IFB104 Building IT Systems


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Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Unit code:IFB104
Credit points:12
Equivalent:INB104, IND104, ITB001
Anti-requisite:ITD104, CAB201, EGB103, EGD103
Coordinators:Laurianne Sitbon | l.sitbon@qut.edu.au
Colin Fidge | c.fidge@qut.edu.au
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. The emphasis is on developing skills through practice, so the unit includes numerous coding exercises and assignments, using a simple scripting language and code development environment. 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. Explain the commonly used features in computer languages needed to build IT systems.
    Relates to: ACS CBOK: 4, 4.2; SFIA: PROG
  2. Use selected computer languages effectively to develop software to address user needs.
    Relates to: ACS CBOK: 4, 4.2; SFIA: PROG
  3. Apply appropriate processes and creative thinking to develop solutions to small IT challenges.
    Relates to: ACS CBOK: 2
  4. Describe the software development profession and key capabilities and skills required by the industry.
    Relates to: ACS CBOK: 1, 1.6; SFIA: PROG
  5. Interpret client requirements to design and build user-centred IT systems.
    Relates to: ACS CBOK: 4, 4.1; SFIA: PROG
  6. Outline the basic lifecycle of software development and acquisition.
    Relates to: ACS CBOK: 4, 4.3

Content

This unit provides you with a variety of engaging experiences in the broad areas of programming, databases, 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 online learning resources.

Learning Approaches

This unit is available for you to study in either on-campus or online mode. The unit emphasises a hands-on approach to learning through an engaging program of exercises which provide you with the opportunity to carry out a number of practical, artefact-driven tasks aimed at building small IT systems. On the larger assignments you will be required to present the results of your work in a novice professional manner. This progressive range of simple to more complex tasks will foster your ability to perform individually as well as with your peers, applying the concepts taught in the first-semester IT Design unit. In the practical workshops you will collaborate with your peers to solve non-trivial IT problems. You will have the opportunity to discuss any difficulties you are having with the practical exercises and assessment tasks with your peers and Workshop Facilitator in interactive workshops.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Feedback in this unit is provided in the following ways:

  • You can ask the teaching staff for advice and assistance during practical workshops.
  • You will receive formative peer and academic feedback on your portfolios of practical tasks, especially through presentation of your work in workshops.
  • You will receive written feedback on assessment items.
  • You can participate in student support groups or arrange peer consultation.

Assessment

Overview

You will complete small tests each week and submit two larger portfolios of assessment items to show how you can solve IT system development problems. Examinations/tests will assess the skills and knowledge you've gained about basic programming principles.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Assessment Task 1

A non-trivial problem-solving task in which you will demonstrate the fundamental programming skills you have acquired in the first half of the unit. This assignment consists of two components. The first component will be submitted early in the semester and is an opportunity to assess your progress.  It is then incorporated into the second component of the task.

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

Weight: 30
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Early semester and mid semester
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 5

Assessment: Assessment Task 2

A major programming task in which you will create an interactive application using the applied knowledge and skills you have gained throughout the entire unit. This assignment consists of two components. The first component will be submitted just after the middle of the semester as an initial prototype.  The full version is then developed as the second component of the task submitted at the end of the semester.

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

Weight: 30
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Mid semester and end semester
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6

Assessment: Online Exam

Problem-solving and knowledge-based questions which test your understanding of and ability to apply the programming concepts covered in the unit.

Weight: 40
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Central Examination Period
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

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.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties 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.

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

Kenneth A. Lambert. Fundamentals of Python: First Programs. Cengage Learning, 2012. ISBN-13: 978-1-111-82270-5

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no unusual health or safety risks associated with this unit.

Standards/Competencies

This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.

Australian Computer Society Core Body of Knowledge

1: ICT Professional Knowledge

  1. Understanding the ICT profession
    Relates to: ULO4

2: ICT Problem Solving

Relates to: ULO3

4: Technology Building

  1. Human factors
    Relates to: ULO5
  2. Programming
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2
  3. Systems development and acquisition
    Relates to: ULO6

The Global Skills and Competency framework for a digital world

PROG: Programming/Software Development 

Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, ULO5

Course Learning Outcomes

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

IN01 Bachelor of Information Technology

  1. Demonstrate well-developed IT discipline knowledge
    Relates to: ULO1
  2. Employ appropriate IT Methods
    Relates to: ULO6
  3. Critically apply design and problem solving skills
    Relates to: ULO2, ULO3
  4. Purposefully appraise personal values, attitudes and performance in your continuing professional development
    Relates to: ULO4
  5. Create considered and relevant IT solutions
    Relates to: ULO5

IN05 Bachelor of Games and Interactive Environments

  1. Demonstrate broad knowledge of games and interactive environments principles and theory, with an in-depth knowledge of one games-related discipline.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO4, ULO6, Assessment Task 1 , Assessment Task 2 , Online Exam
  2. Apply creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to generate solutions to design challenges.
    Relates to: ULO3, ULO5, Assessment Task 1 , Assessment Task 2 , Online Exam
  3. Create engaging and meaningful games experiences for specific target audiences in partnership with diverse industry and community stakeholders using industry-relevant software and technologies..
    Relates to: ULO2, ULO5, Assessment Task 1 , Assessment Task 2 , Online Exam