Unit rationale, description and aim
This is an intermediate level programming unit that prepares students for developing specialised applications by teaching them key programming theories including data structures and algorithms. It is built on the fundamental programming concepts students have gained from the Programming Concepts unit to teach students more advanced programming concepts. It covers object-oriented programming, event-driven programming, graphical user interface, file input/output, generics, data structures and algorithms. It aims to equip students with the skills needed to solve programming problems of moderate complexity, such as applications that provide an interface to real-world data. It also teaches students effective use of computing resources through implementing efficient data structures and algorithms, which contributes to stewardship of natural and computing resources.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Demonstrate high-level working knowledge and under...
Learning Outcome 01
Implement application programs with correct and ap...
Learning Outcome 02
Design applications that exhibit effective user in...
Learning Outcome 03
Analyse data structures and algorithms and choose ...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics covered:
- Object-oriented programming
- Generics programming
- Event-driven programming
- Graphical user interface design
- Java I/O systems
- Recursion and recursive methods
- Data structures and efficient algorithms
- Sorting algorithms
- Introduction to efficient non-linear data structures
- Stewardship of computing resources through appropriate use of data structures and algorithms
Assessment strategy and rationale
A range of assessment procedures will be used to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes consistent with University assessment requirements. The first online engagement assessment consists of a series of weekly submissions or activities that test students’ understanding of the asynchronous learning modules. The second assessment item is a regular advanced programming-based lab exercises that consist of programming environment setup and practical problem solving. The last programming project assessment will consist of one or several small to medium advanced programming projects requiring efficiently developing user interfaces and data structures and algorithms that contribute to the stewardship of computing resources.
The assessment tasks for this unit are designed for you to demonstrate your achievement of each learning outcome. To pass this unit, students are required to achieve an overall mark of at least 50%.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1: Online engagement This assess...
Assessment Task 1: Online engagement
This assessment consists of a series of weekly submissions or activities (e.g., quiz answers, short answers, forum discussions, or small coding tasks) that test students’ understanding of the asynchronous learning modules. These submissions will be provided timely feedback to improve student learning of the unit content.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Cumulative assessment
Artefact: Answers and problem solving
30%
Assessment Task 2: Advanced programming practical...
Assessment Task 2: Advanced programming practical
The assessment is a regular advanced programming-based lab practical which consists of programming environment setup and practical problem solving. It will assess on the application of advanced programming concepts including Java OOP, GUI, program I/O, generics, and data structure and algorithm.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Cumulative assessment
Artefact: Written solution and code
30%
Assessment Task 3: Advanced programming project ...
Assessment Task 3: Advanced programming project
The assessment will consist of one or several small to medium advanced programming projects. Student will develop larger applications exhibiting effective user interfaces and efficient functional components that contribute to the stewardship of computing resources. The aim of this assessment is to provide students experience on different technical aspects of project development.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Project design and implementation
Artefact: Project documentation and code
40%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit can be offered in different modes. These are: “Attendance” mode, “Multi” mode and “Online” mode, to cater for the learning needs and preferences of a range of participants and maximise effective participation for isolated and/or marginalised groups.
Attendance Mode
In a weekly attendance mode, students will require face-to-face attendance in specific physical or online location/s. Students will have face-to-face interactions with lecturer(s) or lab demonstrators to further their achievement of the learning outcomes. This unit is structured with required upfront preparation before workshops, most students report that they spend an average of one hour preparing before the workshop and one or more hours after the workshop practicing and revising what was covered. The online learning platforms used in this unit provide multiple forms of preparatory and practice opportunities for students to prepare and revise.
Multi-Mode
In a multi-mode, students will require face-to-face attendance in blocks of time determined by the School. Students will have face-to-face interactions with lecturer(s) to further their achievement of the learning outcomes. This unit is structured with required upfront preparation before workshops. The online learning platforms used in this unit provide multiple forms of preparatory and practice opportunities for students to prepare and revise.
ACU Online
This unit uses an active learning approach to support students in the exploration of knowledge essential to the discipline. Students are provided with choice and variety in how they learn. Students are encouraged to contribute to asynchronous weekly discussions. Active learning opportunities provide students with opportunities to practice and apply their learning in situations similar to their future professions. Activities encourage students to bring their own examples to demonstrate understanding, application and engage constructively with their peers. Students receive regular and timely feedback on their learning, which includes information on their progress.
Students should anticipate undertaking 150 hours of study for this unit, including activities like class attendance, reading, online engagement and assessment preparation.