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Introduction to Computer Programming

Unit Description

This is an introductory computer science unit that provides 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 covered in this unit 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.

Learning Outcomes

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

• apply problem solving skills to develop algorithms that solve small to medium-sized computational problems.
• design and write code to implement a program description in an imperative programming language.
• use standard software engineering practices to document, debug and test their programs.
• understand and apply appropriately the concepts of variables, loops, functions, conditionals and compound data in the implementation of programmed systems.
• identify and describe ethical issues in an academic environment and demonstrate active engagement in the learning process.
• communicate disciplinary knowledge using appropriate academic discourses.

General Assessment Information

Requirements to Pass

To successfully complete this unit, a student must obtain a numerical overall mark of 50 or more for the unit.

Grading

Students will be awarded common result grades as specified in the Assessment Policy.

Late Submissions and Penalties

Late submissions are allowed, but they will attract a late submission penalty unless the student has an approved special consideration application.

Assessment Tasks

• Programming Skills Exercise (25%)
• Practical Exam (45%)
• Project Presentation (30%)

Delivery and Resources

Term Dates & Calendar

Details of key dates during the term can be found on the Important Dates calendar.

Enrolment and Timetables

General enrolment and timetable information is available via the Macquarie University College enrolment dates and instructions page.

Technology Used and Required

• Access to the Internet
• AppStream
• Access to iLearn
• Access to the Waranara Library catalogue (MultiSearch)
• Macquarie students can download the Microsoft Office Suite of software for free.

Unit Schedule

The unit comprises six modules:

• Foundations of Programming (FP)
• Variables and Conditionals (VC)
• Loops (L)
• Functions (F)
• Compound Data (CD)
• Program Design and Problem Solving (PDPS)

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central.

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage is at the core of learning, teaching and research.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students, including:

• Academic Success
• Library support
• IT Support
• Accessibility and disability support
• Mental health support
• Safety support
• Social support
• Student Advocacy

Unit Specific Texts and Materials

• Daniel Shiffman, Morgan Kaufmann, Learning Processing: A Beginner's Guide to Programming Images, Animation, and Interaction, 2nd Edition, 2015, ISBN-10:
• The website Software Technology provides teaching material including examples, videos and exercises.
• The website at provides supplementary material that you may find useful, including tutorials and examples on Processing.