Computer Science

ECM2424 - The C Family: The History and Applications of C, Objective C, C++ and C# (2015)

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MODULE TITLEThe C Family: The History and Applications of C, Objective C, C++ and C# CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEECM2424 MODULE CONVENERDr Jacqueline Christmas (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 0 11 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 20
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

The family of C languages includes some of the most widely-used programming languages in science and commerce today.  From embedded systems to scientific modelling and from mobile apps to web services, many of the systems around us have been developed in a C family language.  In this module you will be introduced to a number of the C family languages, their history, and the computer systems that they are most commonly used to develop.

Pre-req:  ECM1410 Object Orientated Programming

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module aims to develop skills in the C languages including the syntax of each language and its predominant application area.  The module also aims to highlight the similarities and differences between each of the languages, to explain their shared history and to describe the relationship between these languages and modern languages such as Java.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

1. read and write computer programs in C, Objective C, C++ and C#
2. demonstrate an understanding of the application areas to which each language is best suited and explain why;
3. describe the similarities and differences between these languages and explain their shared history and relationship with modern languages;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

4. identify common programming structures amongst separate languages;
5. choose appropriate languages for specific applications;

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

6. use C languages for the development of a variety of embedded, scientific, app and web-based systems;
7. summarise the key similarities and differences among a family of languages.

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

History of C languages and relationship with Java (2 lectures)

C syntax and applications in embedded systems (4 lectures)

Objective C syntax and applications in app development (4 lectures)

C++ syntax and applications in scientific programming and engineering (4 lectures)

C# syntax and applications to the web (e.g. web services) (4 lectures)

Summary of languages highlighting feature comparison (2 lectures)

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 34.00 Guided Independent Study 116.00 Placement / Study Abroad 0.00
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning & teaching 20 Lectures
Scheduled learning & teaching 10 Workshops (Programming)
Scheduled learning & teaching 4 Surgeries (one for each assignment)
Guided independent study 50 Individual assessed work
Guided independent study 66 Private Study

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
C Programming Assignment 5 hours 1, 5, 6 Class Feedback
Objective C Programming Assignment 5 hours 1, 5, 6 Class Feedback
C++ Programming Assignment 5 hours 1, 5, 6 Class Feedback
C# Programming Assignment 5 hours 1, 5, 6 Class Feedback
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 30 Written Exams 70 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Programming exercise 15 15 hours 1,2,4,5,6 Individual Marksheet
Language comparison essay 15 15 hours 3,7 Individual Marksheet
Examination 70 2 hours 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 Individual Marksheet
         
         

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
All Examination (100%) All August Ref/Def Period
       
       

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Reassessment is by examination only. For referred candidates, the mark will be capped at 40%. Deferred candidates will be awarded the higher of the mark in the deferred examination and that mark combined with previously completed coursework in the ratio 7:3.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:

 

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

 

Web based and Electronic Resources:

 

Other Resources:

  • Module notes given by lecturer(s).

 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN Search
Set Winder, J Developing C++ Software 2nd John Wiley & Sons [Library]
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES ECM1410
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 5 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Friday 09 January 2015 LAST REVISION DATE Monday 16 March 2015
KEY WORDS SEARCH Software development, programming.