Module Code: H6PSP
Long Title Problem Solving and Programming Concepts
Title Problem Solving and Programming Concepts
Module Level: LEVEL 6
EQF Level: 5
EHEA Level: Short Cycle
Credits: 5
Module Coordinator: Lisa Murphy
Module Author: FRANCES SHERIDAN
Departments: School of Computing
Specifications of the qualifications and experience required of staff

Master’s degree in computing or cognate discipline.  May have industry experience also.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Solve a range of classic puzzles.
LO2 Develop problem solving capabilities.
LO3 Express algorithmic solutions to defined problems using accepted documentation methods.
LO4 Apply the basic components of programming.
Dependencies
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
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Entry requirements

See section 4.2 Entry procedures and criteria for the programme including procedures recognition of prior learning
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Problem Solving
• Introduction to Problem Solving
Strategies for Problem Solving & Design Creative Thinking Elements
Heuristic vs Algorithmic Problems Steps to solving a problem Creative thinking
Flow Charts
What is a Flow Chart Flow Charts with songs Flow Chart Syntax Rules for drawing Flow Charts
Pseudocode & GitHub
What is Pseudocode Six steps to writing Pseudocode Introduction to Github
Variables and IPO
Variables Constants IPO Chart Development
Encapsulations
Abstraction vs Encapsulation Meaning of classes and methods and when they are used
Evaluating Algorithmic Solutions – Part 1
Test Driven Development Testing Behaviours Clean Code
Evaluating Algorithmic Solutions – Part 2
Acceptance Critera – Making sure they meet this What value is being added to testing? Clean Code
Calculations and IF Statements
Operators i.e. Boolean, logic etc IF Statements
Loops
What is a loop and when might you use one Different types of loops
Project Work
Project Work
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Coursework
Assessment Type: Continuous Assessment % of total: 20
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
Weekly quizzes and debugging exercises
Assessment Type: Continuous Assessment % of total: 40
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 3,4
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
Each individual will be required to script an application using the concepts they have used throughout the module
Assessment Type: Project % of total: 40
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
Each group of students will be presented with a problem for which they have to creatively think of how to solve it. The group will be required to develop flow charts, pseudocode, IPO and show evidence of testing.
No End of Module Assessment
No Workplace Assessment
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.
Reassessment Description
A project that meets all learning outcomes will be provided to the student.

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

 

Module Workload

Module Target Workload Hours 0 Hours
Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture No Description 24 Per Semester 2.00
Tutorial No Description 12 Per Semester 1.00
Independent Learning No Description 89 Per Semester 7.42
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture No Description 24 Every Week 24.00
Tutorial No Description 12 Every Week 12.00
Independent Learning No Description 89 Every Week 89.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 36.00
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • Roland Backhouse. (2011), Algorithmic Problem Solving, 1st. Wiley, p.432, [ISBN: 9780470684535].
  • Maureen Sprankle & Jim Hubbard. (2011), Problem Solving & Programming Concepts, 9th. Pearson Education, p.524, [ISBN: 978-027375221].
  • Walter Savich. (2014), Java: An Introduction to Problem Solving and Programming, 7th. Addison-Wesley.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Herbert Schildt. (2014), Java: A Beginner's Guide, 6th. McGraw-Hill Osborne, p.728, [ISBN: 978-007180925].
  • Robert C. Martin. (2009), Clean Code, Pearson Education, p.431, [ISBN: 9780132350884].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
Discussion Note: