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    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.

    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, and in a "non-standard" period (N1 / Pre Christmas Summer School). 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)
    1st Non standard period (11 November 2024 - 14 December 2024) (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,173.30
    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 and N1 teaching periods require departmental permission.

    View more information about departmental permission.

    Contact

    Computer Science Adviser

    Teaching staff

    Course Co-ordinator: Anthony Robins

    Lecturer (all periods): Anthony Robins

    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

    Assessment:

    • 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%.
    Teaching Arrangements

    Semester 1 (S1) and Semester 2 (S2):

    • Two lectures per week (one hour each)
    • Two labs per week (two hours each)

    Pre-Christmas Summer School (N1):

    • Five lectures per week (one hour each)
    • Five labs per week (two hours each)
    Textbooks

    Textbooks are not required for this paper.

    Course outline

    View course outline for COMP 161

    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

    Timetable

    Semester 1

    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 10-13, 15-22
    A2 Monday 14:00-15:50 10-13, 15-22
    A3 Monday 16:00-17:50 10-13, 15-22
    A5 Tuesday 11:00-12:50 10-13, 16-22
    A6 Tuesday 14:00-15:50 10-13, 16-22
    A7 Tuesday 17:00-18:50 10-13, 16-22
    A9 Wednesday 11:00-12:50 10-13, 15-22
    AND one stream from
    B1 Wednesday 14:00-15:50 9-13, 15-22
    B3 Thursday 11:00-12:50 9-13, 15-16, 18-22
    B4 Thursday 14:00-15:50 9-13, 15-16, 18-22
    B5 Thursday 17:00-18:50 9-13, 15-16, 18-22
    B6 Friday 11:00-12:50 9-12, 15-22
    B7 Friday 14:00-15:50 9-12, 15-22
    B9 Wednesday 16:00-17:50 9-13, 15-22

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Tuesday 16:00-16:50 9-13, 15-22
    Thursday 16:00-16:50 9-13, 15-16, 18-22

    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 10:00-10:50 29-35, 37-42
    Wednesday 11:00-12:50 29-35, 37-42
    A2 Wednesday 14:00-15:50 29-35, 37-42
    Friday 11:00-12:50 29-35, 37-42

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Tuesday 16:00-16:50 29-35, 37-42
    Thursday 16:00-16:50 29-35, 37-42

    1st Non standard period (11 November 2024 - 14 December 2024)

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