Structured Programming

Welcome to Structured Programming 2021!

You should find all the information you need on this web site, on the Piazza forum and via our COMP1110 team on Microsoft Teams. All enrolled students will be sent an invite at the start of week one. Please don’t request early access.

This course has three broad foci:

• introductory core computer science, such as data structures, programming language fundamentals, computational 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;
• introductory 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.

I hope that you find this course to be very rewarding, notwithstanding the fast start. 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.

COVID-19 and Online Study

This semester we will be running the course in hybrid mode for the first time, until and unless the University’s policy changes. Subject to the health advice at the time, lectures will be delivered live on campus and live streamed simultaneously. Students will be able to chose between a limited number of in-person, on-campus labs and virtual labs. Drop in sessions will be virtual.

We will continue to provide flexible study options for those of you who are unable to travel to Canberra, consistent with the ANU’s policy.

If you will have difficulty engaging in online study, please contact CECS Student Services so that they can offer you the best support. For more details on the University’s response, please see ANU coronavirus advice.

Lectures

Our lectures are scheduled as follows:

• Monday 15:00-17:00 Canberra time, Manning Clark Hall 1.04.
• Friday 12:00-13:00 Canberra time, Manning Clark Hall 1.04.

Please refer to the lectures tab on this web page for more information, including how to attend lectures virtually.

Assessment and Administrative Overview

The course’s administrative overview is available here.

Individual Assignment

At the start of week two, I will release a small individual assignment, due two weeks later. All students should be able to complete the core of the assignment. There are additional advanced tasks. You should not feel disappointed if you decide not to spend time on the advanced part of the assignment.

Group Assignment

At the core 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 45-minute online mid-semester exam on Monday Week 6 at 13:00. Details will be available in Week 5.

Engagement

Your success in this class depends 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 course has 5% of the marks attached to class 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.

Week One

Week One is particularly important in this course. Please be sure to complete the following by the end of Week One:

• Attend both lectures.
• Browse this web site. Be sure to read policies on deadlines, academic integrity and email.
• Enrol in a lab class.
• Sign up to the Piazza forum (you will receive an invite).
• Sign up to the COMP1110 team on Microsoft Teams (you will receive an invite).
• Attend at least one lab session (in Week One, you may attend any session):
  • Tuesday 09:00-11:00 (in-person N115/116)
  • Tuesday 12:00-14:00 (online)
  • Tuesday 15:00-17:00 (in-person N115/116)
  • Wednesday 11:00-13:00 (in-person N115/116)
  • Wednesday 13:00-15:00 (online)
  • Wednesday 16:00-18:00 (online)
  • Thursday 11:00-13:00 (in-person N115/116)
  • Thursday 14:00-16:00 (online)
  • Thursday 16:00-18:00 (online)

  (All times are Canberra time.)

  Online labs will be held on the COMP1110 online labs channel in Microsoft Teams.

• Complete Lab 1 and get it marked off at one of the scheduled labs.

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