GCO7821

Computer programming I

Lecturer to be advised

6 points
* First semester
* Distance
* Corequisites: GC07822

Objectives On completion of this subject, students should be able to understand the nature of computer programs and programming languages; display skills in problem solving and algorithmic design; and write programs and manipulate data in one- and two-dimensional arrays and use appropriate techniques to communicate program data between modules.

Synopsis Algorithms; introduction to structured design; programming language, lexical elements and basic syntax; simple data types, variables, constants, declarations; block structure, expressions, statements, compound statements; input, output; control structures; storage classes; scope rules; information hiding; functions and parameters; function calls; passing parameters by value and by reference; module specification using pre- and post-conditions; use of assertions. One-dimensional and multi-dimensional arrays; character and string handling; testing and debugging techniques; compiler usage. For students on campus, there will be four hours per week, consisting of two hours of lectures and two hours of tutorials, with additional contact initiated by the student. For distance education students, there will be an optional four hours contact at each weekend school, coupled with study guides and additional contact through electronic mail and news. Access to the university's computer systems via modem is compulsory for distance education students.

Assessment Examination (3 hours): 60%
* Other assessment modes: 40%

Prescribed texts

To be advised