Key facts
UNE unit code: COSC110
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- UNE Sydney Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Modern software development is a multi-billion dollar industry, where problem-solving skills and solid understanding of programming techniques and practices are vital for producing high quality software.
Building core knowledge for the study of computer science, this unit introduces you to techniques for computer program development. You will gain experience using a high-level programming language, and UNIX-type operating systems for developing and debugging computer programs.
Honing skills for structured problem solving, you will develop and implement algorithms that break complex problems down into their component tasks and procedures. You will also explore the social implications, ethics and professional practice for IT.
Your learning is reinforced throughout with practical exercises that challenge you with interesting problems.
Topics include control structures, data types, algorithm design and analysis, basic hardware components and a user view of operating systems.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, UNE Sydney Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, UNE Sydney Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
The programming language used is Python.
To study this unit on campus at the UNE Sydney Campus you must be admitted to your course as an on campus student at the UNE Sydney Campus.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- solve problems using a structured approach by constructing and implementing algorithms using a high-level programming language, making use of a range of data-types, control structures, parameter passing, functions and procedures;
- describe and apply good program development practices and/or coding style to the production of software;
- analyse and debug computer programs to describe their purpose and identify logic and syntactical errors whenever they are present;
- explain the principles of intellectual property and how they relate to the ethical considerations surrounding control and availability of information technology;
- explain the history and status of information technology by identifying key developments and their relationship with current techniques or technologies; and
- understand and apply the tools and commands available in UNIX-type operating systems for tasks relating to software development, basic administration and data processing.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Tutorial exercises. 10 tutorial exercises @ 2% each. All exercises must be attempted. |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Theory assignment. All assignments must be attempted. |
| Assessment 3 | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Programming Task. All assignments must be attempted. |
| Assessment 4 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Programming Task. All assignments must be attempted. |
| Final Examination | Yes | 35% | All offerings | It is mandatory to pass this examination in order to pass the unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Think Python: How to Think Like a Computer Scientist
ISBN: 9781098155438
Downey, A.B., O'Reilly Media 3rd ed. 2024
Text refers to: All offerings
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