COS 101 Problem Solving, Algorithms and Programming (30 credits)

[Co-requisites: Computer Literacy module (COS114 or COS124) and 1st Year Mathematics, EED]

Main Content:

• Problem solving, algorithm design, trace tables, constructs;
• Abstraction;
• Pseudocode;
• Structured diagramming techniques (top-down design);
• Arrays and data structures;
• Development and application of simple algorithms;
• High level programming language fundamentals;
• Basic data types and methods;
• The Software Development Life Cycle;
• Design tools and object oriented design;
• Inter-modular communication: Parameter passing and variable scope;
• Objects as parameters;
• Introduction to inheritance;
• Data modeling, File I/O and recursion.

Main Outcomes:
At the successful completion of this course the student should have:

• The ability to read, understand and solve problems;
• Problem solving techniques and improved analytical thinking;
• An understanding of sequence, selection and repetition control structures;
• Ability to design an algorithm to solve a given problem;
• Express an algorithm in pseudocode / structured diagram;
• Implementation of algorithms in a high-level programming language (e.g.Java);
• An understanding of the Software Development Cycle;
• Parameter passing and the use of arrays;
• Understand and implement the Object Oriented (OO) paradigm and inheritance;
• Design and present a team project.