Unit rationale, description and aim
Computer programs are widely used to drive business applications, and as a result, demand for individuals with strong programming skills continues to grow. Programmers are often required to maintain legacy code, develop new applications to enhance business competitiveness, and improve software security. This unit introduces students to the key concepts of computer program design and development using appropriate data structures, control structures, and functions. Students will also learn object-oriented programming, along with basic testing and debugging techniques. By acquiring these skills, students will be empowered to develop applications that not only meet business needs but also help improve working conditions by offloading laborious or repetitive tasks, allowing workers to focus on more creative and fulfilling activities. The aim of this unit is to help students grasp the essentials of Java—a globally accepted, modern, and practical programming language—while fostering critical thinking and the ability to build software applications involving objects and functional components.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Demonstrate knowledge of programming concepts, str...
Learning Outcome 01
Experiment basic to advanced programming concepts ...
Learning Outcome 02
Design real-life applications and programs using o...
Learning Outcome 03
Develop efficient object-oriented programming solu...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
- Introduction to computers, programs and Java
- Programming terminology and concepts
- Elementary programming: identifiers, variables, constants, and operators
- Elementary program logic: selections and loops
- Elementary data types: numbers, strings and arrays
- System and Text I/O
- Functions and methods
- Objects and classes
- Object-oriented thinking
- Inheritance and polymorphism
- Abstract classes and interfaces
- Exception handling and testing
- Programming solutions to stakeholder needs and the common good that offload laborious or repetitive work
Assessment strategy and rationale
A range of assessment procedures will be used to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes consistent with University assessment requirements. The assessment strategy is designed to progressively build students’ programming competence and confidence, culminating in the application of skills to a real-world context.
The first assessment is a practical task focused on setting up the programming environment and applying consistent problem-solving techniques, laying the technical foundation for the unit. The second assessment is a programming assignment comprising multiple tasks that require students to demonstrate their understanding of basic to advanced programming concepts. The final assessment is a comprehensive case study in which students design, build, and report on a larger object-oriented software application. This task not only consolidates the knowledge and skills gained throughout the unit but also emphasizes the relevance and potential impact of programming solutions for the common good.
The assessments for this unit are designed to demonstrate the achievement of each learning outcome and support the transfer of learning to real-world scenarios.
To pass this unit, students are required to obtain an overall mark of at least 50%.
Overview of assessments
Assessment 1: Programming practical The first as...
Assessment 1: Programming practical
The first assessment item includes programming environment setup and problem solving through programming exercises.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Computer Code & Examination
Artefact: Code, Exam Response Sheet
30%
Assessment 2: Programming assignment The second ...
Assessment 2: Programming assignment
The second assessment item is a programming assignment containing multiple programming tasks to solve which requires the understanding of basic to advanced programming concepts. This task requires students to demonstrate their critical thinking skills and apply their practical programming skills gained in the unit.
Students will apply AI tools based on the assessment guide instructions and reflect on their experience.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Programming code
Artefact: Documented Code + Online Viva
30%
Assessment 3: Programming case study The f...
Assessment 3: Programming case study
The final assessment will consist of a programming case study in which students design and implement a solution to a real-world programming problem with potential impact on the common good. Students will apply their object-oriented programming knowledge to plan, structure, and develop a complete program that meets the specified requirements.
Submission type: Individual
Assessment method: Programming and presentation
Artefacts:
- Source code with documentation
- Live or recorded presentation (8 minutes) with face overlay
- Online viva (oral Q&A)
40%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit is delivered through Attendance and Online modes using a single, integrated learning and teaching strategy designed to ensure equivalent learning outcomes and a comparable learning experience for all students, while supporting diverse learning needs and maximising access.
Across both modes, learning activities are intentionally aligned to the unit learning outcomes and assessment tasks, and are underpinned by active learning, guided engagement with disciplinary knowledge, opportunities for peer interaction, and regular, timely feedback. While the mode of delivery shapes how students participate, the pedagogical intent, expectations and standards remain consistent.
In Attendance mode, students engage in weekly face-to-face classes at designated locations, supported by preparatory activities prior to workshops and opportunities for consolidation following classes. Online learning platforms are used to complement face-to-face teaching through additional resources and learning activities.
In Online mode, students engage with the same core content and learning outcomes through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous activities, including structured discussions and applied learning tasks that support learning in professional contexts.
Across both delivery modes, students should plan to commit approximately 150 hours to this unit over the semester, including participation in learning activities, independent study, readings and assessment preparation.