EZB119 Computational Thinking and C Language

Unit Outline: Dalian Teaching Period - 1 2026, Non-QUT location, Internal

Overview

This foundation unit systematically teaches the core syntax and practice of structured programming. It covers key modules including data types, flow control, functions, arrays, pointers, structures, and file operations. Through implementing classic algorithms (e.g., sorting, searching) and project cases (student information systems, hardware driver development), you will develop a low-level memory management skills and modular programming mindset, establishing a solid foundation for learning operating systems, embedded development, and advanced languages like C++/Java.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Demonstrate memory management skills using pointers and dynamic allocation at an introduced level.
2. Design modular code via functions and structured programming at an introduced level.
3. Demonstrate debugging proficiency with segmentation fault analysis at an introduced level.
4. Create hardware-aware applications for embedded systems at an introduced level.
5. Establish foundations for **C++, Java, OS development, and compiler design at an introduced level.
6. Communicate methods and solutions to computation thinking and C language problems using written, electronic, graphical and mathematical techniques at a developed level.

Content

Learning Approaches

In this unit you can expect to experience the following timetabled activities:

• Formal interactive lectures (2 h per week throughout the 16 weeks teaching period) delivered from experienced DUT professional academic staff.
• Computer Simulation using integrated development environment (IDE) software in classroom (3 h per practical per week through 4 practicals) guided by experienced DUT demonstrators to perform coding individually to practice C programming skill.

You will be provided with learning resources using its DUT's LMS site, which you can access flexibly to prepare for your timetabled learning activities. Learning resources will introduce you to theoretical background and concepts in fundamental engineering mathematics, along with example problems and real-world applications.

You will be expected to:

• Prepare for timetabled activities by engaging with the learning resources available from the unit LMS site.
• Engage with timetabled activities and ask questions.
• Work on a wide variety of exercises and problems in your own time to consolidate material from timetabled activities.
• Engage with your peers in a learning community to practise problem solving and then work independently to complete your assessment.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Immediate feedback from peers and teachers on concept development and problem-solving strategies will be given during tutorial sessions.

You will receive timely feedback on your assignments via the grading of the assessment items against pre-determined criteria which will be shared with you according to DUT requirements, along with written comments.

Assessment

Overview

Assessment in the unit has been designed to give you the opportunity to show your learning against the unit learning outcomes. You will use knowledge and skills to solve problems and report on your findings with reference to computational thinking and C language.  

An Assessment Task Description, Assessment Detail, and marking Rubric will be provided for the Project.

You will sit an invigilated written examination during the DUT central examination period to demonstrate your overall learning in the unit.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: In-class written test

You will undertake an in-class written test to demonstrate your theoretical and practical knowledge in the computational thinking and language domain.

Assessment: Project

You will submit an individual project to demonstrate your theoretical and practical knowledge and problem solving capability in the computational thinking and language domain.

This assessment is subject to DUT submission and assignment extensions policy.

Assessment: Examination

You will be required to solve problems coherently demonstrating knowledge and skills in the computational thinking and language domain.

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.

Requirements to Study

Blue Card

A blue card is required to complete this unit. A blue card confirms that you have passed a screening of your criminal history (the Working with Children Check) and have been approved to work with children and young people. For more information on the blue card and how to apply please visit the QUT website.

Resources

Resource Materials

Reference book(s)

1. Stephen G. Kochan, C language programming (4th revised edition), published by China Post and Telecommunications Press, 2025
2. Tan Haoqiang, C Language Programming (5th Edition), Tsinghua University Press, 2024

Software

You will be expected to use software that will be made available to you in DUT computer laboratories to complete some parts of your assessment. Instruction and training will be provided to you on the use of this software. This includes Compilers: GCC (Linux), MinGW (Windows), IDEs: Code::Blocks, Eclipse CDT, VS Code, Debuggers: GDB, Valgrind (memory leak detection)

Risk Assessment Statement

You will undertake lectures and tutorials in the traditional classrooms and lecture theatres of DUT. You will follow all legitimate instructions of staff in accordance with DUT workplace health and safety requirements.

You will be required to access DUT laboratories or workshops if applicable. Such access will require you to have completed any relevant safety courses and hold any relevant safety cards. You must follow all relevant workplace health and safety rules of DUT, and follow the instructions of its laboratory or workshop staff.

Course Learning Outcomes

EZ90 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

1. Engage stakeholders professionally and communicate the outcomes of your work effectively to expert and non-expert audiences using appropriate modes.
   Relates to: ULO6, In-class written test, Project, Examination
2. Display leadership, creativity, and initiative in both self-directed and collaborative contexts of professional engineering practice.
   Relates to: ULO4, ULO5, Project, Examination
3. Deploy appropriate approaches to engineering design and quality.
   Relates to: ULO2, ULO5, In-class written test, Project, Examination
4. Demonstrate coherent knowledge and skills of physical, mathematical, statistical, computer, and information sciences that are fundamental to professional engineering practice.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, ULO5, In-class written test, Project, Examination