Units
Information Processing
Unit code: QCF230
Contact hours: 4 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit introduces students to a range of problem-solving techniques and shows how these can be used to solve various problems using an object-oriented programming language; the foundation of relational databases in terms of storing, altering and retrieving information, using SQL for its implementation; a basis for the specification and implementation of information systems using relational algebra.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 13TP1 | Yes |
| 2013 13TP2 | Yes |
| 2013 13TP3 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - 13 Week Teaching Period - 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
This unit is designed to meet the general needs of students who will need to design ways to input, validate, process and display information. It is intended to develop students' knowledge and application of boolean logic, fundamentals for designing and developing small Java and MS Access database applications.
Aims
The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the principles of interface design and data validation and develop students' skills in applying these concepts to programming and database applications.
Objectives
On completion of this unit students should be able to understand and apply:
- design principles for interfaces for software and databases. (FGC1, 2, 3)
- basics of boolean logic. (FGC1, 2, 3)
- functionality for software and databases. (FGC2, 3)
- queries for databases. (FGC2, 3, 5, 6)
Completion of this unit will contribute to the ongoing development of general capabilities such as knowledge, skills and procedures for information processing and critical thinking and problem solving in a variety of contexts and modes. (FGC1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
Key: Foundation Graduate Capabilities
FGC 1: Effective communication in a variety of contexts and modes
FGC 2: Knowledge pertinent to a range of subject areas
FGC 3: Skills appropriate to a range of subject areas at the level of entry to the degree
FGC 4: Critical, creative and analytical thinking and effective problem solving for academic and real world contexts
FGC 5: The ability to work independently and collaboratively
FGC 6: Social and ethical responsibility
Content
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Week 1
GUI: Standards and introduction to GUI Programming
Week 2
Window Objects, Events, Events handler/method, and variables
Week 3
Revision and selection
Week 4
Revision and Formative Test
Week 5
Improving interface appearance: Ratio Button, check box, combobox
Week 6
Revision and Message Dialog
Week 7
Mid-Semester: Revision and Test
Week 8
Boolean Logic: Truth Tables and valid arguments
Week 9
Database: Introduction to MS Access, database, tables, relation and filtering
Week 10
Forms and simple Queries
Week 11
Revision and more complex Queries
Week 12
Revision and Reports
Week 13
Final Exam Revision and Test
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
The unit consists of four hours of class contact per week which include a combination of individual and group activities applying skills and solving problems.
In order to succeed in this subject, students are expected to attend all classes, to participate actively in class discussions and to complete all homework and submit assessment by the due dates.
Students participation in all sessions is mandatory.
Late Assignment Policy
Students will be penalised for the late submission of assignments. Refer to the Foundation Course Guide for details.
Review of Grades or Academic Rulings
For rules on how to apply for a review of grade, refer to the Foundation Course Guide.
Consultation
The teacher will be available for consultation from Week 2. Times will be advised in class and will also be displayed in a schedule at Reception.
Assessment
Types of assessment
In this unit students will be assessed through formative and summative assessment.
Formative assessment items are used to provide feedback to students to assist with their progress and do not count towards final marks. This assessment could be done in class. For details of formative assessment, refer to the Week 1 Document.
Summative assessment items count towards the final grade for this subject.
This unit may require students to submit their assessment items through SafeAssign.
Please refer to the Week 1 document for this unit.
Assessment name:
Assignment (Portfolio)
Description:
Summative. Java program (20%) and Database with SQL Queries (20%).
Relates to objectives:
1, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Weeks 6 and 12
Assessment name:
Mid Semester Test
Description:
Summative. Covers material from weeks 1 - 6.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2.
Weight:
30%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 7
Assessment name:
Final Exam
Description:
Summative. Covers material from weeks 8 - 12.
Relates to objectives:
3, 4.
Weight:
30%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 13
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 Textbook required.
Please refer to the Blackboard site for further information.
Risk assessment statement
There are no out of the ordinary 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: 14-Mar-2013
