Computer Programming

Overview

Framework:
RQF
Level:
Level 2
Unit No:
M/617/6717
Credits:
6
Guided learning hours:
48 hours

Assessment Guidance

Portfolio of evidence

Aim

Be able to design and develop a simple computer programme.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1

Understand the key principles of computer programming.

What is programming:

  • Software coding

Types of programming language

  • Object oriented
  • Event driven
  • procedural

Different types of programming language:

  • Python,
  • Java,
  • C++,
  • Basic,
  • Scratch,
  • HRM

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1

    Explain the tools and techniques used in a given computer program. 

2

Be able to design a computer program to meet a given design brief.

Planning and Design:

  • identifying the requirements for the computer program eg data requirements, audience, platform, intended use, security needs

Structure of programming code:

  • Main body
  • Sub routines
  • Libraries
  • Device drivers
  • Definitions
  • Variables
  • Layout of code
  • Comments to explain the process

Producing an algorithm:

flowcharts or pseudocode to meet the design brief. 

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1

    Determine the requirements of the computer program to meet a given design brief.

  • 2.2

    Produce the design for a simple computer program to meet a given design brief.

3

Be able to create a computer program to meet a given design brief.

Develop a solution using suitable programming language eg structural components of a program, sequencing, data types, data structures, strings, variables, constants, subprograms, input/output, operators

Syntax

  • Uppercase and lowercase characters
  • Naming conventions
  • File naming
  • Extensions
  • Version control

Debug

  • Debugger software
  • Trace statements
  • Monitoring techniques
  • Error messages

Technical Documentation

  • User guide for the client
  • Explain coding

Test and refine the code:

  • produce a test plan
  • Recording the results
  • screen shots to evidence any changes to refine the code
  • Apply corrections and improvements
  • Functionality testing

Evaluate the solution against the given design brief – success criteria.

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1

    Produce a simple computer program to meet a given design brief, using appropriate programming code and syntax.

  • 3.2

    Test the computer program using a test plan.

  • 3.3

    Explain how the computer program fulfils the given design brief.