Program Overview

Computer Programming (Taster Course)

Overview

Become proficient in the concepts of programming and problem solving.

This module teaches the learner how to design high-quality programs in a systematic way.

Why Study Computer Programming at Griffith College?

• You will learn to design, develop, test and debug software applications using core programming concepts.
• You will learn to precisely specify the syntax and semantics of a programming language and implement basic algorithms and data structures.
• You will learn to accurately document the design of a program on-the-fly and determine the basic efficiency of an algorithm.
• Evening class schedule allows you to balance your study with your work/life commitments.
• Option to further your studies in this area by pursuing our BSc (Hons) in Computing course.

Intake Dates

We run one intake for this course, commencing as follows:

• Autumn: September*

*subject to sufficient numbers

Course Details

Year One Core Subjects

Introduction to problem solving

• How do you complete a task?
• Identifying sub-components on larger task
• Defining order of subcomponents
• Creation of algorithms
• Stepwise design of programs

Introduction to programming

• Expressions and statements
• Basic arithmatic
• Comments
• Variables and assignment (Integers, doubles, booleans, characters)
• Boolean expressions and logic
• Condtional statements
• Iteration statements
• User input
• Output
• String manipulation
• Sub-routines (Parameters, Signature, Procedures, Copy rule.)
• Arrays
• 2D arrays
• Text File I/O
• Binary File I/O
• Records
• Simple sorting algorithms (selection sort, bubble sort, insertion sort)
• Binary search

Professional Practice

• Developing a good coding style
• Using comments effectively
• Naming conventions
• Indentation
• Code structure

Timetables

This course will commence in September 2024

• Year 2024 - Semester 1, September 2024 to December 2024
• Year 2025 - Semester 2, February 2025 to May 2025

How to Apply

Entry Requirements

• Mature Students: If you are 23 years or over from the 1st January of this year, you can apply for this course directly.
• Under 23 Years:
  • Old Leaving Cert (Pre 2017): Two Honours Level, Grade C3s or above and four Ordinary Level D3s (subjects to include Maths and a language, English, Irish or another language) or equivalent exam taken.
  • New Leaving Cert: 2 H5 and 4 O6/H7 grades, to include Maths and a language (English, Irish or another language).
• English Language: If English is not your native language, you must show that your English level is of a suitable standard.

Fees

Tuition Fees

• Irish/EU citizens, living in Ireland: € 866.66

Progression

What further study can I do?

Graduates of the Computer Programming may progress onto our BSc (Hons) in Computing Science course.