Faculty of Science and Engineering 

School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math Sci (EECMS)

Unit Outline

COMP1005 Fundamentals of Programming

Semester 2, 2021

Unit study package code: COMP1005 

Mode of study: Internal
Tuition pattern summary: Note: For any specific variations to this tuition pattern and for precise
information refer to the Learning Activities section.
Lecture: 1 x 2 Hours Weekly
Computer Laboratory: 1 x 2 Hours Weekly
This unit does not have a fieldwork component.
Credit Value: 25.0
Pre-requisite units: Nil

Co-requisite units: Nil

Anti-requisite units: COMP1001 (v.0) Object Oriented Program Design or any previous version
AND
COMP1007 (v.0) Programming Design and Implementation or any previous
version
AND
COMP5005 (v.0) Fundamentals of Programming or any previous version

Result type: Grade/Mark

Approved incidental fees: Information about approved incidental fees can be obtained from our website.
Visit fees.curtin.edu.au/incidental_fees.cfm for details.
Unit coordinator: Title: Dr
Name: Valerie Maxville
Phone: 9266 7241
Email: [email protected]
Location: Building: 314 - Room: .338

Teaching Staff: Name: Gamhewage Nuwan Kodagoda

Email: [email protected]
Location: Building: SLIIT

Administrative contact: Name: Tharukshi Wijesinghe

Phone: 94 117-543 916 | 94 71-229 4039
Email: [email protected]
Location: Building: 6th Floor, New Building, SLIIT - Room: .
Learning Management System: Blackboard (lms.curtin.edu.au)

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
Sri Lanka Inst Info Tech CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
25 Jul 2021 The only authoritative version of this Unit Outline is to be found online in OASIS
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math Sci (EECMS), Faculty of Science and Engineering
Faculty of Science and Engineering 
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math
Sci (EECMS)
 

Acknowledgement of Country
We respectfully acknowledge the Indigenous Elders, custodians, their descendants and kin of this land past and
present. The Centre for Aboriginal Studies aspires to contribute to positive social change for Indigenous
Australians through higher education and research.

Syllabus
This unit aims at equipping students with the ability to write simple programs as part of managing large volumes
of data. Topics include data representation in a computer, algorithm design, submodules, Boolean expressions,
selection and repetition control structures, basic Object Oriented programming design and File I/O. These will be
discussed in the context of implementation in the Python programming language.

Introduction
This unit has been developed as an introduction to programming for engineering, science and particularly data
science students. It responds to an increasing focus on data analytics and computational science in research and
industry. You can’t go far in science or engineering without using a computer. To do research, or anything that
hasn’t been done before, you need to be coding. The unit is not just "Fundamentals of Programming"… it will give
you valuable simulation and research tools to apply and extend in your later studies and careers.

Unit Learning Outcomes

All graduates of Curtin University achieve a set of six Graduate Capabilities during their course of study. These
inform an employer that, through your studies, you have acquired discipline knowledge and a range of other skills
and capabilities which employers would value in a professional setting. Each unit in your course addresses the
Graduate Capabilities through a clearly identified set of learning outcomes. They form a vital part in the process
referred to as assurance of learning. The learning outcomes notify you of what you are expected to know,
understand or be able to do in order to be successful in this unit. Each assessment for this unit is carefully
designed to test your knowledge of one or more of the unit learning outcomes. On successfully completing all of
the assessments you will have achieved all of these learning outcomes.
Your course has been designed so that on graduating you will have achieved all of Curtin's Graduate Capabilities
through the assurance of learning processes in each unit.
Graduate Capabilities
On successful completion of this unit students can:
addressed
1 Describe data representation in a computer

2 Design and implement and document simple algorithms

3 Recognise the purpose of modularising computer programs

4 Compare and contrast design choices and communicate design and design
decisions in a manner appropriate to the audience
Curtin's Graduate Capabilities
Apply discipline
Innovative, creative and Effective communicators
knowledge, principles
entrepreneurial with digital competency
and concepts

