BI1IP12-Introduction to Programming

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Evangelos Delivopoulos
Email: e.delivopoulos@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Programming is a fundamental skill in all forms of engineering including the design and use of medical devices and is increasingly important across modern biology. The aim of this module is to provide students with the needed foundation to analyse, comprehend and produce their own code in C++ or Python. There is a mixture of theoretical lectures and practical sessions each week; the practicals provide an opportunity to work and build upon the material taught during the lectures. There is a test at the end of the autumn term and assessed exercises throughout the year, to provide students with regular feedback on their progress. At week 6 of spring term, students start their final project (worth 50% of the module).

Aims:

This module aims to introduce student to the principals and key concepts in computer programming. The C / C++ and/or Python family of programming languages will be used for examples and practical work. Programming will be undertaken in the Windows environment with a variety of editors. By the end of the module students should be able to write their own programs.

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Recognise and describe programming constructs


• Explain and demonstrate how to edit and debug programs


• Explain and demonstrate how to compile and run programs within integrated development environments


• Predict what a segment of code will produce (tracing)


• Distinguish programming approach and constructs best suited to a particular problem


• Analyse a problem and design a programmatic solution

< li>Develop a program

• Critically evaluate programming solutions


• Test programs


• Reflect on approach and solutions

Additional outcomes:

Word processing skills; generic programming skills; use of compilers; use of modern integrated programming environment; problem solving; debugging.

Outline content:

1. Computing Concepts and Introduction to Programming; Structured Program Development


2. Program Control; Types and Operators; Functions; Arrays and Pointers; Characters and Strings; Formatted Input/Output; Structures, Unions, and Enumerations; File Processing; Data Structures.


3. Using Windows operating system; Interpreters , Compilers, Linkers, Debuggers and Integrated Development Environments; typical computer organisation

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures laboratory practicals, and flipped classrooms.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	8
Tutorials	5
Practicals classes and workshops	12
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	40
Preparation of practical report	15
Revision and preparation	10
Reflection	10
Total hours by term	100	0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Practical skills assessment	80
Class test administered by School	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1. One in-class test with multiple choice questions and a long question


2. Four practicals running between Weeks 1 and 11 of term.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Class test administered by School

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 25 June 2021