Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Today's modern integrated technology is built on IT systems which run in a range of contexts (e.g. mobile computing, robotics, and web-based systems) using a range of technological solutions such as programming and scripting, databases, web development and network programming.

This unit is an integrated introduction to information technology designed to engage, inspire and inform and will demonstrate the important role that technical system design and development in a range of computer languages plays in achieving robust operation of a large variety of technological solutions. This unit will give you substantial hands-on, practical learning experiences and will motivate you through engagement in the creative, explorative and meaningful development of technological artefacts that operate in real world contexts.

Aims

This unit aims to give you the opportunity to construct small IT systems and to expose you to a wide variety of aspects of system development. In it you will use several different computer languages for programming, querying databases, displaying web pages and searching through large quantities of data.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should:

1. have been exposed to a wide variety of experiences in programming or scripting, networks and databases to develop IT systems (GC1);
   
2. be able to demonstrate the ability to identify, decompose and solve problems related to creation of IT system prototypes (GC2);
   
3. be able to effectively communicate the development process of small IT systems to your peers and others (GC3);
   
4. have reflected critically on the process that is used to develop IT systems (GC4 & GC2); and
   
5. have shown your ability to work independently and collaboratively to develop small IT systems (GC5).

Key: Graduate Capabilities
GC1 - Knowledge and Skills
GC2 - Critical and Creative Thinking
GC3 - Communication
GC4 - Lifelong Learning
GC5 - Independence and Collaboration

Content

This unit will provide you with a variety of engaging experiences in the broad areas of programming, databases, pattern-matching, networking and Internet technologies to broaden your skill set and knowledge about Information Technology systems and languages. This will be accomplished by providing you with a learning framework which will be used to allow you to attempt problems related to technical computing issues so that solutions can be developed which may integrate concepts from different technical areas.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit emphasises a hands-on approach to learning through an engaging laboratory program which will provide you with the opportunity to carry out a number of practical exercises aimed at building small IT systems. By necessity some material to support the practical exercises will be delivered through lectures. The QUT BlackBoard site can also be used for further unit assistance. Practical staff will be available to provide assistance.

The practical exercises will be carried out using the pair programming paradigm to allow analysis and implementation of a variety of approaches to solving the exercise. This will foster your ability to perform as part of a development team. You are encouraged to discuss any difficulties you are having with the practical sessions and assessment tasks with your partner or demonstrator.

Assessment

You and your programming partner will submit two portfolios of assessment items electronically through the Blackboard system. You are required to work on the submissions in pairs, but you can ask for assistance from the teaching staff. As well as demonstrating your practical skills, you will also be tested on your understanding of the concepts via quizzes and a final exam.You can ask the teaching staff for advice and assistance during lectures and practical sessions.
You will receive formative feedback on your portfolios.
You will receive summative feedback on all assessment items.
You can request private consultation with teaching staff.

Assessment name: Self-assessment quizzes
Description: Online self-assessment exercises relating to weekly technical topics will be provided via the Blackboard site. You should complete these in your own time to assess your understanding of the material. Due dates will be explained on Blackboard.
Relates to objectives: 1 and 2
Weight: 10%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Weeks 1 to 12

Assessment name: Final examination
Description: A final examination will be undertaken to test the knowledge you have acquired in using computer languages to build IT systems.
Relates to objectives: 1 and 2
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

Assessment name: Workshop exercises
Description: In ten selected workshops you will be required to complete one or more small practical exercises, to demonstrate the skills you are developing. These exercises will normally be completed in pairs in order to demonstrate your communication and collaboration skills.
Relates to objectives: 1 to 5
Weight: 10%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Weeks 1 to 12

Assessment name: Portfolio tasks
Description: Two selections of major practical tasks will be carried out during the semester to assess the practical skills you have acquired in building IT systems. Each portfolio comprises two or three major tasks to be completed in your own time, working with a programming partner. Major task submissions are due in Week 7 and Week 12.
Relates to objectives: 1 to 5
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Weeks 7 and 12

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

No extraordinary charges or costs are associated with the requirements for this unit.

Risk assessment statement

There are no unusual health or safety risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 24-Oct-2012