Culturally competent to engage

Globally engaged and Industry connected and
respectfully with local First Peoples
responsive career capable
and other diverse cultures

Find out more about Curtin's Graduate Capabilities at the Curtin Learning and Teaching website: clt.curtin.edu.au

Learning Activities

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
Sri Lanka Inst Info Tech CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
25 Jul 2021 The only authoritative version of this Unit Outline is to be found online in OASIS
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math Sci (EECMS), Faculty of Science and Engineering
Faculty of Science and Engineering 
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math
Sci (EECMS)
 

The lectures provide the theoretical foundations for achieving the unit learning outcomes. The practical worksheet
exercises further develop on the lecture concepts to give students hands-on experience of the underlying theories.
Students should ensure that they stay current with the practical exercises since falling behind will likely prevent the
successful completion of the unit.
We allow resubmission of the Practical Tests. The tests are about ensuring your competency in the skills and
challenges that are key to this unit. By completing these challenges, most students find they learn and consolidate
their knowledge with each Practical Test.
The assignment will extend these concepts in solving a challenging programming project, reinforcing the learning
from the lectures and practicals.

Learning Resources
Online resources

l Scipy Lecture Notes: One document to learn numerics, science, and data with Python
(http://www.scipy-lectures.org/)

Assessment

Assessment policy exemptions

l There are no exemptions to the assessment policy

Assessment schedule
Unit
Late Assessment
Value Learning
Task Date Due Assessments Extensions
% Outcome(s)
Accepted?* Considered?*
Assessed
Assignment 30% Week: Week 11 1,2,4 Yes Yes
1 Day: 10th October
Time: 9pm (WST)
Practical Test 20% Week: Weeks 3, 5, 8, 2,3 No Yes
10, 13
Day: During
2
assigned practical
Time: During
assigned practical
Final Examination 50% Week: Examination 1,2,3,4 No Yes
Period
3
Day: TBA
Time: TBA
*Please refer to the Late Assessment and the Assessment Extension sections below for specific details and
conditions.
Detailed information on assessment tasks

1. You will have at least four weeks to complete the Assignment. After submission, you will be required to
demonstrate the assignment during your practical to gain a proportion of the overall marks. Refer to the
assignment specification for more details on the assignment task and assessment.
2. There will be five (5) practical tests across the semester, each worth 4%, adding up to 20% or your mark.
You must attend the practical to sit the test, and have it marked during the session.

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
Sri Lanka Inst Info Tech CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
25 Jul 2021 The only authoritative version of this Unit Outline is to be found online in OASIS
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math Sci (EECMS), Faculty of Science and Engineering
Faculty of Science and Engineering 
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math
Sci (EECMS)
 

3. The Final Assessment cover all aspects of the unit. The format is yet to be decided.

Pass requirements
In order to pass the unit a student must:

l score at least 50% overall, and

l score at least 40% in the final assessment, and
l have made a reasonable attempt at the assignment. Note that the assignment specification gives details of
what is considered a reasonable attempt

Assessment Moderation

Fair assessment through moderation

Moderation describes a quality assurance process to ensure that assessments are appropriate to the learning
outcomes, and that students work is evaluated consistently by assessors. Minimum standards for the moderation
of assessments are described in the Assessment and Student Progression Manual, available from
policies.curtin.edu.au/findapolicy/

Pre-marking moderation
This unit complies with moderation of assessments as described in the Assessment and Student
Progression Manual, available from policies.curtin.edu.au/findapolicy/
Intra-marking / Post-marking moderation
This unit complies with moderation of assessments as described in the Assessment and Student
Progression Manual, available from policies.curtin.edu.au/findapolicy/

Late assessment
Where the submission of a late assessment is permitted, late penalties will be consistently applied in this unit.
Where a late assessment is permitted for an assessment item or the entirety of the unit (refer to the Assessment
Schedule table in this Unit Outline) and the student does not have an approved assessment extension:

1. For assessment items submitted within the first 24 hours after the due date/time, students will be penalised
by a deduction of 5% of the total marks allocated for the assessment task;
2. For each additional 24 hour period commenced an additional penalty of 10% of the total marks allocated
for the assessment item will be deducted; and
3. Assessment items submitted more than 168 hours late (7 calendar days) will receive a mark of zero.

