Unit rationale, description and aim
Computer programs are widely used to drive practical business applications. As a result, global demand for people with programming skills is increasing. Programmers are commonly required to ethically maintain legacy code, to develop new applications to make business competitive and to improve software security. This unit introduces students to key concepts of computer program design and development using appropriate data structures, control structures and functions. In addition, students will learn object-oriented programming and basic testing and debugging skills. The aim of this unit is to introduce the basics of a modern programming language for building simple software applications involving objects and functional components. Hence by studying this unit students will be able to support the common good of mankind by overcoming chronic shortages of programmers to drive modern business applications.
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.
Explain the foundational principles of object-orie...
Learning Outcome 01
Apply problem-solving strategies to break down com...
Learning Outcome 02
Implement structured, modular solutions for small-...
Learning Outcome 03
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
• Exception handling and testing
• Programming solutions to stakeholder needs and the common good
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 first and second assessment items are regular programming-based exercise that consists of programming environment setup and practical problem solving. The final programming project assessment consists of one or several small to medium programming projects to implement with focus on modelling and solving real-world computational problems with potential impact to the common good.
The assessment tasks for this unit are designed to demonstrate the achievement of each learning outcome. To pass this unit, students are required to obtain an overall mark of at least 50%.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1: Developmental Exercises 1 This...
Assessment Task 1: Developmental Exercises 1
This assessment includes hands-on basic programming exercises
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Practical Exercises
Artefact: Programming code
20%
Assessment Task 2: Developmental Exercises 2 Thi...
Assessment Task 2: Developmental Exercises 2
This assessment includes hands-on object oriented programming exercises
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Practical Exercise + Online Viva
Artefact: Code + Online Viva
40%
Assessment Task 3: Programming project The fina...
Assessment Task 3: Programming project
The final assessment consists of a small programming project. Students will apply their object-oriented programming knowledge and skills to implement and test a functional software solution, demonstrating independent problem-solving skills and the ability to work autonomously in addressing technical challenges. Students will use gen-AI tools to evaluate their code and generate software maintenance documentations.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Project design and implementation
Artefact: Project documentation and code + Online Viva
Word limit: 1000 words + code + Online Vivia
40%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit is offered in two delivery modes—Attendance and Online—to support diverse learning needs and maximise access for isolated or marginalised groups.
Attendance Mode
Students attend weekly face-to-face classes at designated locations and engage directly with lecturers to support achievement of learning outcomes. The unit requires preparation before workshops (typically around one hour) and at least one hour of consolidation afterwards. Online learning platforms provide additional preparatory and practice activities to reinforce learning.
Online Mode
The online mode enables students to explore core disciplinary knowledge through both synchronous and asynchronous learning. Weekly discussion activities and active learning tasks encourage the application of theoretical concepts in professional contexts. Engagement with peers supports constructive learning, and students receive regular, timely feedback throughout the semester.
Students should anticipate undertaking 150 hours of study for this unit, including class attendance, readings, online engagement and forum participation and assessment preparation.