ITD104 Building IT Systems


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Unit Outline: College Summer 2027, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Unit code:ITD104
Credit points:12
Equivalent:IFB104
Anti-requisite:CAB201, EGB103, EGD103
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

This unit provides a hands-on introduction to computer programming for students with no prior coding experience at all. It introduces the basic principles of programming in a typical imperative language, including expressions, assignment, functions, choice and iteration. It then shows how to use Application Programming Interfaces to complete common Information Technology tasks such as querying databases, creating user interfaces, and searching for patterns in large datasets. It finally connects the technical approaches to professional and entrepreneurial contexts. The emphasis is on developing skills through practice, so the unit includes numerous coding exercises and assignments, using a simple scripting language, a code development environment and a Generative AI tool. The unit establishes a foundation for later subjects that teach large-scale software development using industrial-strength programming languages.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Distinguish the commonly used features in computer languages needed to build IT systems.
  2. Use selected computer languages effectively to develop software to address user needs.
  3. Apply appropriate processes and creative thinking to develop solutions to small IT challenges.
  4. Outline the basic lifecycle of software development and acquisition.
  5. Contrast professional and AI skills for software development.

Content

This unit provides you with a variety of engaging experiences in the broad areas of programming, pattern-matching and user interfaces to develop your skill set and knowledge about Information technology systems and languages. This is accomplished by providing you with both skills-development exercises and assessed assignments that encourage you to solve practical problems encountered in building IT systems, making use of simple software development environments and developing professional approaches.

Learning Approaches

This unit takes a blended approach to learning and teaching. You will be provided with both eContent and timetabled classes such as lecture and tutorials. eContent will be clearly identified on your Canvas site for you to engage with on a weekly basis before your classes. eContent could include videos, readings and/or other activities designed to enhance your learning experience. While lectures introduce principles of programming and professional practice, tutorials provide a hands-on approach to learning through exercises which provide you with the opportunity to carry out practical, artefact-driven tasks aimed at building small IT systems. A progressive range of simple to more complex tasks will foster your ability to perform individually while developing effective and ethical approaches to consulting with your peers and Generative AI Co-pilot tools.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
• Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
• Formal: in writing, such as checklists, rubrics, written commentary
• Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
• Indirect: to the whole class

Assessment

Overview

In this unit you will demonstrate how you can solve IT system development problems through completing three summative assessment tasks. The assessment tasks build your knowledge and skills successively across the semester. 

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Programming Tasks

A sequence of non-trivial problem-solving tasks in which you will demonstrate the fundamental programming skills you have acquired in the first part of the unit. There are two parts to this assignment. Part A is submitted early in semester and is an opportunity to assess your progress. It is then incorporated into Part B of the task.    

The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 30
Length: 5-6 pages (approx.)
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 3 (Part A) and 4 (Part B)
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 3

Assessment: Programming Project with Q&A

A major programming task in which you will work with a small team to create an interactive application using the applied knowledge and skills you have gained throughout the entire unit. There are 2 components to this task. For Part A you will submit a written report which explains the design elements of your project and provides evidence of the development process that you have used (25%), and Part B which requires you to demonstrate your project in class. Each team member will speak individually and respond to Q&As that cover programming principles and the development process you employed (15%).   

The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.

Part A of this assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

The late submission period does not apply to Part B and no assignment extensions are available.

Weight: 40
Length: Written report (2000 words approx.) + oral in class presentation (3-4 minutes per student max.)
Individual/Group: Individual and group
Due (indicative): Week 8 (Part A) and Week 9 (Part B)
Related Unit learning outcomes: 2, 4

Assessment: Examination

You will complete a written examination in which you will identify correct and incorrect suggestions made by Generative AI coding assistants to a range of problems.  

The use of Generative AI tools are prohibited during this assessment. 

Weight: 30
Length: 1:40 minutes including 10 minutes perusal
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): During central examination period
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 5

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

This unit makes extensive use of online resources. All manuals and computer software needed to complete the exercises and assessment items will be either available online or provided in QUT's computer labs. Reference may be made to relevant textbooks, but purchasing these will not be compulsory.

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit. 

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

EE18 Diploma in Entrepreneurship

  1. Demonstrate and apply an integrated knowledge of entrepreneurial approaches, practices and technologies to effectively identify and develop new entrepreneurial opportunities, establish new ventures or intrapreneurial initiatives.
    Relates to: Programming Tasks

ES21 Diploma in Esports

  1. Demonstrate foundational interdisciplinary knowledge relating to esports.
    Relates to: Programming Tasks

IT10 Diploma in Information Technology

  1. Demonstrate foundational IT theory and skills, including the ethical and responsible use of GenAI, for your practice as a future IT professional.
    Relates to: Programming Tasks, Programming Project with Q&A, Examination
  2. Critically analyse and conceptualise a range of predictable IT challenges and opportunities using problem solving skills to generate, evaluate and justify recommended solutions.
    Relates to: Programming Tasks, Programming Project with Q&A, Examination
  3. Communicate professionally and effectively in written, verbal and visual formats to a range of audiences, considering the audience and explaining complex ideas in a simple and understandable manner in a range of IT-related contexts.
    Relates to: Programming Project with Q&A, Examination
  4. Apply self-reflective, ethical and inclusive approaches to a range of issues impacting the development and use of IT, including how they relate to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with a disability and other vulnerable members of society.
    Relates to: Examination