COMP2304 - Sem 2 2008 - St Lucia - Internal

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Printed: 15 July 2008, 03:00PM
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1. General Course Information

1.1 Course Details

Course Code: COMP2304 Course Title: Programming for Engineering Systems
Coordinating Unit: School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering
Semester: Semester 2, 2008    Mode: Internal
Level: Undergraduate
Location: St Lucia
Number of Units: 2    Contact Hours Per Week: 2L2P
Pre-Requisites: CSSE1001 or other prior programming experience
Incompatible: COMP7305
Course Description: Programming in C++, language features & pitfalls, computer components, object-oriented programming, pointers, parameter passing, scope, recursion, void functions, classes, type conversion, arrays & strings, multidimensional arrays, streams, standard libraries, matrix operations, numerical methods, graph theory, event driven software, graphical user interfaces, relationship to Java for internet programming, linkage to MATLAB for rapid prototyping.
Assumed Background: Students should have completed a formal programming course at University or elsewhere and have good familiarity with computers.

1.2 Course Introduction

This course introduces the C++ programming language. Applications for engineering problems, and the design and management of large-scale systems is considered.

1.3 Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Prof Brian Lovell
Phone: 3365 4134     Email: b.lovell@uq.edu.au Homepage: www.itee.uq.edu.au/~lovell
Campus: St Lucia Building: General Purpose South (Map)   Room: 533


1.4 Timetable

Timetables are available on mySI-net.

2. Aims, Objectives & Graduate Attributes

2.1 Course Aims

This course aims to develop practical programming skills in C++ for engineering applications and an appreciation of the issues of managing large scale software development. Students will exercise their problem solving skills via practical coding problems.

2.2 Learning Objectives

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

1  implement engineering software systems in C++
2  appreciate the issues of managing large scale software development

2.3. Graduate Attributes

Successfully completing this course will contribute to the recognition of your attainment of the following UQ (Undergrad Pass) graduate attributes:

GRADUATE ATTRIBUTELEARNING OBJECTIVES
A. IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF THE FIELD OF STUDY
A1. A comprehensive and well-founded knowledge in the field of study.1, 2
A4. An understanding of how other disciplines relate to the field of study. 
A5. An international perspective on the field of study. 
B. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
B1. The ability to collect, analyse and organise information and ideas and to convey those ideas clearly and fluently, in both written and spoken forms. 
B2. The ability to interact effectively with others in order to work towards a common outcome.1, 2
B3. The ability to select and use the appropriate level, style and means of communication.1, 2
B4. The ability to engage effectively and appropriately with information and communication technologies. 
C. INDEPENDENCE AND CREATIVITY
C1. The ability to work and learn independently.1, 2
C3. The ability to generate ideas and adapt innovatively to changing environments.1, 2
C4. The ability to identify problems, create solutions, innovate and improve current practices.1, 2
D. CRITICAL JUDGEMENT
D1. The ability to define and analyse problems.1, 2
D2. The ability to apply critical reasoning to issues through independent thought and informed judgement.1, 2
D3. The ability to evaluate opinions, make decisions and to reflect critically on the justifications for decisions.1, 2
E. ETHICAL AND SOCIAL UNDERSTANDING
E1. An understanding of social and civic responsibility. 
E2. An appreciation of the philosophical and social contexts of a discipline. 
E4. A knowledge and respect of ethics and ethical standards in relation to a major area of study. 
E5. A knowledge of other cultures and times and an appreciation of cultural diversity. 

Successfully completing this course will contribute to the recognition of your attainment of the following Engineers Australia graduate attributes:

GRADUATE ATTRIBUTELEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals 
2. Ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers, but also with the community at large1, 2
3. In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline1, 2
4. Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution1, 2
5. Ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance1, 2
6. Ability to function effectively as an individual and in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be a team leader or manager as well as an effective team member 
7. Understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the professional engineer, and for the need for sustainable development 
8. Understanding of the principles of sustainable design and development 
9. Understanding of and commitment to professional and ethical responsibilities 
10. Expectation and capacity to undertake life-long learning1, 2

3. Learning Resources

3.2 Recommended Resources

Walter Savitch, "Problem Solving with C++: The Object of Programming", Addison Wesley  
 

3.3 University Learning Resources

Access to required and recommended resources, plus past central exam papers, is available at the UQ Library website (http://library.uq.edu.au/search/r?SEARCH=COMP2304).

The University offers a range of resources and services to support student learning. Details are available on the myServices website (https://student.my.uq.edu.au/).

