6 points - Three 1-hour lectures, one 1-hour tutorial and one 3-hour laboratory class (3rd hour optional) per week - First, second semester - Clayton, Sunway - Prohibitions: CFR1111, CFR1121, CFR1124, CFR1403, CFR2121, CFR7101, CSC1011, CSC1021, CSE1202, DGS1301, GCO1811, GCO2851, RDT1301, SFT1101, SFT1111, SFT2121, SFT2202, SFT7600
Objectives On completion of this subject, students should understand how computers work; be able to design, implement and debug simple computer programs using a variety of data structures and algorithms; and be able to use a computer system and tools such as editors and compilers.
Synopsis This subject will introduce a modern structured programming language with reference to a simple machine model. Concepts include solving problems computationally, algorithms, simple Boolean algebra. Topics include: control structures - statements, sequence, selection, iteration; programs - procedures, parameters, recursion; data structures - scalars, arrays, records, strings, files, lists; algorithms - insertion, deletion, merge, search, sorting (of various data structures); numerical computing - number representation, representational and arithmetic errors; software engineering principles - modularity, design, documentation, debugging; systems - sufficient overview of system and system software to enable programming to be practised in a realistic context.
Assessment Examination (3 hours): 60% - Compulsory assessed laboratory classes: 30% - Mid-semester test 10% - Students must obtain satisfactory assessment in both the examination and laboratory classes
Prescribed texts
Deitel H M and Deitel P J C: How to program Prentice-Hall, 1994
Recommended texts
Brookshear J G Computer science: An overview Benjamin-Cummings, 1994
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