Module Information

Module Identifier

CS02230

Module Title

Introduction to Computer Science

Academic Year

2016/2017

Co-ordinator

Dr Andrew J Starr

Semester

Semester 2

Co-Requisite

None. Will require another 30 credits of Foundation Year modules, most likely ICO3030 or ICO3130.

Pre-Requisite

Completion of Semester 1 modules of the CS Foundation Year.

Other Staff

Course Delivery

Delivery Type	Delivery length / details
Lecture	30 x 1 Hour Lectures
Practical	30 x 2 Hour Practicals

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment length / details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Presentation	20%
Semester Assessment	Practical Work	40%
Semester Exam	2 Hours Semester examination	40%
Supplementary Assessment	Presentation (Screen cast)	20%
Supplementary Assessment	Practical Work	40%
Supplementary Exam	2 Hours Written Examination	40%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Use technical language in English connected to computer programming and the web, both written and verbal.
2. Create simple programs in the chosen high level programming language.
3. Create simple websites using HTML5 and CSS3.

Aims

1. To familiarise students with the internal operation of a modern computer.
2. To introduce students to the basics of programming in a high level language.
3. To familiarise students with the concept of the web and the basics of building a website using HTML 5 and CSS 3.

Content

Unit = approx. 1.5 weeks.

Unit -0 Introduction: Computers and how they work.

Unit-1 Programming Paradigm: Programming languages, elements, concepts and types.

Unit-2 Programming language overview and the basic language elements; Language structure, conventions, variables, constants, data types, operators, expressions, statements, blocks.

Unit-3 Conditionals and loops: if-else, switch, break, continue, for, while, do-while, arrays.

Unit-4 Introduction to web-technology: Internet vs web, outline of internet protocols and layering.

Unit 5: Basic of web designing: Anatomy of a website, presentations and layouts, hosting and domains, and web development tools.

Unit-6 HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) 5: Basic and advanced tags.

Unit-7 CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) 3: Typography, consistency, types of styles, specifying class with HTML document, text rollovers

Brief description

The module will provide an introduction to computer science to ensure students are well prepared to enter our normal Year 1. The module aims to provide an overview of computer science, including knowledge of the main components of a computer, programming environments and programming constructs. The practical work associated with the module will involve learning the basics of a high level programming language such as Java or Python and the basics of the web, such as building static web pages using HTML.

Module Skills

Skills Type	Skills details
Application of Number	Yes, will need to have / gain some numerical understanding for programming exercises.
Communication	Developed by practical reports and presentation.
Improving own Learning and Performance	Yes, need to do some independent work.
Information Technology	Information Technology is central to the module.
Personal Development and Career planning	Aimed at preparing for CS (related) degree, leading to a career in that area.
Problem solving	Yes, programming requires solving problems.
Research skills	Yes, need to read around subject.
Subject Specific Skills	Programming and web development.
Team work	Probably not, although some work may be done as a small group or pairs.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 3