Where late assessment is NOT permitted for an assessment item or the entirety of the unit (refer to the
Assessment Schedule table in this Unit Outline) and the student does not have an approved assessment extension:

1. All assessment items submitted after the due date/time will receive a mark of zero.

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
Sri Lanka Inst Info Tech CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
25 Jul 2021 The only authoritative version of this Unit Outline is to be found online in OASIS
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math Sci (EECMS), Faculty of Science and Engineering
Faculty of Science and Engineering 
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math
Sci (EECMS)
 

Assessment extension
Where an application for an assessment extension is permitted for an assessment item(s) within this unit (refer to
the Assessment Schedule table in this Unit Outline):

1. A student who is unable to complete an assessment item by/on the due date/time as a result of exceptional
circumstances beyond the student’s control, may apply for an assessment extension on the Assessment
Extension Application Form as prescribed by the Academic Registrar. The form is available on the Forms
page at https://students.curtin.edu.au/essentials/forms-documents/forms/ and also within the student's
OASIS (My Studies tab – Quick Forms) account.
2. The student will be expected to submit their application for an Assessment Extension with supporting
documentation via the online form.
3. Timely submission of this information supports the assessment process. For applications that are declined,
delayed submission may have significant ramifications on the possible marks awarded.
4. An application may be accepted up to five working days after the due date/time of the assessment item
where the student is able to provide a verifiable explanation as to why they were not able to submit the
application prior to the assessment due date/time

Where an application for an assessment extension is NOT permitted for an assessment item(s) within this unit
(refer to the Assessment Schedule table in this Unit Outline):

1. All assessment items submitted after the due date/time will be subject to late penalties or receive a mark of
zero depending on the unit permitting late assessment submissions.

Deferred assessments
If your results show that you have been granted a deferred assessment you should immediately check OASIS for
details.
Deferred examinations/tests will be held from 08/12/2021 to 17/12/2021 . Notification to students will be made
after the Board of Examiners’ meeting via the Official Communications Channel (OCC) in OASIS.

Further assessment
Further assessments, if granted by the Board of Examiners, will be held between 08/12/2021 and 17/12/2021 .
Notification to students will be made after the Board of Examiners meeting via the Official Communications
Channel in OASIS.
It is the responsibility of the student to be available to complete the requirements of a further assessment. If your
results show that you have been granted a further assessment you should immediately check OASIS for details.

Reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities/health circumstances likely to impact on

studies
A Curtin Access Plan (CAP) is a document that outlines the type and level of support required by a student with a
disability or health condition to have equitable access to their studies at Curtin. Carers for people with disability
may also be eligible for support. This support can include alternative exam or test arrangements, study materials
in accessible formats, access to Curtin's facilities and services or other support as discussed with an advisor from
AccessAbility Services.
Documentation is required from your treating Health Professional to confirm your health circumstances or carer
responsibilities.
If you think you may be eligible for a CAP, please contact AccessAbility Services. If you already have a CAP please
provide it to the Unit Coordinator in week 1 of each study period.

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
Sri Lanka Inst Info Tech CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
25 Jul 2021 The only authoritative version of this Unit Outline is to be found online in OASIS
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math Sci (EECMS), Faculty of Science and Engineering
Faculty of Science and Engineering 
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math
Sci (EECMS)
 

Referencing style
The referencing style for this unit is Chicago 17th B.
More information can be found on this style from the Library web site:
https://libguides.library.curtin.edu.au/uniskills/referencing/chicago17.

