301038 Programming Proficiency

Spring 2017
 Unit Details

Unit Code: 301038

Unit Name: Programming Proficiency
Credit Points: 10
Unit Level: 7
Assumed Knowledge: Not Applicable

Modes of Delivery
Mode Hours
Lecture 3
Tutorial

Note: Students with any problems, concerns or doubts should discuss those with the Unit Coordinator as early as they can.

Unit Coordinator
Name: Zhuhan Jiang
Phone: 96859336
Location: ER 1.04
Email: z.jiang@westernsydney.edu.au
Consultation Arrangement:
Consultation hours and their latest updates will be made available on the unit website.

Edition: Spring 2017

Copyright 2017
c University Western Sydney trading as Western Sydney University ABN 53 014 069 881 CRICOS Provider No: 00917K No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior written permission from the Dean of the School of Computing, Engineering & Mathematics. Copyright
for acknowledged materials reproduced herein is retained by the copyright holder. All readings in this publication are copied under licence in accordance with Part VB of the Copyright Act 1968.
Contents
1 About Programming Proficiency 2
1.1 An Introduction to this Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.2 What is Expected of You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.3 Changes to Unit as a Result of Past Student Feedback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

2 Assessment Information 3
2.1 Unit Learning Outcomes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.2 Approach to Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.3 Contribution to Course Learning Outcomes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.4 Assessment Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.5 Assessment Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.5.1 In-class mini test 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.5.2 In-class mini test 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.5.3 In-class mini test 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.5.4 Programming exercise x 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.5.5 Final Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.6 General Submission Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

3 Teaching and Learning Activities 14

4 Learning Resources 15
4.1 Recommended Readings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Note: The Learning Guide Companion supplements this document

1
1 About Programming Proficiency
1.1 An Introduction to this Unit
This unit is aimed at the students whose undergraduate study is in a discipline other than computing or information
technology. This unit first covers the programming fundamentals on data types, conditional selections and loop structures,
and then further develops the problem solving skills through the use of user-defined functions, records, files, as well as
the basic concept and techniques of object-oriented programming. A high level programming language is employed to
implement all the problem solutions.

1.2 What is Expected of You

Study Load
A student is expected to study an hour per credit point a week. For example a 10 credit point unit would require 10 hours
of study per week. This time includes the time spent within classes during lectures, tutorials or practicals.

Attendance
While attendance at the lectures/tutorials is not compulsory you are strongly advised to come to the classes. Attendance
may be marked and may be taken into account when if a student appeals against his/her grade. International students
should also be careful that they do not fall foul of the requirements attached to their student visas.

Online Learning Requirements

Unit materials will be made available on the units vUWS (E-Learning) site (https://vuws.westernsydney.edu.au/) You are
expected to consult vUWS at least twice a week, as all unit announcements will be made via vUWS. Teaching and learning
materials will be regularly updated and posted online by the teaching team.

No E-Learning resources required for this Unit.

Special Requirements
Essential Equipment:
Access to a computer and Internet at home
Legislative Pre-Requisites:
Not Applicable

1.3 Changes to Unit as a Result of Past Student Feedback

Student feedback pays a vital role in improving the quality and educational effectiveness of Western Sydney University
units and in ensuring academic staff keep in touch with student needs. You are welcome to provide feedback that is related
to the teaching of this unit. At the end of the semester you will be given the opportunity to complete a Student Feedback
on Unit (SFU) questionnaire to assess the unit. If requested by your unit coordinator, you may also have the opportunity
to complete a Student Feedback on Teaching (SFT) questionnaire to provide feedback for individual teaching staff.

As a result of student feedback, the following changes and improvements have recently been made:
Further refinement on the content selection, organisation and presentation.

2
2 Assessment Information
2.1 Unit Learning Outcomes
Outcome
1 Discuss and explain the concepts of data and procedural representation, programming languages, compilers,
interpreters, and development environments.
2 Design and/or represent programs with flow chart and pseudo code.
3 Use effectively the basic data types, selection control, and loop structure.
4 Utilise a high-level programming language to develop problem solutions using standard IO or a proper user
interface, files, and record or class structure.
5 Apply a modular design or an OO design to the software solution.
6 Explain the concept of object-oriented programming, and apply the concept to developing a software solution
within an OOP environment.

2.2 Approach to Learning

Theoretical coverage in the form of a brief lecture combined and intertwined with practical demo and exercises.

Type Approach
Lecture at the start of class, followed by lab practical exercises.

Lectures - all regular lecture notes are available on the unit website. They contain the
main points and key issues for the unit, and indicate the depth of understanding expected of
the students. As such, the lecturer may choose to elaborate more on certain more important
or fundamental concepts or techniques during the class and leave the uncovered slides to be
studied by the students themselves.
Lecture Tutorial
Tutorial Practicals - provide students with the hands-on experience on the Java programming.
These programming exercises will typically consolidate what the students have already learned
in the current and previous week/s, with possibly some relevant additional materials as well.
The instructor will also provide feedback immediately in class and in person whenever possible
so that students are aware of their level of understanding as well as their progress on the unit
as a whole.

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 2.3 Contribution to Course Learning Outcomes

3699: Master of Information and Communications Technology

Course Learning Outcomes ULO 1 ULO 2 ULO 3 ULO 4 ULO 5 ULO 6
1. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of core and specialised concepts Assured Introduced Assured Assured Developed Developed
related to ICT body of knowledge, including established theories and recent
developments with an understanding of the both local and international
perspectives.
2. Identify and analyse problems and issues related to ICT and articulate Introduced Introduced Assured Assured Developed Introduced
appropriate solutions and justify propositions in order to respond to stakeholder
needs and goals, within the framework of professional and ethical practice.
3. Demonstrate a high level of personal autonomy and accountability, in Developed Introduced Developed Assured Assured Introduced
acquisition and application of knowledge and skills and in problem solving in
professional context.
4. Apply enquiry-based learning, investigate and synthesise complex ideas and Assured Assured Assured Introduced
concepts, and develop ways of learning by exploring new knowledge within ICT
discipline.
5. Develop skills in scholarly research and communicate complex ideas in a variety Introduced Introduced Introduced
of formats to diverse audiences.
4

3700: Graduate Diploma in Information and Communications Technology

Course Learning Outcomes ULO 1 ULO 2 ULO 3 ULO 4 ULO 5 ULO 6
1. Develop an advanced understanding of core concepts related to ICT body of Assured Introduced Assured Assured Developed Developed
knowledge, including established theories and recent developments with an
understanding of the both local and international perspectives.
2. Identify, analyse and communicate problems and issues related to ICT and Introduced Introduced Assured Assured Developed Introduced
articulate appropriate solutions in order to respond to stakeholder needs and
goals, within the framework of professional and ethical practice.
3. Demonstrate a high level of personal autonomy and accountability in Developed Introduced Developed Assured Assured Introduced
acquisition and application of knowledge and skills.
 3701: Graduate Certificate in Information and Communications Technology
Course Learning Outcomes ULO 1 ULO 2 ULO 3 ULO 4 ULO 5 ULO 6
1. Demonstrate knowledge of core concepts related to ICT, including established Assured Introduced Assured Assured Developed Developed
theories and recent developments, with an understanding of the both local and
international perspectives.
2. Identify, analyse and communicate problems related to ICT, and respond to Introduced Introduced Assured Assured Developed Introduced
stakeholder needs and goals, within the framework of professional and ethical
practice.

3698: Master of Information and Communications Technology (Advanced)

Course Learning Outcomes ULO 1 ULO 2 ULO 3 ULO 4 ULO 5 ULO 6
1. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of core concepts related to ICT body Assured Introduced Assured Assured Developed Developed
of knowledge, including established theories and recent developments with an
understanding of the both local and international perspectives.
2. Further develop knowledge and skills in specialised areas that are closely Introduced
applicable to ICT profession.
3. Identify and analyse problems and issues related to ICT and articulate Introduced Introduced Assured Assured Developed Introduced
appropriate solutions and justify propositions in order to respond to stakeholder
5

needs and goals, within the framework of professional and ethical practice.
4. Demonstrate a high level of personal autonomy and accountability in Developed Introduced Developed Assured Assured Introduced
acquisition and application of knowledge and skills and in problem solving in
professional context.
5. Apply enquiry-based learning, investigate and synthesise complex ideas and Assured Assured Assured Introduced
concepts, and develop ways of learning in exploring new knowledge within ICT
discipline.
6. Develop skills in scholarly research, critically evaluate contemporary literatures Introduced Introduced Introduced
in ICT field and communicate complex ideas in a variety of formats to diverse
audiences.
 3702: Master of Information and Communications Technology (Research)
Course Learning Outcomes ULO 1 ULO 2 ULO 3 ULO 4 ULO 5 ULO 6
1. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of core concepts related to the ICT body of Assured Introduced Assured Assured Developed Developed
knowledge, including established theories, professional ethics and recent developments
with an understanding of both local and international perspectives.
2. Develop advanced knowledge for identifying and analysing research problems and
acquisition and application of research methods and techniques related to ICT.
3. Demonstrate cognitive, creative and technical skills to generate and evaluate
complex concepts at an abstract level for problem solving in a research context.
4. Analyse, investigate and synthesise complex ideas and concepts, and develop ways of
learning in exploring new knowledge within the ICT discipline.
5. Evaluate contemporary literature, and create a high-level plan for conducting original
research in the ICT field and communicate complex ideas and research results in a
variety of formats to diverse audiences.
6. Design, execute and evaluate a substantial research-based project in the ICT field
with a high level of personal autonomy and accountability.
6
2.4 Assessment Summary
The assessment items in this unit are designed to enable you to demonstrate that you have achieved the unit learning
outcomes. Completion and submission of all assessment items which have been designated as mandatory or compulsory
is essential to receive a passing grade.

To pass this unit you must:

- attend and actively participate a minimum of 80% of the lecture tutorial sessions,
- attend ALL IN-CLASS TESTS as per to schedule,
- submit ALL continuous assessment items as per to schedule,
- attend and actively contribute to the presentations of FINAL PROJECT,
- score a minimum of 50% out of the total marks allocated for IN-CLASS TESTS 1, 2 and 3 (i.e. 27.5% out of 55%),
AND
- score a total of 50% or above in the unit.

Item Weight Due Date ULOs Assessed Threshold

In-class mini test 1 15% During the scheduled class in WEEK 5 1, 2, 3 Yes
In-class mini test 2 15% During the scheduled class time in 3, 4, 5 Yes
WEEK 8
In-class mini test 3 25% During the scheduled class time in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Yes
WEEK 13
Programming exercise x 1 20% By midnight of Friday of WEEK 7 2, 3, 4 No
Final Project 25% By midnight of Monday of WEEK 14 3, 4, 5, 6 No

Note: Results may be moderated before you receive your results. Moderation is a process whereby the unit coordi-
nator regulates the marking of individual markers to achieve consistency in the application of unit objectives, perfor-
mance standards and marking criteria. Marks for an individual piece of assessment will not be changed after you have
your results. You should note that, consistent with the Assessment Policy - Criteria and Standards-Based Assessment
(http://policies.uws.edu.au/view.current.php?id=00227), the final marks for the cohort may also be adjusted if marks are
very high or low or there are inconsistencies between groups.

Feedback on Assessment
Feedback is an important part of the learning process that can improve your progress towards achieving the learning
outcomes. Feedback is any written or spoken response made in relation to academic work such as an assessment task,
a performance or product. It can be given to you by a teacher, an external assessor or student peer, and may be given
individually or to a group of students. As a Western Sydney University student, it is your responsibility to seek out and
act on feedback that is provided to you as a resource to further your learning.

Assessment feedback will be provided during or after the marking of the assessment items depending on the type of
the assessments.

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2.5 Assessment Details
2.5.1 In-class mini test 1

Weight: 15%
Type of Collaboration: Individual
Due: During the scheduled class in WEEK 5
Submission: In class
Format: Online quiz and programming practical test.
Length: 1 hour
Curriculum Mode: Quiz
Threshold Detail: Score a minimum of 50% out of the total marks allocated for IN-CLASS TESTS 1, 2
and 3 (i.e. 27.5% out of 55%)

Instructions:

In-class testing at the start of the regular class, on the unit content already covered in the unit. The part of online quiz
will be conducted first, followed by the written programming part.

Resources:
Most resources including potentially sample quiz questions are available on the unit website.
Marking Criteria:
Criteria High Distinction Distinction Credit Pass Unsatisfactory
Concepts and Super Full understanding Sound grasp on the Reasonable No proper
techniques covered understanding and plus the effective concepts and understanding and understanding
in written questions demonstrated use techniques basic techniques
proficiency

8
2.5.2 In-class mini test 2

Weight: 15%
Type of Collaboration: Individual
Due: During the scheduled class time in WEEK 8
Submission: In class
Format: Online quiz and programming practical test.
Length: 1 hour
Curriculum Mode: Quiz
Threshold Detail: Score a minimum of 50% out of the total marks allocated for IN-CLASS TESTS 1, 2
and 3 (i.e. 27.5% out of 55%)

Instructions:

In-class testing at the start of the regular class, on the unit content already covered in the unit. The part of online quiz
will be conducted first, followed by the written programming part.

Resources:
Most resources including potentially sample quiz questions are available on the unit website.
Marking Criteria:
Criteria High Distinction Distinction Credit Pass Unsatisfactory
Concepts and Super Full understanding Sound grasp on the Reasonable No proper
techniques covered understanding and plus the effective concepts and understanding and understanding
in written questions demonstrated use techniques basic techniques
proficiency

9
2.5.3 In-class mini test 3

Weight: 25%
Type of Collaboration: Individual
Due: During the scheduled class time in WEEK 13
Submission: In class
Format: Multiple choice questions and written programming work.
Length: 2 hours
Curriculum Mode: Quiz
Threshold Detail: Score a minimum of 50% out of the total marks allocated for IN-CLASS TESTS 1, 2
and 3 (i.e. 27.5% out of 55%)

Instructions:

In-class testing at the start of the regular class, on the unit content already covered in the unit.

Resources:
Most resources including potentially sample quiz questions are available on the unit website.
Marking Criteria:
Criteria High Distinction Distinction Credit Pass Unsatisfactory
Concepts and Super Full understanding Sound grasp on the Reasonable No proper
techniques covered understanding and plus the effective concepts and understanding and understanding
in written questions demonstrated use techniques basic techniques
proficiency

10
2.5.4 Programming exercise x 1

Weight: 20%
Type of Collaboration: Individual
Due: By midnight of Friday of WEEK 7
Submission: Online via the unit website
Format: Separate questions to consolidate different programming aspects
Length: 8 hours
Curriculum Mode: Practical

Instructions:

Best complete questions for each chapter during the lab practical for that chapter, or in the next few days immediately
afterwards;
Keep the receipt for the online submission;
More detailed instructions are available on the Assignment 1 prescription page on the unit website.

Resources:
Most resources are available on the unit website
Marking Criteria:
Criteria High Distinction Distinction Credit Pass Unsatisfactory
Concepts and Super Full understanding Sound grasp on the Reasonable No proper
techniques covered understanding and plus the effective concepts and understanding and understanding
in written questions demonstrated use techniques basic techniques
proficiency

11
2.5.5 Final Project

Weight: 25%
Type of Collaboration: Group
Due: By midnight of Monday of WEEK 14
Submission: Online via the unit website
Format: Build a mock application software through preferably a team work. The project work
should not exceed 2 student members.
Length: 8 hours
Curriculum Mode: Applied Project

Instructions:

The development and delivery of a major project in a timely manner is an important indicator on the success of the project.
As such, the deadlines for this final project need to be observed, and any late submissions need to be approved before the
corresponding due dates.
More detailed instructions are available on the Assignment 2 prescription page on the unit website.

Resources:
Most resources are available on the unit website.
Marking Criteria:
Criteria High Distinction Distinction Credit Pass Unsatisfactory
Concepts and Super Full understanding Sound grasp on the Reasonable No proper
techniques covered understanding and plus the effective concepts and understanding and understanding
in written questions demonstrated use techniques basic techniques
proficiency

12
2.6 General Submission Requirements
Submission
All assignments must be submitted by the specified due date and time, using a completed and signed Assignment
Cover Sheet provided in the Learning Guide Companion.
Complete your assignment, attach a completed and signed Assignment Cover Sheet, and follow the individual
assessment items instructions on how to submit.
Turnitin

The Turnitin plagiarism prevention system may be used within this unit. Turnitin is accessed via logging into vUWS
for the unit. If Turnitin is being used with this unit, this means that your assignments have to be submitted through
the Turnitin system.
Turnitin from iParadigms is a web-based text-matching software that identifies and reports on similarities between
documents. It is also widely utilised as a tool to improve academic writing skills.
Turnitin compares electronically submitted papers against the following:
Current and archived web: Turnitin currently contains over 24 billion web pages including archived pages
Student papers: including Western Sydney University student submissions since 2007
Scholarly literature: Turnitin has partnered with leading content publishers, including library databases, text-
book publishers, digital reference collections and subscription-based publications (e.g. Gale, Proquest, Emerald
and Sage)
Turnitin is used by over 30 universities in Australia and is increasingly seen as an industry standard. It is an important
tool to assist students with their academic writing by promoting awareness of plagiarism
Self-Plagiarising

You are to ensure that no part of any submitted assignment for this unit or product has been submitted by yourself
in another (previous or current) assessment from any unit, except where appropriately referenced, and with prior
permission form the Lecturer/Tutor/Unit Co-ordinator of this unit.
Late Submission

If you submit a late assessment, without receiving approval for an extension of time, (see next item), you will be
penalised by 10% per day for up to 10 days. In other words, marks equal to 10% of the assignments weight will be
deducted from the mark awarded.
For example, if the highest mark possible is 50, 5 marks will be deducted from your awarded mark for each late day.
Saturday and Sunday are counted as one calendar day each.
Assessments will not be accepted after the marked assessment task has been returned to students.
This is consistent with Clause 51 of the Western Sydney Universitys Assessment Policy - Criteria and Standards-
Based Assessment.
Extension of Due Date for Submission
Extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances. To apply for an extension of time:
Locate an application form via the Western Sydney University homepage or copy the following link:
http://www.westernsydney.edu.au/currentstudents/current students/forms
Application forms must be submitted to the Coordinator.
Requests for extension should be made no later than 3 working days before the due date of an assignment or other
assessment item including web-based quizzes.
Appropriate, supporting documentation must be submitted with the application.
An application for an extension does not automatically mean that an extension will be approved
Assessments will not be accepted after the marked assessment task has been returned to students.
Resubmission Resubmission of assessment items will not normally be granted if requested.

