15 Jan 2008
present the fundamental concepts of imperative and object-oriented
programming
develop the skills needed to design, develop and document
programs
gain working knowledge of the Java programming language
explain and apply the fundamental constructs of imperative and
object-oriented programming
Coursework, examination
describe and apply the main features of the Java programming language
Coursework, examination
analyse Java programs, for example by determining the behaviour of a
program from its source code or by completing and/or correcting
partially-written programs
Coursework, examination
write Java programs, where appropriate making effective use of an
integrated development environment (IDE) and other programming aids
Coursework, examination
test and debug programs, interpreting compiler and run-time error messages
Coursework
design, develop and document complete Java programs to solve given
software problems, including some open-ended tasks
Coursework, examination
104 plus timetabled lab work3 hr examination (80%), practical work (20%).Students who fail
this module but achieve at least 30% will be allowed to
resit, by examination only. Students whose mark is below 30% will
be required to repeat the module in the following academic
year.
A first module in imperative, object-oriented programming,
with a strong emphasis on practical program development
skills.
Induction. Basic use of the system (logging on, web browsing, email).
Algorithms. Pseudocode in turtle graphics, numbers and life. Algorithmic constructs, aspects of "program".
Introduction to Java - using NetBeans and skeleton files. Variables, expressions (int, double, bool); if.
Repetition. for, while loops; arrays; using debugger; debugging techniques; loop invariants (as development tool).
Static methods - as procedures and functions. Header comments including requires/ensures; structure of source code files; packages; API; java.lang.Math; using the Linux command line including arguments.
Objects and classes. Instance members (fields, constructors, methods), instance invariants; creating and using objects; strings; primitive v. reference type.
Interfaces. Type v. class; assert; Javadoc.
Subclasses. Different applications including subclass to reuse features in existing class, subclasses to partition abstract superclass.
Recursion. Basic use, mechanism (seen in debugger), designing recursive algorithms.
Exceptions. Understanding error messages, exception objects, throw, try-catch.
Case Study - of object architecture (e.g. model-view structure).
Java Concepts (4th Ed)Cay HorstmannJohn Wiley2005Horstmann's books are well written and with a good sense of what
is important.
For a few pounds more you can buy his "Big Java",
which is the same as this but with some extra
chapters covering topics that will be useful in year 2.Introduction to Programming in JavaRobert Sedgewick and Kevin WayneAddison Wesley2007Very good background reading. It is based on many really
interesting examples taken from various disciplines
including maths and physics, and also turtle graphics.