Privacy
As part of a learning or assessment activity, or class participation, your image or voice may be recorded or
transmitted by equipment and systems operated by Curtin University. Transmission may be to other venues on
campus or to others both in Australia and overseas.
Your image or voice may also be recorded by students on personal equipment for individual or group study or
assessment purposes. Such recordings may not be reproduced or uploaded to a publicly accessible web
environment. If you wish to make such recordings for study purposes as a courtesy you should always seek the
permission of those who are impacted by the recording.
Recording of classes or course materials may not be exchanged or distributed for commercial purposes, for
compensation, or for any other purpose other than personal study for the enrolled students in the unit. Breach of
this may subject a student to disciplinary action under Statute No 10 – Student Disciplinary Statute.
If you wish to discuss this please talk to your Unit Coordinator.

Copyright
The course material for this unit is provided to you for your own research and study only. It is subject to
copyright. It is a copyright infringement to make this material available on third party websites.

Academic Integrity (including plagiarism and cheating)

Academic Integrity
Curtin's Student Charter, Academic Integrity Program (AIP), and core Values guide expectations regarding student
behaviour and responsibilities. Information on these topics can be found on the Student Essentials Website or the
Academic Integrity tab in Blackboard.
Academic Integrity Warnings
An Academic Integrity Warning may be issued to a New-to-Curtin student if they have inadequately acknowledged
sources or collaborated inappropriately. The Management of Academic Integrity Warnings for New to Curtin
Students Procedures provide further information and explain who is considered to be New-to-Curtin.
Academic Misconduct
Students with an academic breach that do not meet the New-to-Curtin criteria will be managed through the
misconduct process. Academic Misconduct means conduct by a student that is dishonest or unfair in connection
with any academic work. This includes all types of plagiarism, cheating, collusion, falsification or fabrication of data
or other content, and Academic Misconduct Other, such as falsifying medical certificates for extension. More
details can be found on the Student Essentials Website or on the Academic Integrity Website.
Staff members are required to report suspected misconduct and an inquiry may take place. If misconduct is
determined it will result in penalties, which may include a warning, a reduced or nil grade, a requirement to repeat
the assessment, an annulled grade (ANN) or termination from the course. Some penalties may impact on future
enrolment.
Academic work under inquiry will not be graded until the process has concluded. If your work is the subject of an
inquiry you will be notified by email and Official Communication with an opportunity to respond. Appropriate
support will be provided. For more information refer to Statute No.10 Student Discipline and Academic
Misconduct Rules.

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
Sri Lanka Inst Info Tech CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
25 Jul 2021 The only authoritative version of this Unit Outline is to be found online in OASIS
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math Sci (EECMS), Faculty of Science and Engineering
Faculty of Science and Engineering 
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math
Sci (EECMS)
 

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Expectations

Curtin students are expected to have reliable internet access in order to connect to OASIS email and learning
systems such as Blackboard and Library Services.
You may also require a computer or mobile device for preparing and submitting your work.
For general ICT assistance, in the first instance please contact OASIS Student Support:
oasisapps.curtin.edu.au/help/general/support.cfm
For specific assistance with any of the items listed below, please contact The Learning Centre:
life.curtin.edu.au/learning-support/learning_centre.htm

l Using Blackboard, the I Drive and Back-Up files

l Introduction to PowerPoint, Word and Excel

Additional information
Enrolment
It is your responsibility to ensure that your enrolment is correct - you can check your enrolment through the
eStudent option on OASIS, where you can also print an Enrolment Advice.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of every student to be aware of all relevant legislation, policies and procedures relating to
their rights and responsibilities as a student. These include:

l the Student Charter

l Values and Signature Behaviours
l the University's policy and statements on plagiarism and academic integrity
l copyright principles and responsibilities
l the University's policies on appropriate use of software and computer facilities

Information on all of the above is available through the University's "Student Rights and Responsibilities" website
at: students.curtin.edu.au/rights.

Student Equity
There are a number of factors that might disadvantage some students from participating in their studies or
assessments to the best of their ability, under standard conditions. These factors may include a disability or
medical condition (e.g. mental illness, chronic illness, physical or sensory disability, learning disability), significant
caring responsibilities, pregnancy, religious practices, living in a remote location,or another reason. If you believe
you may be unfairly disadvantaged on these or other grounds please contact the appropriate service below. It is
important to note that the staff of the University may not be able to meet your needs if they are not informed of
your individual circumstances, so please get in touch with the appropriate service if you require assistance.
To discuss your needs in relation to:

l Disability or medical conditions, contact AccessAbility Services: https://students.curtin.edu.au/personal-

support/disability/
l Elite athletes, contact Elite Athlete Coordinator: https://stadium.curtin.edu.au/sport/academy/elite-athlete-
program/
l All other grounds, contact the Student Wellbeing Advisory Service: https://students.curtin.edu.au/personal-
support/counselling-guidance/wellbeing/

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
Sri Lanka Inst Info Tech CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
25 Jul 2021 The only authoritative version of this Unit Outline is to be found online in OASIS
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math Sci (EECMS), Faculty of Science and Engineering
Faculty of Science and Engineering 
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math
Sci (EECMS)
 

Recent unit changes

Students are encouraged to provide unit feedback through eVALUate, Curtin's online student feedback system.
For more information about eVALUate, please refer to evaluate.curtin.edu.au/info/.

To view previous student feedback about this unit, search for the Unit Summary Report at
https://evaluate.curtin.edu.au/student/unit_search.cfm. See
https://evaluate.curtin.edu.au/info/dates.cfm to find out when you can eVALUate this unit.

Recent changes to this unit include:

l Additional focus on object-orientation and exceptions (Sem 1, 2019)

l Object-orientation moved to earlier in the semester (Sem 2, 2019)
l There is no longer a mid-semester test as a unit assessment; the practical test and assignment weightings
have been increased accordingly (Sem 1, 2020)
l In response to COVID restrictions, the Final Exam has been replaced by a Final Assessment task during the
examination period (Sem 1, 2020)
l The number of Practical Tests has been reduced from five (5) to four (4) to reduce impact on practical work
time (Sem 1, 2021)

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
Sri Lanka Inst Info Tech CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
25 Jul 2021 The only authoritative version of this Unit Outline is to be found online in OASIS
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math Sci (EECMS), Faculty of Science and Engineering
Faculty of Science and Engineering 
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math
Sci (EECMS)
 

Program calendar
Week Begin Date Lecture Practical Assessment

Orientation 19 July Orientation Week

1. 26 July L1: Introduction - Linux and P1: Using Linux and Writing -
Python Programs

2. 2 August L2: Strings and Lists P2: Strings and Lists -

3. 9 August L3: Arrays and Plotting P3: Arrays and Plotting Prac Test 1 (4%)

4. 16 August L4: Multi-dimensional Arrays, P4: Multi-dimensional Arrays, -

Functions and Testing Functions and Testing

5. 23 August L5: Files and Grids P5: Files and Grids Prac Test 2 (4%)

6. 30 August L6: Modeling the World with P6: Modeling the World with -
Objects Objects

7. 6 Tuition Free Week

September

8. 13 L7: Objects and Exception P7: Objects and Exception Prac Test 3 (4%)
September Handling Handling

9. 20 L8: Scripts and Automation P8: Scripts and Automation -

September

10. 27 L9: Working with Structured P9: Working with Structured Prac Test 4 (4%)
September Data Data

11. 4 October L10: Data Visualisation P10: Data Visualisation Assignment (30%)

12. 11 October L11: Research and Projects in P11: Research and Projects in Assignment
Python Python Demonstrations

13. 18 October L12: Revision and Beyond Feedback and Prac Test 5 (4%)
Catch-up

14. 25 October Study Week

15. 1 Examinations
November

16. 8 Examinations
November

Note: Schedule is subject to change

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
Sri Lanka Inst Info Tech CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
25 Jul 2021 The only authoritative version of this Unit Outline is to be found online in OASIS
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math Sci (EECMS), Faculty of Science and Engineering