3.4 School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering Learning Resources

Students enrolled at St Lucia who wish to retain a hard copy of this profile can use the free print quota provided each semester to students enrolled in courses in the School of Information Technology & Electrical Engineering. For information on how to use this print quota, see the School Policy on Student Photocopying and Printing (St Lucia) (http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/about_ITEE/policies/copy-print.html). Students enrolled at the Ipswich campus will either be provided with a hard copy or given directions in class on how to obtain a free copy.

ITEE course websites can be found at http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/~COURSECODE. Many ITEE courses also have Usenet newsgroups, named uq.itee.COURSECODE. Instructions for accessing newsgroups are available at http://studenthelp.itee.uq.edu.au/faq/1stYearFAQ.html#accessnews.

4. Teaching & Learning Activities

4.1 Learning Activities

Date
Activity
Learning Objectives
21 Jul 08
Week 1 (Lecture Series): Introduction
28 Jul 08
Week 2 (Lecture Series): C++ - getting started
1, 2
4 Aug 08
Week 3 (Lecture Series): Basic C++ constructs
1, 2
11 Aug 08
Week 4 (Lecture Series): Functions, types, memory, pointers
1, 2
15 Aug 08 17:00
Assignment 1 (Computer Exercise): Assignment 1 - due 5pm Friday (week 4)
1, 2
18 Aug 08
Week 5 (Lecture Series): Header files, prototypes, scopes, defaults, arrays
1, 2
25 Aug 08
Week 6 (Lecture Series): Arrays, strings
1, 2
1 Sep 08
Week 7 (Lecture Series): String class, defining classes
1, 2
8 Sep 08
Week 8 (Lecture Series): Constructors, ADTs, friends
1, 2
12 Sep 08 17:00
Assignment 2 (Computer Exercise): Assignment 2 - due 5pm Friday (week 8)
1, 2
15 Sep 08
Week 9 (Lecture Series): Overloading, type conversion
1, 2
29 Sep 08
Week 10 (Lecture Series): Dynamic arrays, pointer arithmetic, destructors, copy constructors
1, 2
3 Oct 08 17:00
Assignment 3 (Computer Exercise): Assignment 3 - due 5pm Friday (week 10)
1, 2
6 Oct 08
Week 11 (Lecture Series): Templates, generic programming
1, 2
13 Oct 08
Week 12 (Lecture Series): Inheritance
1, 2
17 Oct 08
Assignment 4 (Computer Exercise): Assignment 4 - due 5pm Friday (week 12)
1, 2
20 Oct 08
Week 13 (Lecture Series): Advanced arithmetic
1, 2

4.2 Other Teaching and Learning Activities Information

Lectures will be used to provide the basic technical information as well as some worked-through practical examples.

The practicals will be used to provide a "learn by doing" environment.

5. Assessment

5.1 Assessment Summary

This is a summary of the assessment in the course. For detailed information on each assessment, see 5.5 Assessment Detail below.

Assessment Task
Due Date
Weighting
Learning Objectives
Computer Exercise
Assignment 1
15 Aug 08 17:00
15%
1, 2
Computer Exercise
Assignment 2
12 Sep 08 17:00
15%
1, 2
Computer Exercise
Assignment 3
3 Oct 08 17:00
15%
1, 2
Computer Exercise
Assignment 4
17 Oct 08 17:00
15%
1, 2
Exam - during Exam Period (Central)
End of semester exam
Examination Period
40%
1, 2

5.2 Course Grading


Grade 1, Fail: Fails to demonstrate most or all of the basic requirements of the course: Fails to demonstrate understanding of most aspects of effective programming in C++

      The minimum percentage required for a grade of 1 is: 0%

Grade 2, Fail: Demonstrates clear deficiencies in understanding and applying fundamental concepts; communicates information or ideas in ways that are frequently incomplete or confusing and give little attention to the conventions of the discipline: Fails to demonstrate understanding of some aspects of effective programming in C++

Grade 3, Fail: Demonstrates superficial or partial or faulty understanding of the fundamental concepts of the field of study and limited ability to apply these concepts; presents undeveloped or inappropriate or unsupported arguments; communicates information or ideas with lack of clarity and inconsistent adherence to the conventions of the discipline: Demonstrates understanding of some aspects of program design. Unable to think critically about design alternatives. Unable to program effectively in C++

Grade 4, Pass: Demonstrates adequate understanding and application of the fundamental concepts of the field of study; develops routine arguments or decisions and provides acceptable justification; communicates information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline: Demonstrates understanding of some aspects of program design. Able to program effectively in C++

