Key facts
UNE unit code: COSC101
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- UNE Sydney Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information

Software development is a collaborative undertaking that requires the integration of different technologies to build elegant and intuitive solutions. This unit introduces you to the fundamentals of software production.
Helping you to develop a strong understanding of how data is represented and manipulated within a computer system, you will solve problems in a series of individual and collaborative software development tasks.
Your capacity for critical thinking, analysis and complex problem solving will be extended as you build interactive software in a high-level programming language, applying your skills to effectively communicate design choices.
With the Australian Government predicting very strong future growth for the sector, highly skilled professionals who can harness the tools of modern software development are in demand.
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 |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
There are no requisites for this unit.
Notes
Students will need to be able to install the Processing IDE to complete design tasks. Please review:
Students will need to be able to record short videos using a webcam, digital camera or smartphone and be able to upload them to online services.
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:
- explain how data and information is represented within a computer system and how it is manipulated to solve problems in a range of disciplines;
- solve problems and design software solutions using a high-level programming language and a range of technologies, protocols and algorithms;
- apply basic collaborative software development practices to work effectively with team members on small-scale software development projects;
- understand basic interaction design principles and apply these to the development of interactive software; and
- demonstrate effectively written and oral communication skills to convey information, approaches and design decisions to a range of audiences.
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 | 10% | All offerings | Individual programming task. |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Individual programming task. |
| Assessment 3 - Assurance Task | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Collaborative software development with oral demonstration task. Students must pass the Final Examination and also pass the sum of the Final Examination and Assessment 3 in aggregate in order to pass the unit. |
| Assessment 4 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Individual development reflection. No. Words: 1000 |
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Final Exam: Supervised MyLearn Quiz. Students must pass the Final Examination and also pass the sum of the Final Examination and Assessment 3 in aggregate 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: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Processing: A Programming Handbook for Visual Designers and Artists
ISBN: 9780262028288
Reas, C. and Fry, B., MIT Press 2nd ed. 2014
Text refers to: All offerings
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