Course Title: Apply introductory object-oriented language skills

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2012

Course Code: COSC6113C

Course Title: Apply introductory object-oriented language skills

School: 650T TAFE Business

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5300 - Diploma of Information Technology

Course Contact : Radhu Punchanathan

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 99251409

Course Contact Email:radhu@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 60

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This course covers the competency required to undertake introductory programming tasks using an object-oriented programming language. Competency includes using existing tools, documentation, debugging and testing techniques in support of the programming activities.

This unit is delivered using a blend of classroom based and self-paced learning activities.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

ICAPRG406A Apply introductory object-oriented language skills

Element:

1. Apply basic language syntax and layout

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Demonstrate understanding and application of basic language syntax rules and best practices
1.2 Select and use language data types, operators and expressions to create clear and concise code
1.3 Use the appropriate language syntax for sequence, selection and iteration constructs
1.4 Use a modular programming approach within member or function logic
1.5 Apply arrays, including arrays of objects to introductory programming tasks
1.6 Use standard-array processing algorithms
1.7 Use the facilities of the language to read and write data from and to text files and record outcomes

Element:

2. Apply basic object-oriented principles in the target language

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Implement a class that contains primitive member or instance variables
2.2 Implement a class that contains multiple options for object construction
2.3 Implement a class that uses user-defined aggregation (object instance or member variables)
2.4 Use the facilities provided in the language to implement inheritance to at least two levels of depth
2.5 Use polymorphism at a simple level through inheritance to enable easy extension of code

Element:

3. Debug code

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Use an integrated development environment, in particular the language debugging facilities, to debug code
3.2 Interpret compiler or interpreter messages to resolve syntax errors and use debugging techniques to resolve logic errors

Element:

4. Document activities

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Follow organisational guidelines for developing maintainable code and adhere to the provided coding standards when documenting activities
4.2 Apply internal documentation to all code created and use documentation tools available in the target language when documenting activities
 

Element:

5. Test code

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Create and conduct simple tests to confirm code meets design specification
5.2 Document the tests performed and results achieved
 

Element:

6. Create an application

Performance Criteria:

6.1 Develop a solution when provided with a basic object-oriented design document
6.2 Refer to appropriate documentation for the language
 


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self-paced and collaborative classroom based activities.

 
The collaborative classroom based activities will include theory sessions, practical lab sessions, tutorial sessions, and out-of-class research and homework.


We expect you to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities.
 


Teaching Schedule

Week Week Commencing Topics Assessment
0 25th June Pre-training review:
• RPL
• LLN as required
Familiarisation with:
• Program
• Services/facilities
• Other students
• Teacher(s)
• Where to get support
• Student responsibilities
• Course requirements
• Course support documents
• Pre-reading
• Blackboard
Overview of assessment requirements:
• Grading
• Plagiarism
• Appeals
• Extensions
• Feedback
• Privacy
• Submission requirements, Resubmission policy

Alice: Tutorials / Getting started
 

 
1 2nd July Alice: Methods  
2 9th July Alice: Variables, Functions  
3 16th July Introduction to Java, Textpad, variables, datatypes  Assessment 2 – Project – Stage 1
4 23rd July Classes, objects, Attributes and methods, UML Class diagrams  
5 30th July Student Study Week  
6 6th August Revision  
7 13th August Assessment 1 in Labs  Assessment 1 - Test
8 20th August Introduction to Eclipse, Selection in Java  
   27th August Mid Semester Break (27th to 31st August)  
9 3rd September Repetition in Java, Strings and API’s  Assessment 2 – Project – Stage 2
10 10th September Inheritance, Aggregation and Polymorphism  
11 17th September Documentation using Javadoc’s, Testing  
12 24th September Revision  
13 1st October Assessment 3 in Labs  Assessment 3 - Test
14 8th October Project Work  
15 15th October Project Work and Submission  Assessment 2 – Project – Stage 3
16 22nd October Feedback  
17 29th October Resubmits  


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Gerard Sparke, The Java Way, 3rd Edition, ISBN 978-0-646-54746-6


References

Kathy Sierra & Bert Bates, Head First Java, 2nd Edition, (Sebastopol: O'Reilly Media, 2005), ISBN 978-0-596-00920-5.

James Overton, Simple Program Design, (Thomson Learning) ISBN 978-0-17-012895-7.


Other Resources

Other materials will include worksheets distributed by the teacher in class and various Websites which will be indicated.


Overview of Assessment

Students must demonstrate an understanding of all elements of competency to be deemed competent.

A range of assessment methods are used to assess practical skills and knowledge, for example:
• direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate
• review of authenticated documents from the workplace or training environment
• demonstration of techniques

Students are advised that they are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate their assessment work to their teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.


Assessment Tasks

You are required to complete 3 Assessments. You must successfully complete all 3 assessments to be deemed competent in this unit. 

