Foundations of Programming

Unit Outline (Higher Education)

   
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Effective Term: 2027/05
Institute / School :Institute of Innovation, Science & Sustainability
Unit Title: Foundations of Programming
Unit ID: ITECH1400
Credit Points: 15.00
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Co-requisite(s): Nil
Exclusion(s): (ITECH5104)
ASCED: 020103
Other Change:  
Brief description of the Unit

This unit provides students with a basic understanding of the fundamental programming concepts that are inherent in all computer programs. In addition an introduction is given to the principles involved in designing, developing, testing and debugging applications for information systems.

Grade Scheme: Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF)
Work Experience Indicator:
No work experience
Placement Component:
Supplementary Assessment:Yes
Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment
Course Level:
Level of Unit in CourseAQF Level(s) of Course
5678910
Introductory                                                
Intermediate                                                
Advanced                                                
Learning Outcomes:
Knowledge:
Skills:
Application of knowledge and skills:
Other outcomes:
O1.

Apply programming language syntax and style conventions to produce maintainable code.

O2.

Design structured algorithms using pseudocode to decompose problems into logical steps.

O3.

Implement simple software solutions using core programming constructs and fundamental algorithms.

O4.

Test and debug programs using appropriate techniques to identify and correct errors.

O5.

Analyse and interpret program code to explain functionality, justify programming decisions, and verify improvements.

Unit Content:

Topics may include:
1. Overview of software development and where programming fits in.
2. Problem-solving techniques, program types and programming languages.
3. The use of variables, operators and programming syntax.
4. Program logic including the use of branching, loops and identifying logic errors.
5. Procedures and functions.
6. Introduction to the use of data, data persistence and file input/output.
7. Main features of procedural programming.
8. Introduction to common software development methodologies.
9. Searching and sorting techniques.

Graduate Attributes:
 Learning Outcomes AssessedAssessment TasksAssessment TypeWeightingProfessional Standards
1. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Students will design, develop, test and evaluate software solutions to authentic problems using pseudocode, algorithms, programming constructs and accepted coding standards. Tasks may include documentation of design processes, testing and debugging activities, justification of programming decisions, and appropriate use of contemporary software development tools, including AI-enabled tools where specified.

Assignments, exercises and/or programming projects.

60 - 80%

1.1, 1.4, 2.4, 2.5
2. 1, 2, 3, 5

Students will independently demonstrate foundational programming knowledge and skills through theoretical and practical problem-solving activities. Tasks may require students to analyse algorithms, interpret and modify program code, identify and resolve errors, develop simple solutions, and explain program behaviour and implementation decisions.

Tests, quizzes and/or practical programming challenges.

20 - 40%

1.1, 1.4
Adopted Reference Style:
APA  ()

Professional Standards / Competencies:
 Standard / Competency