Unit Outline
XPD126
Programming
IPC Semester 1, 2025
Miles Sun
DVC - Education
Academic Division (Division)
CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B
Unit Coordinator
Miles Sun
Email: miles.sun@utas.edu.au
What is the Unit About?
Unit Description
 
This unit extends the students' knowledge and experience of programming. It introduces dynamic data structures, foundational collection abstract data types, and computational algorithms and techniques. Programming is undertaken in Python and Java and topics include: references, memory management, self-referential data structures, abstract data types and their implementation, and an introduction to algorithm complexity.
Intended Learning Outcomes
As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.
On completion of this unit, you will be able to:
1
Specify abstract data types and implement them in both a procedural and an object-oriented programming context
2
Develop and analyse programs containing dynamic data structures through the application of knowledge of computing principles and technical skills
3
Employ pair-programming techniques while collaborating with peers
Requisites
REQUISITE TYPE
REQUISITES
Pre-requisite
XPD124
Alterations as a result of student feedback
 
 
 
Teaching arrangements
ATTENDANCE MODE
TEACHING TYPE
LEARNING ACTIVITY
CONTACT HOURS
FREQUENCY
Attendance / engagement expectations
If your unit is offered On campus, it is expected that you will attend all on-campus and onsite learning activities. This is to support your own learning and the development of a learning community within the unit. If you are unable to attend regularly, please discuss the situation with your course coordinator and/or our UConnect support team.

If your unit is offered Online or includes online activities, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline or MyLO, including any self-directed learning.

If you miss a learning activity for a legitimate reason (e.g., illness, carer responsibilities) teaching staff will attempt to provide alternative activities (e.g., make up readings) where it is possible.
 
 
 
 
How will I be Assessed?
 
For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.
Assessment schedule
ASSESSMENT TASK #
ASSESSMENT TASK NAME
DATE DUE
WEIGHT
LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:
Assignment 0
Week 3
0 %
LO1
Assessment Task 2:
Assignment 1
Week 5
12 %
LO1, LO3
Assessment Task 3:
Assignment 2
Week 10
24 %
LO1, LO2
Assessment Task 4:
Assignment 3
Week 13
24 %
LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 5:
Examination
Exam Period
40 %
LO1, LO2
 
Assessment details
Assessment Task 1: Assignment 0
Task Description:
A tiny Python programming exercise to allow you to reflect upon your ability to seek early help before summative tasks are issued.
Task Length:
Program of not more than 50 lines
Due Date:
Week 3
Weight:
0 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Implement solution to given revision problems including user input, data processing, and calculated output.
LO1
 
Assessment Task 2: Assignment 1
Task Description:
A Java pair-programming assignment to be completed in pairs. Pair feedback is undertaken with this assessment task.
Task Length:
Program of not more than 300 lines
Due Date:
Week 5
Weight:
12 %
 
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Produce and submit source file which compiles without error
LO1, LO3
2
Implement solution to given algorithmic problem including user input, data processing, and calculated output.
LO1, LO3
3
Structure the program by adopting syntactic and style guidelines
LO1, LO3
 
Assessment Task 3: Assignment 2
Task Description:
A Java programming assignment to be completed individually
Task Length:
Program of not more than 500 lines
Due Date:
Week 10
Weight:
24 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Produce and submit source file which compiles without error
LO1, LO2
2
Specify and implement solution to given abstract data type problem including user input, data processing, and calculated output.
LO1, LO2
3
Structure the program by adopting syntactic and style guidelines.
LO1, LO2
 
Assessment Task 4: Assignment 3
Task Description:
A large Java pair-programming assignment to be completed in pairs. Pair feedback is undertaken with this assessment task.
Task Length:
Multiple programs each of less than 200 lines
Due Date:
Week 13
Weight:
24 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Produce and submit source file which compiles without error.
LO1, LO2, LO3
2
Implement solution to given data structure problem including user input, data processing, and calculated output.
LO1, LO2, LO3
3
Structure the program by adopting syntactic and style guidelines.
LO1, LO2, LO3
 
Assessment Task 5: Examination
Task Description:
3 hour open-book examination
Task Length:
 
 
Due Date:
Exam Period
Weight:
40 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Debug a given program
LO1, LO2
2
Explain technical terms giving relevant examples
LO1
3
Select and justify Abstract Data Types given specific scenarios and implement them
LO1, LO2
4
Apply and analyse the behaviour and performance of particular Abstract Data Types
LO1, LO2
5
Produce code to solve a given problem
LO2
 
 
 
How your final result is determined
To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.
Submission of assignments
Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.
Academic integrity
Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.
Requests for extensions
If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.
 
A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.
 
The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.
Late penalties
Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.
Review of results and appeals
You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.