IPC144 - Introduction to Programming Using C

Outline info
Semester
School
Last revision date 2024-01-29 00:56:48.575
Last review date 2024-02-05 00:15:04.119


Subject Title
Introduction to Programming Using C

Subject Description

This course covers the fundamental principles of computer programming, with an emphasis on problem solving strategies using structured programming techniques. The C programming language, which is widely used and forms the syntactical basis for object-oriented languages such as C++, C#, and Java, is used to introduce problem analysis, algorithm design, and program implementation. Students work in a cross-platform environment.

Credit Status
1 credit (3 units)
Required for CPA - Computer Programming and Analysis (Ontario College Advanced Diploma)
Required for CPD - Computer Programmer (Ontario College Diploma)
Professional Option for CTY - Computer Systems Technology (Ontario College Advanced Diploma)
Professional Option for CNS - Computer Networking and Technical Support (Ontario College Diploma)

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

  1. Design functions using selection and iteration constructs to solve a programming task
  2. Connect functions using pass-by-value and pass-by-address semantics to assemble a complete program
  3. Design collections using arrays and structures to manage data efficiently
  4. Code algorithms using standard library functions to incorporate existing technology
  5. Stream data using standard library functions to interact with users and access persistent text
  6. Trace the execution of a procedural program to validate its correctness 
  7. Code complete programs using appropriate object and pointer types to solve programming problems
  8. Explain the purposes of procedural programming features to inform business persons
  9. Prepare programming plans using logical components to solve practical problems

Essential Employability Skills
    •  Execute mathematical operations accurately.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.

Prerequisite(s)
None

Topic Outline
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER PROGRAMMING                                    5%

  • Computer organization
  • Computer languages

USE OF OPERATING SYSTEM                                                                     5%
  • Directory maintenance 
  • Editing, compiling and executing programs 
  • Printing output listings 
  • Remote login and file transfer 
  • Terminal settings

PROBLEM ANALYSIS AND PROGRAM DESIGN                                          30%
  • Input/Processing/Output 
  • Modularity 
  • Flowcharting
  • Walkthroughs 
  • Debugging and testing 
  • Coding conventions
+ comments
+ indentation,
+ variable name selection

INTRODUCTION TO C
  • Organization of C programs 
  • Data structures: constants, variables, one-dimensional arrays, using subscripts, arrays of strings 
  • Data types: int, double, char
  • Assignment statements (=, ++, --) 
           + Arithmetic (+, -, *, /, %)
           + Logical (&&, ||, !)
           + Relational (>, <, >=, <=, !=, =)
  • Precedence of operators and order of evaluation of expressions 
  • Statements, expressions, compound statements and nested statements

C LIBRARY FUNCTIONS                                                                                   15%
  • Input/output (scanf, printf, getchar, putchar, gets, puts) 
  • Text file input/output (fprintf, fscanf, fopen, fclose) 
  • String manipulation (strlen, strcpy, strcmp)  

STRUCTURED PROGRAMMING CONSTRUCTS                                         20% 
A. Selection 
  • if, if/else, switch
B. Looping 
  • while, do-while and for statements
C. Functions
  • formal parameters vs actual arguments
  • local variables
  • parameter passing by value
  • passing the address of a variable (pointer)
  • return values

Mode of Instruction
Classroom lectures, discussions, presentations and demonstrations will be augmented by hands-on experience in a C Programming environment. Research and C Programming assignments will reinforce both the theoretical and practical learning of the student. 
The subject is available online. This may involve the use of digital materials and/or a text, group discussions, interaction with your instructor and online activities.
Distant learning students please see addendum.

It is the student's responsibility to save documents, articles and notes that the instructor has provided on BlackBoard or in class. Students will not be able to access BlackBoard as of the last day of the student’s class.

Prescribed Texts
C Primer Plus, 6th edition by Prata, SAMS
• ISBN-10: 0321928423
• ISBN-13: 978-032192842

Seneca Notes: Foundations of Programming Using C: by Evan Weaver, 2003. 

Reference Material
C How to Program - 6th Edition (optional); Deitel; Prentice Hall ISBN# 978-0133976892

Required Supplies
None

Student Progression and Promotion Policy

http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/student-progression-and-promotion-policy.html

Grading Policyhttp://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/grading-policy.html

A+ 90%  to  100%
A 80%  to  89%
B+ 75%  to  79%
B 70%  to  74%
C+ 65%  to  69%
C 60%  to  64%
D+ 55%  to  59%
D 50%  to  54%
F 0%    to  49% (Not a Pass)
OR
EXC Excellent
SAT Satisfactory
UNSAT Unsatisfactory

For further information, see a copy of the Academic Policy, available online (http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academics-and-student-services.html) or at Seneca's Registrar's Offices. (https://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/registrar.html).


Modes of Evaluation
Since this is a professional credit subject, marking standards reinforce professional practice by demanding legible, tidy work. Written materials should be well organized and grammatically correct, with proper spelling and punctuation.

Assignments

  • Students must retain a duplicate of all assignments.
  • Computer assignments should be documented to the instructor's standards.
  • Assignments must be handed in on the scheduled due date. Late assignments are penalized.
  • For particulars, please obtain standards, dates, etc. from your instructor.

Absenteeism and Tests
  • Students should be aware that absenteeism will impact on their ability to achieve satisfactory grades.
  • If you miss a test, you must provide the reason in writing to the instructor prior to the next scheduled class. If your reason is accepted, you will be permitted to write a make-up test. Otherwise, you will be given a zero for the test. You must submit an original doctor’s certificate identifying the date, length of time of expected absence and the specific reason for your absence, or other appropriate documentation.

Term Work and Final Exam
  • Students must attain a combined grade of at least 50% on term work and the final exam. Students must pass the final exam in order to pass the subject
  • For further information on evaluation and academic standing, see a copy of the Academic Policy available at Seneca registration offices.

Grading is based on the following marking scheme:


2 Assignments (10% each)
 
20%

2 Tests (20% each)
 
 40%
Lab Sessions
10%		 
Final examination
 
 30%

For correspondence / internet course: 
  • Students taking this course through the internet will need their own Internet access, Pentium 200 or higher, Windows 95 or higher, Netscape 7 or Internet Explorer 6 or higher, full internet access including an activated Seneca email address.
  • Student taking this course through correspondence or through internet must have their own computer with C Compiler.

Marking scheme for correspondence / internet courses is as follows:

Assignments (3) 30%
Mid Term Test 40%
Final   30%
  



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