COM218 Introduction to Programming for Engineers
| Summary |
This module introduces basic concepts of computer
programming, through an introduction to problem solving and
the development of simple algorithms using the programming
language Python. The module will stress the importance of
good programming style and good code design and will
introduce how an object-oriented approach can help to
achieve these aims. |
| Session |
Autumn 2025/26 |
| Credits |
10 |
| Assessment |
- Blackboard multiple choice exam
- Assessed lab
|
| Lecturer(s) |
Dr Mark Hepple |
| Resources |
|
| Aims |
- to provide an introduction to the concepts of problem
solving and developing algorithms;
- to provide a grounding in the principles of
programming, using the Python programming language;
- to introduce the main features of object-oriented
programming;
- to establish good programming style.
|
| Learning Outcomes |
By the end of the module the student will be able to:
- Express algorithms using sequencing,
conditional and iterative constructs;
- Use basic data structures, and produce
programs employing them;
- Design, implement and test programs in
Python;
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of object-oriented
programming.
|
| Content |
- introduction to algorithms and problem-solving:
- introduction to imperative programming in Python;
- control structures: conditionals, loops, functions;
- data structures: arrays, dictionaries;
- simple object-oriented programming in Python;
|
Restrictions
|
Not open to students from the School of Computer
Science or students who are taking or have taken COM160. |
| Teaching Method |
1 lecture per week and 2 hours of supervised practical
work per week, involving programming exercises in Python.
Students will also be expected to work in their own time. |
| Feedback |
Shortly after Blackboard quizzes; within three weeks of
assessed labs. |
|