Grade 5, Credit: Demonstrates substantial understanding of fundamental concepts of the field of study and ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; develops or adapts convincing arguments and provides coherent justification; communicates information and ideas clearly and fluently in terms of the conventions of the discipline: Demonstrates detailed understanding of most aspects of program design. Able to think critically about design alternatives. Able to program effectively  in C++

Grade 6, Distinction: As for 5, with frequent evidence of originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and in creating solutions; uses a level, style and means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience: Demonstrates understanding of most aspects of program design. Able to think critically about design alternatives. Able to program effectively and efficiently in C++

Grade 7, High Distinction: As for 6, with consistent evidence of substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critically evaluates problems, their solutions and implications: Demonstrates understanding of all aspects of program design. Able to think critically about design alternatives. Able to program effectively and efficiently in C++

Other Requirements & Comments :

Your final mark will be calculated from your marks for the assignments and final exam with weightings as above. You must pass the final exam to pass the subject. Your final grade is then computed from the final mark using the following table. 

final mark exam mark grade
85-100 >=50% 7
85-100 >=50% 6
75-85 >=50% 6
75-85 >=50%
5
65-74 >=50%  5
50-64 >=50%  4
45-49   3
20-45   2
<20  

5.3 Late Submission

No extensions will be granted except in exceptional personal circumstances (documented medical reason or family emergency). Personal hardware or computer failures are not grounds for extension.

5.4 Other Assessment Information

Student Marks
Marks for individual parts of the assessment by student number will be posted as they are entered. Students who have a problem with their assigned marks, especially apparently unfair computer-based marking or missing marks, must lodge an appeal within one week of posting. Once the appeals have been considered and marks adjusted, no more appeals will be considered, but students may also be provided with the option of resubmission.

Appeals Process
Many assignments in this course will use a computer automarker to generate the initial assessment.  This offers many advantages in terms of speed of marking, consistency, and thorough feedback.  The intention is that most of the autogenerated marks should be reasonable, but we are well aware that there will always be some glaring exceptions. In particular, a human is more likely to provide what is considered to be a "fair" assessment of non-working programs than a computer program.  While students may have the misconception that every single assignment marked by the automarker will also have been thoroughly checked by a human tutor for fairness, this is simply not the case due to resource limitations (not enough tutors) and the mind-numbing nature of checking the output.   So only a random selection of assignments are examined by the human tutor to validate the automarker output.  It is then the students responsibility to check the automarker result for fairness and to lodge an appeal within one week of posting the draft marks. To avoid wasting everybody's time, please ensure that you have valid grounds for any appeal. The correct procedure to lodge appeals for each assignment will be posted on the course web site.

Resubmission Process
Students may be offered to option to resubmit their assignment to the automarker. The resubmission results would have a X% penalty applied to them so students would only be able to score a maximum of  (100-X)% overall. Anyone is free to resubmit if the option is offered, not just those who have lodged appeals.  Note further that resubmission can only increase marks and will never decrease them.  The correct procedure to lodge resubmissions for each assignment (if permitted) will be posted on the course web site.

5.5 Assessment Detail


Assignment 1
Type: Computer Exercise
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1, 2
Due Date:
         15 Aug 08 17:00
Weight: 15%
Task Description: See details on the course web page
Criteria & Marking: The marking criteria will be supplied with the assignment
Submission: on-line

Assignment 2
Type: Computer Exercise
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1, 2
Due Date:
         12 Sep 08 17:00
Weight: 15%
Task Description: See details on the course web page
Criteria & Marking: The marking criteria will be supplied with the assignment
Submission: on-line

Assignment 3
Type: Computer Exercise
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1, 2
Due Date:
         3 Oct 08 17:00
Weight: 15%
Task Description: See details on the course web page
Criteria & Marking: The marking criteria will be supplied with the assignment
Submission: on-line

Assignment 4
Type: Computer Exercise
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1, 2
Due Date:
         17 Oct 08 17:00
Weight: 15%
Task Description: See details on the course web page
Criteria & Marking: The marking criteria will be supplied with the assignment
Submission: on-line

End of semester exam
Type: Exam - during Exam Period (Central)
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1, 2
Due Date:
         Examination Period
Weight: 40%
Perusal: 10 minutes
Duration: 120 minutes
Format: Multiple-choice
Task Description: End of semester exam
Criteria & Marking: Assessed based on number of correct answers.

6. Policies & Guidelines

 
This section contains the details of and links to the most relevant policies and course guidelines. For further details on University Policies please visit myAdvisor and the University Handbook of Policies and Procedures.

