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    Overview

    An introduction to computer programming suitable for beginners with some prior experience. Builds on and extends basic Java and object oriented programming. Introduces broader programming concepts and other languages.

    COMP162 marks the next step in your journey to becoming a computer scientist. Following on from COMP161, this paper will expand your knowledge of the Java programming language to more advanced concepts that are fundamental to theoretical and applied computing. COMP162 is a prerequisite for all 200-level Computer Science papers from 2022 onwards. We offer COMP162 in second semester and summer school.

    About this paper

    Paper title Foundations of Computer Science
    Subject Computer and Information Science
    EFTS 0.1500
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period(s) Summer School (On campus)
    Semester 2 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,173.30
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    COMP 161 or (COMP 151 passed with a grade of at least B). See also Eligibility section below.
    Restriction
    COMP 160
    Schedule C
    Arts and Music, Commerce, Science
    Notes
    (i) Students entering from COMP151 will be provided with materials and exercises to transfer from Python to the Java programming language. (ii) Students with other programming experience (e.g., appropriate NCEA Level 3 standards) may sit an Advanced Placement Test for direct entry to COMP162. Enquiries about this option should be directed to adviser@cs.otago.ac.nz in advance of the start of semester.
    Eligibility

    Prior programming experience is required, for example via the normal requisites of COMP161, COMP151 (B or better), or previous computing experience (e.g., appropriate NCEA level 3 standards) subject to sitting an Advanced Placement Test.

    Contact

    Computer Science Adviser

    Teaching staff

    Course Co-ordinator : Veronica Liesaputra
    Lecturers for Summer School: Brendan McCane
    Lecturers for Semester 2: Veronica Liesaputra
    Laboratories: Karen Gray

    Paper Structure

    Lecture and Lab Topics:

    • Introduction and review of Java basics 1
    • Introduction and review of Java basics 2
    • Hierarchies 1, inheritance
    • Hierarchies 2, visibility, overriding
    • Libraries, interfaces, abstract classes
    • Algorithms
    • Recursion
    • Array algorithms
    • Linked lists 1
    • Linked lists 2
    • Algorithm analysis
    • Collections & Generics
    • Stacks
    • Queues
    • Insertion & Selection sort
    • Quick sort
    • Object oriented programming 1
    • Object oriented programming 2
    • Comparative Languages 1
    • Comparative Languages 2
    • Comparative Languages 3
    • Comparative Languages 4
    • C and memory management 1
    • C and memory management 2
    • Compilers
    • Ethical issues and current topics in programming

    Assessment:

    • A sequence of practical mastery tests worth 40%.  Each mastery test must be passed in order to be eligible to sit the next one.
    • A final exam worth 60%.
    Teaching Arrangements
    • Two lectures per week (one hour each).
    • Two labs per week (two hours each).
    Textbooks

    To be advised.

    Course outline

    View course outline for COMP162

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Lifelong learning, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Self-motivation.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    This paper will enable students to:

    • Understand intermediate concepts relating to computer programming
    • Demonstrate the ability to design and develop intermediate computer programs
    • Develop knowledge and skills relating to problem solving, program design, object oriented programming, data structures and algorithms

    Timetable

    Summer School

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Computer Lab

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend one stream from
    X1 Monday 09:00-10:50 2-7
    Tuesday 09:00-10:50 2-5, 7
    Wednesday 09:00-10:50 2-7
    Thursday 09:00-10:50 2-7
    Friday 09:00-10:50 2-7
    X2 Monday 12:00-13:50 2-7
    Tuesday 12:00-13:50 2-7
    Wednesday 12:00-13:50 2-7
    Thursday 12:00-13:50 2-7
    Friday 12:00-13:50 2-7

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 11:00-11:50 2-7
    Tuesday 11:00-11:50 2-5, 7
    Wednesday 11:00-11:50 2-7
    Thursday 11:00-11:50 2-7
    Friday 11:00-11:50 2-7

    Semester 2

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Computer Lab

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend one stream from
    A1 Monday 11:00-12:50 29-35, 37-42
    A2 Monday 14:00-15:50 29-35, 37-42
    A3 Monday 16:00-17:50 29-35, 37-42
    A4 Tuesday 09:00-10:50 29-35, 37-42
    A5 Tuesday 11:00-12:50 29-35, 37-42
    A6 Tuesday 14:00-15:50 29-35, 37-42
    A7 Tuesday 17:00-18:50 29-35, 37-42
    AND one stream from
    B1 Wednesday 14:00-15:50 29-35, 37-42
    B2 Thursday 09:00-10:50 29-35, 37-42
    B3 Thursday 11:00-12:50 29-35, 37-42
    B4 Thursday 14:00-15:50 29-35, 37-42
    B5 Thursday 17:00-18:50 29-35, 37-42
    B6 Friday 09:00-10:50 29-35, 37-42
    B7 Friday 14:00-15:50 29-35, 37-42

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Wednesday 12:00-12:50 29-35, 37-42
    Friday 12:00-12:50 29-35, 37-42
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