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CMPC0M03 - FOUNDATIONS OF COMPUTING

Module Code:
CMPC0M03
Department:
Computing Sciences
Credit Value:
20
Level:
0
Organiser:
Dr. Graeme Richards
The objectives of this module are to give students an: Overview of the systems development process and software; Understanding of programming paradigms and techniques; Knowledge of the main components of a computer programming environment and programming constructs; Understanding of testing, verifications and reproducibility of behaviour in computer systems.

All required equipment for the practical classes will be provided in the relevant laboratory session. No specialist equipment is required.
 


Module texts:

Brookshear J. Glenn. Computer Science. An Overview. Pearson Higher Education


Submission:

Written coursework should be submitted by following the standard CMP practice. Students are advised to refer to the Guidelines and Hints on Written Work in CMP.

Deadlines:

If coursework is handed in after the deadline day or an agreed extension:

Work submitted Marks deducted
After 15:00 on the due date and before 15:00 on the day following the due date 10 marks
After 15:00 on the second day after the due date and before 15:00 on the third day after the due date 20 marks
After 15:00 on the third day after the due date and before 15:00 on the 20th day after the due date.  All the marks the work merits if submitted on time (ie no marks awarded) 
After 20 working days Work will not be marked and a mark of zero will be entered


Saturdays and Sundays will NOT be taken into account for the purposes of calculation of marks deducted.

All extension requests will be managed through the LTS Hub. A request for an extension to a deadline for the submission of work for assessment should be submitted by the student to the appropriate Learning and Teaching Service Hub, prior to the deadline, on a University Extension Request Form accompanied by appropriate evidence. Extension requests will be considered by the appropriate Learning and Teaching Service Manager in those instances where (a) acceptable extenuating circumstances exist and (b) the request is submitted before the deadline. All other cases will be considered by a Coursework Coordinator in CMP.

For more details, including how to apply for an extension due to extenuating circumstances download Submission for Work Assessment (PDF, 39KB)
 

Plagiarism:

Plagiarism is the copying or close paraphrasing of published or unpublished work, including    the work of another student; without due acknowledgement. Plagiarism is regarded a serious offence by the University, and all cases will be investigated. Possible consequences of plagiarism include deduction of marks and disciplinary action, as detailed by UEA's Policy on Plagiarism and Collusion.


Module specific:

  • To provide an overview of the fundamentals of computer operation.
  • To provide an understanding of the PC architecture
  • To introduce a structured approach to problem solving using spreadsheets and databases.
  • To introduce the concepts of problem complexity and algorithms for solving complex problems.

Transferable skills:

  • Written communication - workshop exercises and coursework are designed to improve technical writing skills.
  • Oral communication - students are encouraged to participate in discussions and problem solving activities in the workshops.

Subject specific:

On completion of this unit the students should:

  • Understand the purpose of the hardware components forming a computer system.
  • Be able to use number systems including binary, octal and hexadecimal.
  • Understand how computers are used to solve real-world problems.
  • Understand the structure and analysis of database systems.
  • Be able to analyse and apply algorithms.
  • Have an understanding of complex computing problems and approaches to their solution.

Teaching Approach

Total Hours: 50

Lectures: 10; hours: 20; Content (with provisional weekly schedule)

  1. Introduction to course and history of computing
  2. PC architecture and hardware
  3. Web page design, XHTML 1
  4. Web page design, XHTML 2
  5. Database design
  6. Database implementation
  7. Reading week. No lectures
  8. Introduction to logic circuits
  9. Introduction to algorithms
  10. Artificial intelligence and data mining
  11. Graph theory and greedy algorithms
  12. Revision

Workshops:10, hours: 10, Content (with provisional weekly schedule)

  1. Binary notation and arithmetic
  2. Two's complement method
  3. Conversion between number bases
  4. Catch-up session
  5. Database design
  6. Reading week
  7. Logic gates
  8. Application of algorithms
  9. Data mining exercises
  10. Solving graph theory problems
  11. Reserved for outstanding work

Laboratory work: 20; Hours: 20, Content (with provisional weekly schedule)

  1. None.
  2. Dismantling and reassembling PCs 
  3. Web page design
  4. Web page design
  5. Working with databases
  6. Further database work
  7. Reading week 
  8. Practical exercises using logic circuit software
  9. Spreadsheet exercises
  10. Data mining practical work
  11. Solution of algorithmic problems
  12. Reserved for outstanding work

The module is assessed by a combination of coursework and an end of year exam. The exam accounts for 50% of the marks, is scheduled to last 2:00 hours and will take place during the summer exam period.

The coursework consists of two pieces of assessed work, the first worth 20% of the total mark and the second worth 30% of the total mark. The first piece of coursework will be set in week 3 and is due to be handed in end of week 6. The second piece of coursework in due to be set in week 6, and is to be handed in end of week 10.