Welcome to Structured Programming [2018 S2] 2018!

You should find all the information you need on this web site, and on the Piazza forum, which you’ll be invited to join in week one.

This course has three broad foci:

  • core computer science, such as data structures, programming language fundamentals, complexity, as well as some history;
  • software development skills, including learning the Java programming language, learning to use a distributed version control system and an integrated development environment;
  • software engineering, including classic concepts in software engineering and exposure to current practice.

The course is fast paced, particularly during the first five weeks (please carefully read the notes on week one below). However, I hope that you find this course to be very rewarding. Each student who completes this course should walk away with a great sense of satisfaction in completing a major project, having learned a lot, and having mastered some important software development skills along the way.

Lectures

Our lectures are scheduled as follows:

It is very important that you understand how the course content will be delivered. First, the core content will be available in PDFs ahead of time. Second, during our allotted lecture times I will work through the material, focusing heavily on problem solving and practical use of the tools that you are expected to master. I will also be asking very simple quiz questions in lectures throughout semester via Piazza. So at each lecture you will have the opportunity to see concepts translated to practice in the same environment that you are expected to use, and will have an opportunity to engage through simple quiz questions. The live lectures will also be recorded and made available to you on this web page alongside the other material.

It is up to you to make the most of the resources I am delivering to you. Unless you engage well with this material, you will struggle. By far the best way to do it is to be an active participant in the lectures.

Assessment and Administrative Overview

The course’s administrative overview is available here.

Individual Assignment

Early in the semester you will complete a small individual assignment. All students should be able to complete four out of five parts of the assignment. The fifth part is more advanced. You should not feel disappointed if you decide not to spend time on the fifth stage.

Group Assignment

At the centre of the course is a large group project, which you will complete in groups of three. The lecture and lab materials are paced to ensure you have the skills to complete the project on schedule.

Mid-Semester Exam

There will be a short mid-semester exam on Monday Week 6 at 18:00. The exam will be electronic. Details will be available in week 5.

Engagement

This class depends entirely on engagement from you. You will profit because you’ll enjoy the class a great deal more, and you’ll undoubtedly see your engagement reflected in your final mark. Some students need a nudge, and in deference to them, this class has 5% of the marks attached to engagement (this comes from participation in your lab, engagement on the Piazza forum and engagement in in-lecture quizzes).

Practitioner Cameos

In this class you will have the opportunity to meet and interact with guest lecturers. Make the most of these opportunities.

You should find all course materials available from this web site.

Week One

Week one is particularly important in this course. Please be sure to complete the following:

  • Attend both lectures
  • Browse this web site. Be sure to read policies on deadlines, academic integrity and email.
  • Enroll in a lab class (enrolment will be open from 09:00 Monday 23rd July).
  • Complete the RSCS Teaching Improvement Exercise (if you did not already complete it in Semester 1) at any of the scheduled lab sessions (see below for times) in N115/N116
  • Attend at least one lab session in N115/N116 (in week one, you may attend any session):
    • Tuesday 08:00-10:00
    • Tuesday 18:00-20:00
    • Wednesday 18:00-20:00
    • Thursday 08:00-10:00
    • Thursday 10:00-12:00
    • Thursday 14:00-16:00
    • Thursday 16:00-18:00
    • Thursday 18:00-20:00
  • Complete Lab 1 on a lab computer, and get it marked off at one of the scheduled labs.
  • Complete Lab 1 on your own computer, and get it marked off at one of the scheduled labs (if you plan to use our own computer during semester). If you need more help getting setup on your computer, attend the CSSA InstallFest, 17:00 Thursday Week 1, July 26 in N101 on the ground floor of Building 108.

A step-by-step video shows you how to complete lab 1.

Updated:  01 Oct 2018/ Responsible Officer:  Head of School/ Page Contact:  Steve Blackburn