Current postgraduate taught students
COMP70111: Introduction to Software Development in Java (2007-2008)
This is an archived syllabus from 2007-2008
Credit rating: 15
Pre-requisites: Basic computer literacy and the ability to think logically and solve abstract problems.
Co-requisites: No Co-requisites
Duration: 16-18 weeks
Lectures: 8 - 10 hours per week private study
Course lecturer: not assignedAdditional staff: view all staff
Coursework: 100%
Lab: 0%
Introduction
To ensure that students have a thorough grasp of the basics of object-oriented programming in Java 1.5. The emphasis is on fundamental principles and their application in practice. Language constructs and library classes are introduced as embodiments or examples of the principles and best practice is emphasised throughout.
Aims
A student successfully completing this module should be able to:
Explain the relationship between real - world entities and software objects with suitable examples.
Make appropriate use of existing classes
Write simple classes to model application domain concepts.
Use the basic imperative features of Java with confidence
Create programs consisting of small collections of classes, which obey the basic best practice rules of responsibility assignment, low coupling etc.
Build simple inheritance hierarchies which pass the is-a test
Handle runtime errors using exception handling in accordance with best practice
Create very simple GUI applets and applications using Swing
Perform basic stream I/O and file handling
Calculate the complexity of simple algorithms using collections and explain why it matters
Assessment of Learning outcomes
The assessment is 100% coursework based (50% programming exercises, 50% projects).Syllabus
Object-oriented basics






Imperative programming








Classes, responsibilities and collaborations







Inheritance







Exception handling





Collections and algorithms




Building simple GUIs




Stream and file I/O



Reading List
The course will be delivered using a virtual learning environment (VLE). The material is supplied as a Computer Based training Package (CBT) and the students are guided through their study using a series of work packages presented by the VLE.
The CBT contains interactive self-assessment checks throughout the material. Each work package contains exercises to reinforce the learning process.
These exercises can be submitted to the Course Assessor or Tutors who will respond with relevant feedback.
The VLE provides a bulletin board facility that the students are encouraged to use to communicate with one another, this board is moderated by the tutors and course assessor.
Each student is allocated to a tutorial group which meets on-line every week to discuss their study and any problems they are encountering. These tutorials are led by a member of School staff with the appropriate skills. The tutorial content is logged and students who are unable to attend are able to access the logged material.