This postgraduate foundation unit is a level 2 unit based on FIT1045. The introduction of this unit will allow us to increase our intake for GDDS by admitting those applicants who do not have the programming background.

02/09/2016 - this unit was to be part of the foundation in the MDS and GDDS however it has now been replaced and will be developed as FIT9133 Programming foundations in Python.

Upon successful completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. design, construct, test and document small computer programs using Python
2. recognise the relationship between a problem description and program design;
3. demonstrate how basic data structures function;
4. investigate different strategies for algorithm development and evaluate these to select an appropriate solution to a given problem.

020109

This unit introduces programming fundamentals and the Python language to students. The unit provides a foundational understanding of program design and implementation of algorithms to solve simple problems. Fundamental programming control structures, built in and complex data types and mechanisms for modularity will be presented in Python.

Topics covered will include basic input and output, program control structures, basic data structures and modular program structure. Problem-solving strategies and techniques for algorithm development, iteration and recursion, algorithm.

Monash Online

In-semester assessment: 100%

Monash Online units cannot have exams. Therefore all assessment must be in-semester.

To ensure that the students work is authentic, academic staff closely supervise students participation online and communicate with students by email regularly. They also conduct and document student interviews via the phone or online conferencing software throughout the semester. These methods complement our online assessment tools such as Respondus Lock-down browser and Turnitin.

Minimum total expected workload equals 144 hours per semester comprising:

1. Contact hours for Monash Online students:
   • Two hours/week online group sessions.
   • Online students generally do not attend lecture, tutorial and laboratory sessions, however should plan to spend equivalent time working through resources and participating in discussions.
2. Additional requirements:
   • A minimum of 22 hours per week for completing lab/tutorial activities, assignments, private study and revision, and for online students, participating in discussions.

Reza Haffari