Overview
An introduction to computer programming suitable for beginners with little or no prior experience. Introduces the Java programming language, basic object oriented concepts, and simple graphical applications.
An introduction to computer programming suitable for beginners with little or no prior experience. Introduces the Java programming language, basic object oriented concepts, and simple graphical applications.
If you have no prior computer programming background, then COMP161 is the paper for you. It is offered in Semester 1 (S1), which is the best and usual time to take the paper (as it is a prerequisite for COMP162 in S2). COMP161 is also offered in S2, COMP161 occupies an important part in the computer science curriculum, because it is normally required preparation for COMP162, which is a prerequisite for all 200-level Computer Science papers. Students with prior programming experience may sit an Advanced Placement Test for direct entry to COMP162.
About this paper
| Paper title | Computer Programming |
|---|---|
| Subject | Computer and Information Science |
| EFTS | 0.1500 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 1
(On campus)
Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,243.65 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Restriction
- COMP 160
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music, Commerce, Science
- Eligibility
Enrolments for the S2 teaching period require departmental permission.
- Contact
- More information link
- Teaching staff
Course Co-ordinator: Tony Savarimutu
Lecturer (all periods): Tony Savarimutu
Laboratories: Karen Gray
- Paper Structure
Lecture and Lab Topics:
- Introduction
- Data types and language basics
- Program structure, methods and basics
- Expressions, arithmetic
- Graphics, drawing and GUIs
- Objects 1, special methods
- Objects 2, strings
- Structured programming
- Design & testing 1
- Boolean expressions, blocks, if else
- Selection
- Repetition 1
- Repetition 2
- Arrays 1
- Arrays 2
- Objects 3, classes and methods
- Objects 4, references
- Collections, ArrayList
- Design & testing 2
- Files, multi-dimensional arrays
- Graphics 1, components
- Graphics 2, events
- Graphics 3, examples
- OO topics
- Simulation. Programming
- Topics in computer science
- Teaching Arrangements
Semester 1 (S1) and Semester 2 (S2):
- Two lectures per week (one hour each)
- Two labs per week (two hours each)
- Textbooks
Textbooks are not required for this paper.
- Course outline
- 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 fundamental concepts relating to computer programming
- Demonstrate the ability to design and develop simple computer programs
- Develop knowledge and skills relating to problem solving, program design, object oriented programming, and event-driven graphical programming
- Assessment details
- A sequence of programming mastery tests worth 60%.
Each mastery test must be passed in order to be eligible to sit the next one.
- Two programming practical tests worth 10% and 30%.