6.1 Assessment Related Policies and Guidelines

University Policies & Guidelines

An overview of the University’s assessment-related policies can be found on myAdvisor (http://www.uq.edu.au/myadvisor/index.html?page=2910).

Academic Integrity
It is the University's task to encourage ethical scholarship and to inform students and staff about the institutional standards of academic behaviour expected of them in learning, teaching and research. Students have a responsibility to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity in their work. Students must not cheat in examinations or other forms of assessment and must ensure they do not plagiarise.

Plagiarism
The University has adopted the following definition of plagiarism:

Plagiarism is the act of misrepresenting as one's own original work the ideas, interpretations, words or creative works of another. These include published and unpublished documents, designs, music, sounds, images, photographs, computer codes and ideas gained through working in a group. These ideas, interpretations, words or works may be found in print and/or electronic media.

Students are encouraged to read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism policy (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25128) which makes a comprehensive statement about the University's approach to plagiarism, including the approved use of plagiarism detection software, the consequences of plagiarism and the principles associated with preventing plagiarism.

Feedback on Assessment
Feedback is essential to effective learning and students can expect to receive appropriate and timely feedback on all assessment. For a detailed explanation of the feedback you are entitled to, you should consult the policy on Student Access to Feedback on Assessment. (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25109)

As a student you have a responsibility to incorporate feedback into your learning; make use of the assessment criteria that you are given; be aware of the rules, policies and other documents related to assessment; and provide teachers with feedback on their assessment practices.

There are certain steps you can take if you feel your result does not reflect your performance. Please refer to the myAdvisor web site. (http://www.uq.edu.au/myadvisor/index.html?page=2953)

School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering Assessment Guidelines

Misconduct

Further to the statement on academic integrity and plagiarism above, students are required to read and understand the ITEE policy on Student Misconduct (http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/about_ITEE/policies/student-misconduct.html).

Late Arrival or Non-attendance at Examinations

The policy and procedure for late arrival or non-attendance at centrally controlled examinations is set out in the University's Examinations policy (HUPP 3.30.5), sections 8 and 10.2.

The way in which late arrival at a School-controlled examination is dealt with will be at the discretion of the course coordinator, who may be guided by the policy for centrally controlled exams.

In the case that a student requests a special exam for a School-controlled exam, the request will be considered and, if allowed, the timing shall be determined by the course coordinator, in consultation with the School's Chief Examiner where necessary, and in accordance with HUPP 3.30.5. Unless otherwise indicated in the Course Profile, applications must be made in writing to the Head of School no later than one week after the exam. Late applications will not be accepted.
 
Examination Feedback
 
In addition to the advice above, students wishing to view examination answer scripts and/or question papers should consult with the School office (Room 217, General Purpose South Building [78], St Lucia; Room 218, Building 1, Ipswich) regarding arrangements. The ITEE policy on exam script viewing is available at http://study.itee.uq.edu.au/current_students/exam_script_viewing.html.

Supplementary Assessment

If you fail this course you may be eligible for supplementary assessment - see the general award rules and/or your program rules for details. You should note that even though you may be eligible for supplementary assessment under these rules, in some circumstances there may be no practical assessment that can be offered to allow you to meet the minimum passing requirements. These circumstances may include failure based on:
  • group or team based assessment;
  • attendance or class participation requirements;
  • laboratory-based assessment, where laboratories can't practically be made available after classes have finished;
  • project or thesis-based assessment, where a significant period of time would be required to undertake supplementary assessment;
  • progressive assessment, where subsequent assessment items build on earlier assessment items; or
  • multiple assessment items, where it is impractical to offer multiple supplementary assessment items.
If the course coordinator determines that there is no practical supplementary assessment that can be offered to allow you to improve your grade, then you will not be offered supplementary assessment and your grade will remain unchanged.

6.2 Other Policies and Guidelines

University Policies and Guidelines

Placement Courses
Students on a placement course – also known as a work placement, internship, industry study, industry experience, clinical practice, clinical placement, practical work, practicum, fieldwork, teaching practice – should refer to the University policy, Placement Courses (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25120) for detailed information.
 
Working with Children
Students whose studies include a professional/work placement, internship, clinical practice, teaching practice or other similar activity which involves them in regular contact with children should refer to the University policy, Working with Children Check - "blue card" (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25004) to find out how to apply for a ‘blue card’.
 
