Program Overview

Introduction to Programming

The Introduction to Programming course is designed to introduce programming concepts and Python syntax applied to intuitive, real-world scenarios. This course aims to highlight key skills such as abductive reasoning, critical and logical thinking, professional communication, documentation, design, and teamwork.

Course Description

With the appropriation of digital technologies across all industries, the use of programming knowledge and computational thinking has become a requirement within tertiary studies. This course introduces programming concepts and Python syntax, focusing on key skills such as:

• Abductive reasoning
• Critical and logical thinking
• Professional communication
• Documentation
• Design
• Teamwork

Students will experience Integrated Development Environments (IDE) and formulate an understanding of the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) as a standardized approach for application to a wide range of varying disciplines.

Course Content

To support digital technology familiarization and programming fundamental understanding for success in their program studies, students will undertake activities to:

• Familiarize themselves with Integrated Development Environments
• Identify key information to successfully analyze and deconstruct real-world scenarios into logical communication
• Familiarize themselves with programming documentation
• Apply abductive reasoning and critical thinking to design a solution
• Communicate professionally within a team environment
• Successfully apply programming concepts, Python syntax, and troubleshooting methods to designed solutions
• Develop their confidence in further self-directed learning within their programs

Enrolment Rules

This course is available to students in the following programs:

• NUPrep Bridging and Refresher (22223, 20 units)
• NUPrep Bridging and Refresher (22224, 20 units)

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Understand the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and how it fits into any project design process
2. Understand Integrated Development Environments (IDE)
3. Analyze and deconstruct briefs into a logical simplification
4. Design solutions using logical communication
5. Apply Python syntax and appropriate communicative documentation to designed solutions
6. Test and troubleshoot developed programs

Availability

The course is available in:

• Quarter 1: FLX-ONL-Q1, Location: Online, Delivery mode: Flexible Online
• Quarter 3: FLX-ONL-Q3, Location: Online, Delivery mode: Flexible Online

Contact Hours

• Online Activity: Offerings - FLX-ONL-Q1, FLX-ONL-Q2, FLX-ONL-Q3, Duration: 20 hour(s) per term, Number of sessions: 1 term, Starting week: 1, Delivery mode: Online

Assessments

The assessments include:

• Programming Concepts, Basic Syntax and Functions: Quiz, Weighting: 20%, Individual or group work: Individual
• 1D Arrays and Vectorisation: Quiz, Weighting: 20%, Individual or group work: Individual
• Plotting and CSV Files: Quiz, Weighting: 20%, Individual or group work: Individual
• 2D Matrix and Image Processing: Quiz, Weighting: 20%, Individual or group work: Individual
• 3D Matrix and Image Processing: Quiz, Weighting: 20%, Individual or group work: Individual

Course Details

• Study level: Enabling
• Course level: Enabling
• Units: 5
• College: Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre
• School: Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre