Computer Science (COMP) 268
Introduction to Computer Programming (Java) (Revision 8)
Revision 8 closed, replaced by current version.
View previous version.
Delivery Mode: Individualized study online.
Credits: 3
Area of Study: Science
Prerequisite: Students are expected to have a basic knowledge of computers in general and to be able to set up and use the Java or other programming language (s) in relevant programming environment. You are expected to be proficient users of the Internet and to be able to use word processors, text editors and file manipulation tools (including zip compression) effectively. You should have completed high school algebra. If you do not have these skills you will not succeed and we highly recommend that you should take COMP 200, COMP 210 or equivalent courses before starting this one. The following site provides you information about setting up and using the Java compiling environment: http://scis.athabascau.ca/html/vhd/
javastart.xml.
Note: Students who are concerned about not meeting the prerequisite for this course are encouraged to contact the course coordinator before registering.
Students in this course are required to contact their tutor using email or the course (Moodle) forums. Please see the Tutor and Coordinator Support page for more information.
Centre: School of Computing and Information Systems
SCIS Orientation
COMP 268 sample
Course website
CCIS Software and Hardware Requirements
COMP 268 has a Challenge for Credit option.
check availability
Overview
The course is designed to teach students the basics of computer programming in an object-oriented framework. It is a prerequisite for COMP 272, COMP 308, COMP 314, and is suitable as the object-oriented programming prerequisite for other senior COMP courses.
Learning Objectives
This course is designed to:
- explain the basic definitions and computer concepts in software life cycle, algorithm, high-level programming language, machine code and Bytecode, processes of compilation, execution and interpretation, and objects in the context of computer problem solving
- describe the essential concepts of syntax and semantics in Java language
- explain the essential concepts of class, method, instance, instance method and class method, class attributes and instance attributes, object reference, primitive type and reference type
- explain the concepts of function and algorithm expressions, program structure expression, control flow expression, recursive and logical control design of program execution in general and with Java language in specific
- introduce the concepts of inheritance and polymorphism, and principles of object-oriented software engineering
- describe how Java implements array data structure and how you represent array within a problem
- analyze problem solving approaches in using Java programming language
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
- understand the principle of object, object-oriented problem solving and programming
- understand the essential features and elements of Java programming language
- understand the concepts of program fundamentals, statement and control flow, and recursion
- understand the concepts of class, method, constructor, instance, data abstraction, function abstraction, inheritance, overriding, overloading, and polymorphism
- program with basic data structures using array, list, and linked structures
- understand the concepts of object-oriented design process and software engineering
- program using objects and data abstraction, class and methods in function abstraction
- analyze, write, debug, and test basic Java codes using the approaches introduced in the course
- analyze problems and implement simple Java applications with object-oriented software engineering approaches
Outline
The course consists of the following:
- Preface
- Welcome from your tutors and the course coordinator
- Introduction on how to use the Study Guide
- Evaluation
- Unit 00: Introduction
- Unit 01: Fundamentals of Programming
- Unit 02: Introduction to the Java Language
- Unit 03: Arithmetic Expressions
- Unit 04: Selection and Encapsulation
- Unit 05: File Objects and Looping Statements
- Unit 06: Object-Oriented Design and Implementation
- Unit 07: Inheritance, Polymorphism, and Scope
- Unit 08: Event-Driven Input and Output
- Unit 09: Exceptions and Additional Control Structures
- Unit 10: One-Dimensional Arrays
- Unit 11: Array-Based Lists
- Unit 12: Multidimensional Arrays and Numeric Computations
- Unit 13: Recursion
- Unit 14: Applets
Evaluation
To receive credit for COMP 268, you must achieve a composite grade of at least “D” (50 percent), including at least 50 percent of the possible assignment marks, and at least 50 percent on the final examination. The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:
| Seven Assignments (6% each) | Participation | Final Exam | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42% | 8% | 50% | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.
Course Materials
Textbooks
Dale, N., & Weems, C. (2008). Programming and problem solving with Java (2nd ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.
Dale, N. (2009). A laboratory course for programming with Java (2nd ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett
Other materials
The rest of the learning materials for Computer Science 268 are distributed in electronic format. These materials include:
- Computer Science 268 Study Guide.
- Detailed descriptions of the requirements for the individual tutor-marked exercises.
- A course evaluation form.
- Links to a variety of resources on the World Wide Web.
Additional supporting materials of interest to students of Computer Science 268 may occasionally be made available electronically.
Special Course Features
COMP 268 is offered by computer mediated communications (CMC) mode, and can be completed at the student's workplace or home. It is a core course in the BA Information Systems and the BSc Computer Information Systems. This course is recommended for the students in senior-level Computer Science program or other relevant programs.
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized-study counterparts.
Opened in Revision 8, January 5, 2008.
View previous syllabus
Last updated by SAS 02/04/2016 08:34:06
