Long Title:Problem Solving and Programming Concepts
Language of Instruction:English
Module Code:H6PSP
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:LEVEL 6
Field of Study: Computer use
Module Delivered in 6 programme(s)
Module Coordinator: FRANCES SHERIDAN
Module editor: FRANCES SHERIDAN
Teaching and Learning Strategy: The learning strategy involves the use of active learning techniques. Learning sessions will take the form of practical laboratory sessions and interactive workshops. The active learning techniques employed will include but are not limited to puzzle and problem based learning, team projects and the use of the flipped classroom approach. lectures, tutorials, workshops and labs as appropriate. As part of this module, there will be a cross assessment with the module Introduction to Mathematics for Business and Computing. Students will be provided with a mathematic scenario for which they will have to solve by using code. The student will be provided with the necessary support for this assessment in both classes.
Learning Environment: Learning will take place in a class room/lab environment with IT access. Module materials will be placed on Moodle, the college's virtual learning environment.
Module Description: Consolidate and develop the student's problem solving ability. In particular it introduces algorithmic concepts that can be used to model and solve particular problems and puzzles Explore and tackle a wide variety of problems, which may have relevance to programming, mathematics or both.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
LO1 Solve a range of classic puzzles.
LO2 Develop problem solving capabilities.
LO3 Express algorithmic solutions to defined problems using accepted documentation methods.
LO4 Understand the basic components of programming,
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is required before enrolment on this module. While the prior learning is expressed as named NCI module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Strategies for Problem Solving
• Types of problems. • Using computers to solve problems. • Steps in analysing a problem and designing an appropriate solution. • Classic Puzzles e.g. Crossing a River, The Tower of Hanoi.
Algorithmic Problem Solving
• Understanding the purpose of an algorithm. • Identifying standard documentation techniques such as flowcharts or pseudocode.
Beginning Problem Solving Concepts for the Computer
• An introduction to programming structure. • Constants & variables. • Data types. • How the computer stores data. • Functions Operators Expressions & equations.
Problem Solving & Control Statements
• Understanding when to use a control statement. • Problem solving with Decision. • Problem solving with Case Logic Structure. • Problem solving with Loops.
Evaluating Algorithmic Solutions
• Apply test plans to algorithmic solutions. • Understanding algorithm efficiency.
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Full Time

Coursework
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Practical (0260) Weekly practical may involve students demonstrating their ability to solve puzzles or writing algorithms to solve defined problems. 1,2,3,4 25.00 n/a
Assignment An assignment may involve students working in teams to solve larger scale problems. 2,3 50.00 n/a
Mid Semester Examination A mid semester examination may comprise questions to facilitate students in demonstrating their problem solving capabilities and knowledge of basic programming concepts. 2,4 25.00 n/a
No End of Module Assessment
No Workplace Assessment
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.
Reassessment Description
Learners who fail this module will be required to sit a repeat module assessment where all learning outcomes will be examined.

NCIRL reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture No Description 2 Every Week 2.00
Practical No Description 2 Every Week 2.00
Independent Learning No Description 6.5 Once per semester 0.54
Total Hours 10.50
Total Weekly Learner Workload 4.54
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture No Description 2 Every Week 2.00
Lab No Description 1 Every Week 1.00
Independent Learning No Description 89 Once per semester 7.42
Total Hours 92.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 10.42
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • Roland Backhouse 2011, Algorithmic Problem Solving, 1st Ed., Wiley [ISBN: 9780470684535]
  • Maureen Sprankle & Jim Hubbard 2011, Problem Solving & Programming Concepts, 9th Ed., Pearson Education [ISBN: 978-027375221]
  • Walter Savich 2014, Java: An Introduction to Problem Solving and Programming, 7th Ed., Addison-Wesley
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Herbert Schildt 2014, Java: A Beginner's Guide, 6th Ed., McGraw-Hill Osborne [ISBN: 978-007180925]
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
 

Module Delivered in

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
BSHTM B.Sc. (Hons) in Technology Management 1 Core Subject
BSHC BSc (Honours) in Computing 1 Core Subject
BSHBIS BSc (Hons) in Business Information Systems 1 Core Subject
CIC Certificate in Computing 1 Core Subject
HCBC Higher Certificate in Science in Business Computing 1 Core Subject
HCC Higher Certificate in Science in Computing Applications and Business Support 1 Core Subject