Fundamentals of Programming (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Content scheduling

The course introduces the basic concepts and structures of programming languages, the algorithmic thinking needed for programming, and practical programming skills sufficient for working with an editor and interpreter. The main goal is to learn how to build small, functional, 1-5 subprogram-based applications based on sequences, selection, and repetition.

The learning tool and example programming language for the course is Python. Topics covered include, among others, writing programs in an editor, proper programming style, variables, references, basic control structures, basic data structures, input and output, algorithmic problem solving, modularity, and functions. In addition to studying theory, students will be required to practice independently from the start of the course.

Students can register on the course between the 15th of June and the 30th of November. The actual course can be studied between the 2nd of September and 12th of December including the final exam. The recommended length of studying the course is about two months, so if you will not start the actual studying before November things can get quite busy.

Note, that there will be no studying chance or materials available before the 2nd of September. No teacher will be present online before the date. This means that you will have to wait until the date after the registration to begin the studying. However, all registered students will receive an e-mail message by the 1st of September containing practical instructions.

Objective

The course introduces the basic concepts and structures of programming languages, the algorithmic thinking needed for programming, and practical programming skills sufficient for working with an editor and interpreter. The main goal is to learn how to build small, functional, 1-5 subprogram-based applications based on sequences, selection, and repetition.

Content

The learning tool and example programming language for the course is Python. Topics covered include, among others, writing programs in an editor, proper programming style, variables, references, basic control structures, basic data structures, input and output, algorithmic problem solving, modularity, and functions. In addition to studying theory, students will be required to practice independently from the start of the course.

This course is equivalent to University of Turku course TKO_2110/BIOI2250 Introduction to Programming.

Materials

Online material in ViLLE environment.

Teaching methods

Theory studies and independent practicing of programming and problem solving using ViLLE-learning environment with editor and interpreter. Written exam, weekly exercises and material on-line; the course is organized in co-operation between University of Turku and Turku University of Applied Sciences

Exam schedules

A written exam at the end of the course.

Pedagogic approaches and sustainable development

No travelling is required.

Completion alternatives

-

Student workload

Total 135 hours.

Evaluation methods and criteria

A written exam at the end of the course.

Failed (0)

Student
• does not know basic concepts of programming
• cannot read or write simple programs

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Student
• knows such basic concepts of programming as variables, control structures and functions
• understands how the program flow is going
• can read or write simple programs

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

Student
• knows such basic concepts of programming as variables, control structures, functions, classes, objects and arrays
• understands how the program flow is going and is able to find easy errors
• can make simple programs

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Student
• knows such basic concepts of programming as variables, control structures and functions, classes and objects
• utilizes some data structures such as arrays, lists and hash tables.
• understands how the program flow is going
• can make programs that include aforesaid concepts.

Further information

All registered students will receive an e-mail message by the 1st of September containing practical instructions.

At the beginning, participating students will receive an e-mail to both their e-mail-addresses - personal (if they have provided one) and student e-mail. The e-mail contains instructions on how to access all necessary channels of information and systems. The ViLLE-learning environment, Discord for discussions and systems used will be Itslearning-environment (of TUAS). Itslearning is mainly used for distributing possible extra materials, notifications and instructions, whereas ViLLE contains the main course material and all assignments. The discussions on Discord are both between students and between teachers and students.