Unit information: Introduction to C (Computer Science service course) in 2011/12

Unit name	Introduction to C (Computer Science service course)
Unit code	COMS11500
Credit points	10
Level of study	C/4
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Campbell
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Computer Science
Faculty	Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

The aim of this unit is to give students, with little or no previous programming experience, the knowledge to solve engineering problems using simple C programs.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the unit, students will :

• Have a basic understanding of key aspects of C programming, including problem solving, C program structure; constants, variables & data types; operators; standard input/output; maths & character functions; system limitations; algorithms; conditional expressions; selection; loops; file input/output including streams; modular programming; functions; macros; arrays; addresses & pointers; pointer arithmetic; passing by reference; strings; dynamic memory allocation; and structures.
• Be able to write and compile simple C programs
• Understand a structured approach to requirement specification and software design.
• Solve engineering problems using C

Teaching Information

Lectures and weekly lab classes.

Assessment Information

Formative: The students will be encouraged to assess their own progress through the completion of the lab exercises, and short answer questions from the course textbook. Summative: 100% individual coursework - students will be required to write around four small programs throughout the unit. (50%) and one larger program near the end (50%). How Feedback will be delivered: PGs will proactively monitor progress with coursework/lab tests during the unit.

Reading and References

Buy any introduction to C that makes sense to you, possibly: "Teach Yourself C in 21 Days", Peter Aitken & Bradley L Jones, SAMS Publishing, and you may find the worked examples in "Engineering Problem Solving with C", Delores M Etter, Prentice Hall, useful