COMP1681 / SE15
Introduction
to Programming
Lecture 1
Welcome
Today’s Learning Objectives
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Meet those involved
Understand the module objectives
Learn how SE15 will be delivered and assessed
Understand why programming is important
SE15: Welcome
1–2
Lecture Outline
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Introductions
Motivation
Questionnaire
Module information
SE15: Welcome
1–3
Staff
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Brandon Bennett (Room 9.16)
Andy Bulpitt (Room 7.19)
Ruth Evans (Room 9.10m)
Nick Efford (Room 9.11d) (Fast track)
Undergraduate Demonstrators
Postgraduate Markers
SE15: Welcome
1–4
Why is Programming Important?
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It is central to all computing degree programmes
It is required for success in all (except the most tedious
and low-paid) IT-related careers
Developing your programming skills will enhance your
general ability to tackle and solve problems
SE15: Welcome
1–5
Programming:
The Heart of Computing
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All spheres of computing are related to programming
The computer systems we use everyday depend upon
the interactions of hundreds of programs
During your degree, you will study
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Theoretical principles upon which programming is based:
algorithms and data structures
Applications based on particular kinds of programs:
databases, graphics engines networking, etc
Surrounding context: how programs are developed and
how people interact with them
SE15: Welcome
1–6
Your Future Career
An understanding of programming is vital in
a range of IT-related professions…
IT Manager
Programmer
Professional IT User
SE15: Welcome
1–7
Transferable Skills
Associated With Programming
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Problem analysis
Systematic planning and execution of a solution
Minimising the likelihood of mistakes
Detecting and dealing with unforeseen problems
Evaluating the quality of a solution
SE15: Welcome
1–8
Why Learn Java?
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Object orientation
Rich class library to support teaching
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Networking & web-based systems
Graphics and image processing
Databases
Security…
Portability
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Source code
Compiled programs
SE15: Welcome
1–9
What Can I Do With Java?
SE15: Welcome
1–10
Questionnaire
SE15: Welcome
1–11
Module Objectives
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Analyse a problem, understand its procedural aspects and render
the solution as pseudocode;
Apply object-oriented thinking to the analysis of a simple problem
and the design of potential solutions;
Write small programs from scratch with a good coding style,
documented properly by means of sensible identifier names and
source code comments;
Understand, test, debug and modify existing programs written in a
high-level object-oriented programming language;
Implement and test classes, and write programs that use instances
of these classes to solve problems;
Demonstrate awareness of other programming paradigms.
SE15: Welcome
1–12
The Plan
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SE15 runs over Semester 1 and Semester 2
Lectures
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2 lectures a week: everyone is expected to attend
Introduce new concepts
Provide examples
Discuss solutions to exercises and assignments
Labs
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4 sessions a week: everyone is expected to attend at
least one session
Opportunity to seek help from friends, helpers and staff
Marking of exercises and assignments
SE15: Welcome
1–13
Timetable
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Wednesday
Thursday
Thursday
Friday
Friday
Friday
11:00-12:00
14:00-15:00
15:00-16:00
10:00-11:00
12:00-13:00
13:00-14:00
SE15: Welcome
Lecture
Lab
Lab
Lecture
Lab
Lab
LT21
DEC10
DEC10
LT20
DEC10
DEC10
1–14
Exercises, Assignments
& Assessment
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Lab exercises
 One exercise will be set each week
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Related to lecture material for that week
Must be submitted electronically by Monday 9am
Formative assignments
 Two assignments this semester, Week 4 & Week 9
 May be completed in pairs
 Marked in lab sessions, Week 6 & Week 11
Summative assessment
 End of Semester 2
 One paper consisting of both lab-based exercises + written
components
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SE15: Welcome
1–15
Books
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Main recommendation
 Savitch W, Java: An Introduction to Problem Solving &
Programming (4th edition), Prentice Hall, 2005
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Available bundled with a reference book (£5 discount)
Alternatives
 Horstmann C, Big Java (2nd edition), Wiley, 2005
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Jenkins T & Hardman G, How to Program in Java, Palgrave,
2005
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Covers some advanced topics
For those who are finding it difficult
Sierra K. & Bates B, Head first Java (2nd edition), O’Reilly, 2005
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For those who are finding it very difficult
SE15: Welcome
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Sources of Help & Information
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Module web site: www.comp.leeds.ac.uk/se15
 Lecture slides
 Weekly exercises
 Assignments
 Links to useful resources
News
 local.modules.se15
 local.modules.se15.talk
Lab sessions (DEC-10)
SE15: Welcome
1–17
Summary
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Programming is Important
Why and how we plan to help you learn Java
SE15: Welcome
1–18
Follow-up Work
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Take a look at the SE15 website
Resolve any remaining timetable clashes for lectures of
Lab Sessions
Start work on Exercise 1, submit it by Monday 9am.
SE15: Welcome
1–19