Assessment 1: Theory and Practical Test (Done in labs in week 7)
This is a part theory and part practical test where students will be asked to design a UML class diagrams using object-oriented concepts and create Java programs using the correct syntax. To be deemed competent in this assessment you should be able to demonstrate all the above requirements under a supervised time-bound condition.

Assessment 2: Project (Due Dates: Weeks 3, 9 and 15)
This is a major project which is assessed progressively in 3 stages as Project Stage 1(week 3), Project Stage 2 (week 9), and Project Stage 3 (week 15).
Project Description / Scenario: You are a developer within a small software consulting firm and have been assigned to build a new software application for a client. Your application has to be submitted to, and approved by, your Project Leader (in this case your lab teacher). There are three (3) stages involved in submitting your task.
Stage 1 deliverables:
• Draft project proposal on the software application.
Stage 2 deliverables:
• Finalised project proposal.
• A UML class diagram of all classes (including all subclasses and driver classes), their attributes, methods, etc., and showing their relationships to one another. This diagram should also show which tiers the classes are in.
• The entire java source code.
Stage 3 deliverables:
• A UML class diagram of all classes (including all subclasses and driver classes), their attributes, methods, etc., and showing their relationships to one another. This diagram should also show which tiers the classes are in.
• The entire java source code showing inheritances.

Assessment 3: Theory and Practical Test (Done in labs in week 13)
This is a part theory and part practical test where students will be asked to design and develop a small application in Java using object-oriented concepts seen so far. This assessment is done under a supervised time-bound condition.
 


Assessment Matrix

Other Information

Submission Requirements

Assessment tasks need to be submitted via Blackboard.

You should:
• Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date. If your performance in the assessment is affected by unexpected circumstances, you should consider applying for Special Consideration. Information on the process and application forms is available at http://rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=ls0ydfokry9rz website.
• Always retain a copy of your assessment tasks. (hard copy and soft copy)
• When you submit work for assessment at RMIT University you need to use a cover sheet that includes a declaration and statement of authorship. You must complete, sign and submit a cover sheet with all work you submit for assessment, whether individual or group work. On the cover sheet you declare that the work you are presenting for assessment is your own work. An assignment cover sheet for submission of work for assessment is available on blackboard.
• Each page of your assessment should include footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers. For example, Julie Macpherson, 324567, Task 2, OHS2345C Ensure safe workplace, Page 1 of 10.


Marking Guide (competency):

Vocational Education and Training (VET) is based on current industry needs and the focus on preparing you for the workplace. Because VET courses are informed by practical application of knowledge and skills, they are based on a system known as ‘competency based training’ (CBT).

So when you are assessed in VET it is about whether you are competent to do the job, as well as having a firm grasp on the knowledge and skills required to do that job, as opposed to traditional curriculum based education settings that are often based on knowledge retention.

You need to demonstrate you are competent in each element of the unit of competency you are studying.

You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you whether you are competent or not and how well you are performing. Once competent in all elements of the unit you receive a competency grading.

Please refer to the Final Grades table below.


Marking Guide (Grading)

After achieving competency we then grade your performance in the unit; this gives you the opportunity to have the level of your performance formally recognized against industry standards and employability skills.

The grading is according to the following criteria:

1. LEVEL OF INDEPENDENCE, INITIATIVE, ENTERPRISE AND PERFORMANCE OF WORK TASK

We are looking for a high level of ability to complete all tasks independently as per the specifications as well as demonstrating a high level of initiative in your approach to introductory programming tasks using an object-oriented programming language.

2. DEMONSTRATED BREADTH OF UNDERPINNING KNOWLEDGE AND A WILLINGNESS TO CONTINUE LEARNING 

We are looking for depth of understanding of the key concepts and knowledge required in programming tasks using an object-oriented programming language. You should be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of all applicable Object-Oriented concepts in all the assessment tasks.

3. TECHNIQUES & PROCESSES, TECHNOLOGY SKILLS AND PROBLEM SOLVING

We are looking for appropriate use of technology to assist in presenting all tasks clearly and suitable for the intended audience. You also need to show an understanding of the kinds of problems that can arise in managing Object-oriented programming systems and how these might be addressed..

4. WORK ORGANISATION, PLANNING AND SELF MANAGEMENT 

We expect to see ongoing uploading of information into Blackboard as per course requirements and timely submission of all required assessment tasks.

5. COMMUNICATION, PEOPLE NETWORKING, LANGUAGE AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS AND TEAMWORK 

We expect to see contributions to relevant discussions in class and with your other members. We expect to see your tasks should demonstrate a very good understanding of strategies for a collaborative approach to object oriented programming in the workplace.


Final Grades Table:

CHD   Competent with High Distinction
CDI     Competent with Distinction
CC      Competent with Credit
CAG    Competency Achieved – Graded
NYC    Not Yet Competent
DNS   Did Not Submit for assessment

Further information regarding the application of the grading criteria will be provided by your teacher.
 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview