Unit rationale, description and aim
Python is one of the world's most widely used programming languages and has become an essential tool across health sciences. It is used by healthcare data analysts, clinical researchers, epidemiologists, biostatisticians, data scientists, and software engineers to address complex challenges in areas such as medical diagnostics, genomic analysis, hospital management, biomarker discovery, drug development, and health informatics. As artificial intelligence (AI) tools and AI-assisted coding approaches continue to transform software development, health professionals increasingly require the ability to work effectively with programming technologies to solve discipline-specific problems.
In this unit, students will learn to develop Python applications for health-related and clinical contexts using AI-assisted programming tools such as Vibe coding. They will gain foundational skills in requirements analysis, reading programming syntax and working with AI to generate code. Through practical problem-solving activities, students will develop the technical knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to create programming solutions for a range of health science applications. No prior programming experience is required.
This unit aims to develop students’ understanding and application of fundamental Python programming concepts and AI-assisted development approaches to address challenges in health science contexts.
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 and understanding of fundame...
Learning Outcome 01
Apply common data processing library packages and ...
Learning Outcome 02
Solve problems in a variety of health-related cont...
Learning Outcome 03
Evaluate coding algorithms based on their quality,...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
- Installing AI tools, Python, library packages and Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)
- Document requirements for AI tools
- Programming concepts (variables, data types, data structures, conditions and loops, and callable objects)
- Apply AI tools to generate coding-based solutions
- The evolution progress of AI (machine learning, NLP, large-scale language model)
Assessment strategy and rationale
Assessments in this unit are designed to be engaging and interactive.
The first assessment task requires students to choose a health-related project and propose a solution that can be solved using AI tools to develop a comprehensive requirements specification document.
For the second assessment task, students will use the requirements document they created in Assessment 1 to develop a working Python application. They will use AI-assisted development tools to help build the application and demonstrate that it meets the requirements they previously identified. The completed application must be functional and ready to be presented and demonstrated. There are two parts to this task: Part A: Students will submit their Python application solution for feedback. Part B: Students will submit a revised Python application solution based on feedback from their instructor.
In order to pass this unit, students are required to achieve a final grade of 50% or more to demonstrate achievement of all learning outcomes.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1: Requirements specification doc...
Assessment Task 1: Requirements specification document
Students will write a requirements specification document for a health-related problem, using AI tools to develop and describe an appropriate computer-based solution.
30%
Assessment Task 2: AI-based application developme...
Assessment Task 2: AI-based application development
Students will build and demonstrate a functional Python application that implements the requirements defined in Assessment task 1.
30%
Assessment Task 3: Solution and refinement There...
Assessment Task 3: Solution and refinement
There are two parts to this task: Part A: Students will submit their Python application solution for feedback. Part B: Students will submit a revised Python application solution based on feedback from their instructor.
40%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
Developing proficiency in Python programming and the effective use of AI-assisted development tools requires regular practice, application, and feedback. Accordingly, this unit adopts an active learning approach that emphasises hands-on problem solving and authentic programming tasks. Interactive online workshops provide opportunities for students to engage with key programming concepts, apply their knowledge through practical activities, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Online computer laboratory classes enable students to demonstrate their learning, receive guidance from lecturers, and refine their programming and AI-assisted development skills. Students are supported through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning activities, discussion forums, and learning resources available through ACU's Learning Management System (LMS).