Introduction to Programming

It does not apply.

A learning strategy based on the experimentation of the subjects exposed in the theoretical class is used, through the development of software modules:

a) In the theoretical component, the subjects will be presented orally, using the table and Power-Point projections;

b) In the practical-laboratory component, students will develop programs that allow the application of concepts learned in the theoretical component, with special emphasis on the phases of problem analysis and solution development (using a C language compiler)

It is necessary that the student does an individual study outside of classes (for better monitoring of classes).

Goals:

In this introductory Curricular Unit of programming the students learn how to construct modular and reused software application throught a structured way (using a procedural language), giving special importance to the problem specification, as well as the development of the algorithm and implementation.
In order to put in practice and to consolidate the acquired knowledge, the students learn the basic concepts of C language (which enables the implementation of simple programs).

Skills:

1 – Identify and understand the different phases normally used to construct modular programs.
2 – Be familiar with types, operator e expressions of C language
3 – Know the different control mechanisms of C language
4 – Understand and know how to use the standard input-output functions of C language.
5 – Understand the need to use functions and learn to identify situations in which they must be used.
6 – Explain the advantages of the use of arrays and know to identify situations where they become necessary.
7 – Understand and know how to use the String type (as well as, the main functions that operate in Strings)
8 – Develop simple applications using the C language, having always in the mind different phases to construct a program (problem specification, analysis, algorithm and implementation.
9 – The concepts apprehended in this discipline must instil in students the interest and the possibility to apply them in the resolution of similar and more complex applications, in a professional context.

Program Contents
Theoretical classes;

– Introduction to the C language
– Types, Operators and Expressions
– Control mechanisms
– Input and output data
– Functions and Structure of a program
– Strings and Arrays

Practical and Laboratory Classes:

 – Different stages in the development of programs, computational implementation of simple problems.

Evaluation Method
The assessment method consists of:
  -  2 Evaluation Tests to be carried out during the semester and covering the subject taught until the day of the test - (5 points + 6 points)
+
  - Final Evaluation Exam covering all subjects, 9 points

Comments:
• Final evaluation exam and evaluation tests are “closed book”.

• The 1st and 2nd tests are scheduled to be carried out during the semester on a Wednesday afternoon, with students being notified in advance of the dates and test model to be performed, by the responsible teacher of the Curricular Unit during classes.

•Tests are not repeatable during final evaluation periods.

• Mandatory minimum of 25% in each of the Evaluation Tests and in the final exam (to pass the Introduction to Programming curricular unit).

• The Final Grade is the sum of the marks obtained in the evaluation tests and in the Final Evaluation. The approval in the  Introduction to Programming curricular unit requires a Final Grade greater than or equal to 9,5 ([0, 20]), and meet the “Exam Access Conditions” mentioned below.

• This Assessment Methodology applies to all students, regardless of status, and to all Evaluation times (1st Call, or 2nd Call).
• Test scores obtained in previous years by the students are not considered.
• Students with final grades greater than or equal to 9.5 values to the curricular unit may be subjected to a mandatory oral exam at a time to be scheduled (which will take place up to 3 days after the final grade is released). The oral exam will focus on all the matters taught at UC. If the student does not present himself to the oral test, he will not be approved.

Exam Access Conditions:

Enrollment in practical/laboratory classes is mandatory. Students can only attend the class in which they are enrolled.

All students must attend at least 7 (seven) practical/laboratory classes in the class where they are enrolled in order to have access to the exam, regardless of the season.

For student workers or students with any special status provided for by law, which is confirmed from the information provided by the Academic Services, this condition does not apply.

Conditions for Results Improvement: 
The Assessment Methodology is the same for all students, including students who wish to improve grade: final exam (9 points) +  tests (5+6 points).
Students who have passed this academic year are only allowed to improve their Final Evaluation Exam grade.
Students who have obtained approval in the two previous school years, and wish to improve their grade this school year, are given the possibility to take advantage of the test grade carried out in the previous years (the grades obtained in the previous academic year being converted for the 0-11 values scale). If these students do not wish to take the grades of the tests carried out in the previous academic year, they must inform the teacher responsible for this curricular unit, up to 5 weeks after the beginning of classes, who wish to attend the tests to be carried out during the 1st semester of this school year.

Students who have obtained approval before and wish to improve their classification this school year, must inform the teacher responsible for this curricular unit, up to 5 weeks after the start of classes, that they wish to attend the tests to be carried out during the 1st semester of this school year.

NAO