Students with a Disability
Any student with a disability who may require alternative academic arrangements, including assessment, in the course/program is encouraged to seek advice at the commencement of the semester from a Disability Adviser at Student Support Services. Refer to the University policy, Students with a Disability (Disability Action Plan) (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25122) and to the policy on Special Arrangements for Examinations for Students with a Disability (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25111

Where an adjustment is made to an accredited program, it is the responsibility of the relevant Faculty to liaise with professional and registration bodies regarding the acceptability of the change/s.  

Occupational Health and Safety
Undergraduate Students (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25055) and Postgraduate Students (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25057) should be familiar with the University policies on occupational health and safety in the laboratory.

Other School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering Guidelines

Ethical Clearance
If your course involves assignment or project work involving human subjects or human-related materials, you must investigate the need for ethical clearance and obtain it when required. Information on ethical clearance can be found at http://www.uq.edu.au/research/orps/index.html?page=5064&pid=5256.

Learning Summary

 

Below is a table showing the relationship between the learning objectives for this course and the broader graduate attributes developed, the learning activities used to develop each objective and the assessment task used to assess each objective.

Learning Objectives

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

1  implement engineering software systems in C++
2  appreciate the issues of managing large scale software development


Assessment & Learning Activities

  Learning Objectives
  1 2
Learning Activities
Week 1 (Lecture Series)    
Week 2 (Lecture Series)
selected
selected
Week 3 (Lecture Series)
selected
selected
Week 4 (Lecture Series)
selected
selected
Assignment 1 (Computer Exercise)
selected
selected
Week 5 (Lecture Series)
selected
selected
Week 6 (Lecture Series)
selected
selected
Week 7 (Lecture Series)
selected
selected
Week 8 (Lecture Series)
selected
selected
Assignment 2 (Computer Exercise)
selected
selected
Week 9 (Lecture Series)
selected
selected
Week 10 (Lecture Series)
selected
selected
Assignment 3 (Computer Exercise)
selected
selected
Week 11 (Lecture Series)
selected
selected
Week 12 (Lecture Series)
selected
selected
Assignment 4 (Computer Exercise)
selected
selected
Week 13 (Lecture Series)
selected
selected
Assessment Tasks
Assignment 1
selected
selected
Assignment 2
selected
selected
Assignment 3
selected
selected
Assignment 4
selected
selected
End of semester exam
selected
selected

Graduate Attributes

Successfully completing this course will contribute to the recognition of your attainment of the following UQ (Undergrad Pass) graduate attributes:

  Learning Objectives
  1 2
Graduate Attributes
A IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF THE FIELD OF STUDY
A1. A comprehensive and well-founded knowledge in the field of study.
selected
selected
A4. An understanding of how other disciplines relate to the field of study.    
A5. An international perspective on the field of study.    
B EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
B1. The ability to collect, analyse and organise information and ideas and to convey those ideas clearly and fluently, in both written and spoken forms.    
B2. The ability to interact effectively with others in order to work towards a common outcome.
selected
selected
B3. The ability to select and use the appropriate level, style and means of communication.
selected
selected
B4. The ability to engage effectively and appropriately with information and communication technologies.    
C INDEPENDENCE AND CREATIVITY
C1. The ability to work and learn independently.
selected
selected
C3. The ability to generate ideas and adapt innovatively to changing environments.
selected
selected
C4. The ability to identify problems, create solutions, innovate and improve current practices.
selected
selected
D CRITICAL JUDGEMENT
D1. The ability to define and analyse problems.
selected
selected
D2. The ability to apply critical reasoning to issues through independent thought and informed judgement.
selected
selected
D3. The ability to evaluate opinions, make decisions and to reflect critically on the justifications for decisions.
selected
selected
E ETHICAL AND SOCIAL UNDERSTANDING
E1. An understanding of social and civic responsibility.    
E2. An appreciation of the philosophical and social contexts of a discipline.    
E4. A knowledge and respect of ethics and ethical standards in relation to a major area of study.    
E5. A knowledge of other cultures and times and an appreciation of cultural diversity.    

Successfully completing this course will contribute to the recognition of your attainment of the following Engineers Australia graduate attributes:

  Learning Objectives
  1 2
Graduate Attributes
1. Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals    
2. Ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers, but also with the community at large
selected
selected
3. In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline
selected
selected
4. Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution
selected
selected
5. Ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance
selected
selected
6. Ability to function effectively as an individual and in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be a team leader or manager as well as an effective team member    
7. Understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the professional engineer, and for the need for sustainable development    
8. Understanding of the principles of sustainable design and development    
9. Understanding of and commitment to professional and ethical responsibilities    
10. Expectation and capacity to undertake life-long learning
selected
selected