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 capabilities 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.
Transition pedagogies support assessment success through staged tasks, in-class practice activities, early and ongoing feedback, discipline-specific skill development, and enhanced peer collaboration to promote progressive learning and student engagement throughout.
Overview of assessments
To successfully pass the unit, students must demonstrate achievement of all learning outcomes and achieve a minimum overall mark of 50% in the graded assessments.
Assessment 1: Developmental Exercises 1 This ass...
Assessment 1: Developmental Exercises 1
This assessment includes hands-on basic programming exercises
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Practical Exercises
Artefact: Programming code
20%
Assessment 2: Developmental Exercises 2 This ass...
Assessment 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: 1500 + Code + Online Viva
40%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit is delivered in different modes using an 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. Students should anticipate undertaking 150 hours of study for this unit, including class attendance, readings, online forum participation and assessment preparation.
Online mode: This unit uses an active learning approach to support students in the exploration of knowledge essential to the discipline. Students are provided with choice and variety in how they learn. Students are encouraged to contribute to asynchronous weekly discussions. Active learning opportunities provide students with opportunities to practice and apply their learning in situations similar to their future professions. Activities encourage students to bring their own examples to demonstrate understanding, application and engage constructively with their peers. Students receive regular and timely feedback on their learning, which includes information on their progress.
To support students transitioning from the Diploma to second‑year undergraduate study, the unit uses targeted transition pedagogies that strengthen discipline foundations and essential study competencies through an active, engaging and supportive learning approach.