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Prescription: PP490 Programming Concepts and Tools

Aim of Module To introduce students to the process of solving simple programming tasks through logic methods, problem decomposition and translation into a programming language.

Credits 7

Knowledge Assumed From RESTRICTION: THIS MODULE CAN NOT BE CREDITED IN ADDITION TO PD500(PD100) OR PP400 (PP100).

Student Learning hours 70

Content Revised New 2002

Prescription Expiry Date Nov 2005

Note THIS IS A COMPULSORY DipICT (L5) MODULE Students may omit this compulsory module if they have achieved passes in both PD500(PD100) and PP400(PP100).


Level and Assessment Schedule
TopicsHighest
Skill Level
Suggested
Assessment
Percentage
1 Problem Decomposition and Documentation of Logic A 10
3 Desk checks A 10
4 Translation of logic solutions into a selected programming language A 45
5 Simple Program Documentation A 5

100

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The Student Will
A1Apply the techniques of problem decomposition and apply a number of recognised ways to document the logic.
A2Demonstrate appropriate use of sequence, selection and iteration to design well structured programs for solving simple tasks.
A3Desk check the design using test data.
A4Translate simple logic solutions from an appropriate logic diagram into the selected programming language. Compile, resolve syntax errors, test the programs, and modify the programs as required to meet the original design objectives.
A5Document source programs to basic level.

CONTENT

1Problem Decomposition and Documentation of Logic
top
3Desk checks
top
4Translation of logic solutions into a selected programming language
top
5Simple Program Documentation
top
Note
CONTENT
>It is expected that a depiction method related to the programming language taught in this module will be covered to a greater depth.
1Two suitable logic depiction methods such as structure diagrams, structured English, and UML may be used.
>Programs need not relate to business data processing but the selection of tasks should introduce design techniques that will be required for typical data processing problems.
>A maximum of one level of nesting of selection/iteration is recommended.
>Examples of problems to indicate the level of difficulty:
-Calculate sum, product, average of series of numbers
-Conversion of temperatures from Celsius to Fahrenheit
-Input values and output results with simple calculations
2Problem solution should be based on whole programs not sub-programs, functions or procedures.
3Desk checks should be taught as part of the logic depiction method and performed before program code is written.
4Programming features such as input, output, operations (eg. arithmetic) on data, data storage (not files) should be included.
>The action of individual items of syntax in the selected programming language should be explained. This includes information about any data elements it works with, produces or changes.
>The subset will include logic control, assignment and comparison operators that are required to write programs for this module.
>Examples of suitable languages:
-Visual Basic
-Pascal
-Java
-Jade
>An integrated programming environment using either a procedural or object oriented language is recommended.
>The student should write the program from the selected logic depiction method and ensure that all original design objectives are met.
5The source program should be documented with such simple comments as program name, date written, author, purpose of program
NOTES AND COMMENTS
>The intention of this module is to get the student to implement simple problem solutions that they have completed in the logic section of this module, not to produce commercial programs.
>The module requires students to acquire skills in taking the fundamental building blocks of program design (selection, iteration and sequence) and applying these to simple problems. The vehicle for testing the resulting procedures will be the selected programming language. Equal assessment is to be given to both program design and the ability to translate that design into the selected language.
>The training provider should ensure that the appropriate mix of theory and practical application is maintained throughout the teaching of this module. Theory should be re-enforced with practical, not treated as a separate topic.



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