CE157-7-AU-CO:
An Approachable Introduction to Programming
2023/24
Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (School of)
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 15 December 2023
20
21 July 2023
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
MSC L14112 Economics with Data Analytics,
MSC N3C112 Financial Technology (Finance),
MSC N3C124 Financial Technology (Finance),
MSC N3L112 Financial Technology (Economics)
The module will develop coding skills to the learners, with the assumption that no prior coding skills have been developed. The language used will be ‘Python’, which is well known as an introductory programming language, with the ability to learn starting with a simple single line of code approach. As coding skills develop, the learners will be able to review and debug simple code, as a route to developing their own code, through the assembling of coding blocks. Each learner will have the opportunity to experience code relevant to their own degree course, and to develop code that is useful within their degree context. This personalised approach will be managed through staged coursework development.
The aim of the module is to develop coding skill in the learners, culminating in their ability to assemble code blocks into useful resources relevant to their degree course. The module aims to provide an introduction to computer programming for students with no previous experience.
The module also aims for students to become familiar with programming principles and be able to identify good programming practices.
After taking this module, students will be expected to:
1. Generate pseudo code to represent the solution to a given problem
2. Efficiently debug python code to generate working code
3. Critically evaluate good and bad programming practices
4. Demonstrate an understanding of a range of python code elements such as constants, variables, functions, loops.
5. Produce working code by identifying and assembling existing code blocks, to provide a solution to a given problem
6. Write a Python script that uses programming constructs like control structures
The module will be structured as follows;
1. What is code?
2. Command line programming
3. Key code elements
4. Analysing code and debugging
5. Generating pseudo code
6. Going from pseudo code to code building blocks
In each element use cases will be used to demonstrate the use of code within the learners degree course.
Lectures, online learning, labs.
In regards to the dual mode delivery that the University is preparing for, the module will adhere to the guidance (quoted below). A virtual laboratory is being prepared, where student will be able to log in from the homes and be able to work as if they were working on the laboratory computer. The basic programming language to be used in labs will be Python.
The L4 and L7 variants of the module are all addressed to students with NO prior programming knowledge (some of them are UG, and some of them are PG students from e.g. a humanities background). The module will need to be taught at level 4, as all students will have the same needs to start with. Students from different levels will receive different support from the module supervisor, to help them cope with the needs of the course they are attending, and most importantly, they will be driven to use the knowledge they gain from the teaching sessions in a different way because of the difference in their assessment.
Dual delivery mode
When learning content is simultaneously delivered to on-campus and online students. In such a situation, the educator is teaching a single cohort in two separate places at the same time: one physical, e.g. a lecture hall or classroom, and one virtual, e.g. Moodle or Zoom.
Although it has many benefits for the learner, it can be more demanding for the educator or instructor working in this way. A sensible way to cope with this is to team teach. One instructor leads the face-to-face session while another keeps the online participants engaged. It is a good idea for the instructors to switch roles partway through the session. This helps both educators connect with the entire cohort.
This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Progress Test |
|
20% |
| Coursework |
Coding Project |
|
80% |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Michael Sanderson, email: sands@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Mike Sanderson
School Office, email: csee-schooloffice (non-Essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create full e-mail address), Telephone 01206 872770
No
No
Yes
Dr MARJORY CRISTIANY Da COSTA ABREU
Sheffield Hallam University
Senior Lecturer
Available via Moodle
Of 142 hours, 125 (88%) hours available to students:
16 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
1 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
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