Programming Principles and Practices

Overview

Students learn about the fundamentals of programming, starting with computational thinking skills and incorporating tools such as version control and IDEs. Students use Python and selected libraries to apply knowledge. Strategies for learning new languages, tools and code generation approaches are explored.

Unit learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

1. Demonstrate how to break down computational problems into manageable parts and represent algorithms using flowcharts and pseudocode, applying core programming constructs such as sequence, selection, iteration and decomposition.
2. Build programs that apply structured programming principles, incorporating file input/output and built-in data structures, using the programming languages introduced in the unit.
3. Demonstrate the appropriate use of professional software development tools, such as IDEs, terminals, debugging environments, and version control systems, and reflect on their role in effective programming practice.
4. Critique and reflect on the broader impact of programming in professional and personal contexts by examining social, cultural and Indigenous perspectives, and considering how these insights inform ongoing development as a responsible and inclusive programmer.

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Assessment

Content

• Programming language syntax
• Structured programming principles
• Functional decomposition
• Debugging techniques
• Computational thinking
• Contemporary programming practices
• Processes for evaluating and learning new technologies
• Software development tool usage, including version control and IDEs
• Experimentation and performance measurement