Solving I   Tony, Gaurav Chapter 10, Lecture notes
  Mid Semester Break      
7 Functions I  P&V, C, L Matt, Gaurav Chapter 7
8 Functions II   Matt, Gaurav Chapter 7
9 Arrays and Strings   Matt, Gaurav Chapters 9, 17
10 Arrays and Strings   Matt, Gaurav Chapters 9, 17
11 Program Design and Problem Solving II  L, F, A&S Matt, Gaurav Lecture notes
12 Program Design and Problem Solving III   Matt, Gaurav Lecture notes
13 Review; Exam Preparation  F, A&S, PD&PS All  
Exam Period   P&V, C, L, F, A&S, PD&PS    

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy  http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

The Department of Computing applies an additional policy for special consideration requests:   http://comp.mq.edu.au/undergrad/policies/special_consideration_policy.htm

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Describe the main components of a computer system and the role that different kinds of programming language play in computer software development
  • Apply problem solving skills to develop algorithms that solve small to medium-sized computational problems
  • Design and code implementations of their algorithms in an imperative programming language
  • Use standard software engineering practices to document, debug and test their programs
  • Identify and describe ethical issues that arise in the application of information technology

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment One
  • Assignment Two
  • Assignment Three
  • Module Exams

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Apply problem solving skills to develop algorithms that solve small to medium-sized computational problems
  • Design and code implementations of their algorithms in an imperative programming language
  • Use standard software engineering practices to document, debug and test their programs
  • Identify and describe ethical issues that arise in the application of information technology

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment One
  • Assignment Two
  • Assignment Three
  • Module Exams

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Apply problem solving skills to develop algorithms that solve small to medium-sized computational problems
  • Design and code implementations of their algorithms in an imperative programming language
  • Use standard software engineering practices to document, debug and test their programs

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment One
  • Assignment Two
  • Assignment Three
  • Module Exams

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Apply problem solving skills to develop algorithms that solve small to medium-sized computational problems
  • Design and code implementations of their algorithms in an imperative programming language
  • Use standard software engineering practices to document, debug and test their programs

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment One
  • Assignment Two
  • Assignment Three
  • Module Exams

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Describe the main components of a computer system and the role that different kinds of programming language play in computer software development
  • Use standard software engineering practices to document, debug and test their programs
  • Identify and describe ethical issues that arise in the application of information technology

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment One
  • Assignment Two
  • Assignment Three
  • Module Exams

Assessment Standards

COMP115 will be graded according to the following general descriptions of the letter grades as specified by Macquarie University.

• High Distinction (HD, 85-100): provides consistent evidence of deep and critical understanding in relation to the learning outcomes. There is substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critical evaluation of problems, their solutions and their implications; creativity in application as appropriate to the discipline.

• Distinction (D, 75-84): provides evidence of integration and evaluation of critical ideas, principles and theories, distinctive insight and ability in applying relevant skills and concepts in relation to learning outcomes. There is demonstration of frequent originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and providing solutions; and the use of means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience.

• Credit (Cr, 65-74): provides evidence of learning that goes beyond replication of content knowledge or skills relevant to the learning outcomes. There is demonstration of substantial understanding of fundamental concepts in the field of study and the ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; convincing argumentation with appropriate coherent justification; communication of ideas fluently and clearly in terms of the conventions of the discipline..

• Pass (P, 50-64): provides sufficient evidence of the achievement of learning outcomes. There is demonstration of understanding and application of fundamental concepts of the field of study; routine argumentation with acceptable justification; communication of information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline. The learning attainment is considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in relation to the specified outcomes.

• Fail (F, 0-49): does not provide evidence of attainment of learning outcomes. There is missing or partial or superficial or faulty understanding and application of the fundamental concepts in the field of study; missing, undeveloped, inappropriate or confusing argumentation; incomplete, confusing or lacking communication of ideas in ways that give little attention to the conventions of the discipline.

The standards of achievement that will be used to assess each of the assessment tasks with respect to the letter grades are as follows.

Learning Outcome 1: Describe the main components of a computer system and the role that different kinds of programming language play in computer software development.

Learning Outcome 5: Identify and describe ethical issues that arise in the application of information technology.

P Can correctly reproduce basic facts and definitions across a breadth of concepts and issues, but lacks depth of understanding.
Cr or D Exhibits breadth and depth of understanding of concepts and issues. Can use terminology accurately in new contexts. Can express ideas in their own words and has an understanding of the limits of their understanding.
HD As for Cr or D and is aware of the context in which the concepts and issues are developed and their limitations. Able to generate and justify principles and hypotheses for existing or new concepts or issues.

Learning Outcome 2: Apply problem solving skills to develop algorithms that solve small to medium-sized computational problems.

P Can develop algorithms for problems that are similar to provided examples.
Cr or D Can analyse problems that differ from provided examples and apply a variety of provided algorithmic approaches to their solution.
HD As for Cr or D and can develop programs using techniques or approaches that have not been discussed.

Learning Outcome 3: Design and code implementations of their algorithms in an imperative programming language.

P Can implement basic algorithms based on similar provided examples.
Cr or D As for P and can use a wide range of provided programming language features to implement algorithms whose detailed implementation has not previously been discussed.
HD As for Cr or D and can develop programs using techniques or approaches that have not been discussed.

Learning Outcome 4: Use standard software engineering practices to document, debug and test their programs.

P Can apply some basic documentation, debugging and testing practices along the lines of examples provided.
Cr or D Is able to apply a wide range of documentation, debugging and testing practices to their code along the lines of examples provided.
HD As for Cr or D and has well-developed skills for applying documentation, debugging and testing practices in ways that have not been previously illustrated by examples.

These assessment standards will be used to give a numeric mark out of 100 to each assessment submission during marking. The mark will correspond to a letter grade for that task according to the University guidelines. The final raw mark for the unit will be calculated by combining the marks for all assessment tasks according to the percentage weightings shown in the assessment summary. 

We will look at your overall performance on all assessments when determining your final grade. A total raw mark of at least 50% and satisfactory performance in each of the first five modules will be sufficient to pass the unit. Students who do not meet this cut-off will be examined on a case-by-case basis.

On occasion your raw mark for the unit may not be the same as the Standardised Numeric Grade (SNG) which you receive as the final result. Under University Senate guidelines, raw marks may be scaled to ensure that there is a degree of comparability across the university, so that units with the same past performances of their students should achieve similar results.