Application for Special Consideration

It is strongly recommended that you attend all scheduled learning activities to support your learning. If you have suffered
misadventure, illness, or you have experienced exceptional circumstances that have prevented your attendance at class or
your completion and submission of assessment tasks, you may need to apply for Special Consideration via the Western
Sydney University website. http://www.westernsydney.edu.au/currentstudents/current students/services and facilities/
special consideration2 or the Student Centre. Special Consideration is not automatically granted. It is your responsi-
bility to ensure that any missed content has been covered. Your lecturer will give you more information on how this must
be done.

13
 3 Teaching and Learning Activities
Weeks Topic Instructions Assessments Due
Week 1 Software and hardware, storage, CPU; binary Form groups of 2 people for the semester-long
17-07-2017 number; identifiers; simplest Java program, workflow project; create simplest Java programs with a simple
program development text editor
Week 2 Character strings; variables and assignments; Write simple Java programs and familiarise with the
24-07-2017 primitive data types; expressions; data conversion; basic programming ingredients; create Java programs
object-oriented programming; interactive programs with simple IO; create primitive data and objects
Week 3 Create objects, String class; selected utility classes; Manipulate strings, generate random numbers,
31-07-2017 enumerated types, wrapper classes conduct textual IO via Scanner class
Week 4 Anatomy of a class and a method within a class; Build Java programs with several classes and class
07-08-2017 class extension, scope and visibility, constructors extension; use modifier public and private properly
Week 5 Consolidate the relatively competitive topics from the Review selected topics in the previous weeks; - In-class mini test 1
14-08-2017 previous weeks complete more examples and programming exercises
Week 6 Selection, if-statement, Boolean expressions; Use selections and while loops in Java programs;
21-08-2017 while-loops, control of flow; comparing objects; basic logical operations, block statements
flow chart and pseudo code
Week 7 switch-statements, do-loops, for-loops; iterators and Create elaborate selections; make use of different - Programming exercise x 1
28-08-2017 ArrayList loop constructs; use of ArrayList; read/write a file
Week 8 Consolidate the relatively competitive topics from the Review selected topics in the previous weeks; - In-class mini test 2
04-09-2017 previous weeks complete more examples and programming exercises
Week 9
14

11-09-2017
Week 10 Software development activities; static variable and Identify classes and objects; create applications using
18-09-2017 methods; class relationships, interfaces multiple classes or interfaces; conduct proper
program testing
Week 11 Declaring and using arrays; arrays of objects; variable Declare and initalise arrays; access command line
25-09-2017 length parameter parameters; use arrays in text-based applications
Week 12 Inheritance, polymorphism, overriding methods; Create subclasses, catch exceptions; continue with
02-10-2017 exception handling; the try-catch statement the final project
Week 13 Continuation of the previous week; selected Work on the final project; last batch of miscellaneous - In-class mini test 3
09-10-2017 programming techniques programming techniques
selected slides: complete those left from the previous
week
Week 14 Group Project Presentations Work on the final project and its documentation; - Final Project
16-10-2017 about 10 minutes for each group, depending the conduct project presentation
total available time
Week 15
23-10-2017
Week 16
30-10-2017
The above timetable should be used as a guide only, as it is subject to change. Students will be advised of any changes as they become known.
4 Learning Resources
4.1 Recommended Readings
Prescribed Textbook

Lewis, J. (2012). Java software solutions : foundations of program design (7th ed.). Boston: Pearson Addison-
Wesley.

Essential Reading

Eck, D. J. (2011, 4 January 2014). Introduction to Programming Using Java. 6th. from http://math.hws.edu/
javanotes/

Additional Reading

Deitel, P. J., & Deitel, H. M. (2012). Java: how to program (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J: Prentice Hall.
Eckel, B. (2006). Thinking in Java (4th ed.). Upper saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Farrell, J. (2014). Java programming (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Course Technology / Cengage Learning.
Zakhour, S. (2013). The Java tutorial : a short course on the basics (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Addison-
Wesley.

15