Module Catalogue 2024/25

CSC8011 : Introduction to Software Development (Inactive)

CSC8011 : Introduction to Software Development (Inactive)

  • Inactive for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Dan Nesbitt
  • Owning School: Computing
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To provide an introduction to object-oriented design and implementation, software development environments, version control tooling, and the Java programming language.

Outline Of Syllabus

•       Programs, programming, programming environments.
•       Introduction to tooling for version control.
•       The Java Programming Language Architecture: JVM, JRE, and JDK.
•       Java Programming language fundamentals: types, variables, arithmetic expression, boolean conditions,
•       Objects and methods.
•       Data Structures: Arrays, Array Lists, Maps, and Sets
•       Control-flow abstractions: 'if', 'while', 'do', 'switch' and 'for' statements; input and output.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

To be able to read and explain simple examples of software code written in an object-oriented programming language.
To be able to describe and discuss some common data structures and their use.

Intended Skill Outcomes

The ability to run, implement, test and debug simple Java programs.
The ability to use a modern software development environment.
The ability to use standard tools for version control and collaboration.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion128:0028:00Background reading
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion83:0024:00Lecture and async materials follow-up, includes time for formative assessment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture161:0016:00Synchronous present in person (pip) lectures
Structured Guided LearningLecture materials81:008:00Asynchronous online preparatory materials
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical41:004:00Synchronous present in person practical sessions
Guided Independent StudyProject work120:0020:00For Practical/lab report 1. Summative Assessment
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will be used to introduce the learning material and for demonstrating the key concepts by example. Students are expected to follow-up lectures within a few days by re-reading and annotating lecture notes to aid deep learning. This is a very practical subject, and it is important that the learning materials are supported by hands-on opportunities provided by practical classes. Synchronous online sessions will allow students to engage with the module staff as a form of contact queries for the practical formative assessment.
Students are expected to spend time on coursework outside of timetabled sessions. Additional background reading is expected to accompany the asynchronous lecture materials and the formative assessment.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Practical/lab report1M100Programming coursework (20 hrs)
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Prob solv exercises1MSmall Programming Exercises
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Practice in writing programs and using development tools is the most effective way for students to learn software development. As an introductory module in a very practical subject, the assessment is 100% coursework.

Formative, smaller programming tasks will be used as a way of practising the key skills and taught fundamentals to prepare students for the summative assessment. General feedback will be given to the class in preparation for the summative assessment.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue

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You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.

Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.