Diploma in Coding Fundamentals

Course Modules

• Data types
• • A core element of programming, data types are split into many categories. In this course we will look at integers, floating-point numbers, characters, strings, and Booleans to explore their use.
• Iterations, recursion
  • Iteration and recursion are ways of accessing data in larger sets. This can be done using loops (for loop, while loop, for each loop, etc.) Each loop has its own benefits. Another tool we can use is recursion, this happens when code calls a specific code block over and over again until a return state is met.
• Arrays
  • Arrays and lists are data stored under the same variable name. If for example, you wanted to store the ages of all students, you could have the variable name that holds all the integer values as part of an array e.g. age = {18, 21, 36, 48}. Each of these integers can be accessed by stating the variable and the array index.
• Method vs Functions
  • Both methods and functions are often used interchangeably when talking about programming and some languages have more specific criteria for each. Exploring the difference and how to use each in an OOP setting will give a greater insight into programming and the methodology used.
• Object Orientated Programming (OOP)
  • OOP is a type of programming style defined by the use of four main principles. These principles are Abstraction, Encapsulation, Inheritance, and Polymorphism. Although these concepts can appear to be complex at first glance, they are simple and are used to help make code more simplistic and easier to understand.
• Debugging
  • Debugging is assessing the code for issues. This most often occurs when a code fails to compile. Assessing the code and finding the issues can be more complex in different languages. In the programming language C# missing a ‘;’ can cause a fail to compile while in phyton the use of ‘;’ is often optional.

• IDE’s
  • What is an IDE? Does the IDE (integrated development environment) we use effect the overall quality of the code and/or complexity we have to deal with as programmers?
• Algorithms
  • Algorithms are in short anything that performs an action in code. Generally something that takes in input, often data, does something and then returns new data based on the input.
• Stacks
  • Stacks are the order in which a computer will address the instructions given to it by the code. In some cases, we use the stack to our advantage. This can be seen in the ‘Towers of Hanoi’ where we can use recursion and stacks to arrive at a solution.
• Languages
  • Programming languages are varied and each one has its own strengths and weaknesses. Games programming often uses a variant of C with unity using C# and epic game engine using C++.

Learning Outcomes

On this course you will gain an understanding of the core concepts used in programming. Students will gain experience implementing concepts such as inheritance, recursion, and arrays. They will use sorting algorithms to order data and learn how to write and plan your program to get the results you want.

Course Award

A City College’s Professional Diploma Course is a focused, practical programme designed and delivered by an industry practitioner, that consolidates, upskills or reskills learners in a professional area. They are stand-alone qualifications that indicate that you have been trained in a particular area or specific subject matter.

City College Diplomas are suitable for career minded learners wishing to advance their professional skills and prospects. They are widely accepted by employers and many students are sponsored to study here by their organisation.

Who Should apply?

You do not need prior coding / programming expertise, but you do need to have enthusiasm to learn and a passion for coding. A lot of your time will be spent in self-study, so you will need to remain engaged with the material and have the motivation to see the course out until it’s conclusion and final assignment.

This course is perfect for anyone who is:

• Interested in a new and challenging career in computer programming.
• Keen to take that first step into a full-time role in software development.
• Looking to unlock their creative and problem-solving potential.
• Wanting to take advantage of Ireland’s new knowledge economy.

Ireland is home to the majority of the world’s most well-known software companies. Over 900 software companies employ 24,000 people in Ireland, including both multinational and local firms

Entry Requirements

Students will require a laptop or a PC for the duration of this course. Students will be using processing3 software available online for free for practical work during this course.

Assessments/Examinations

• Students will be assessed through two practical assignments.
• The first assignment will be completed during the course.
• The second will be completed within one month of cessation of the lectures.
• These assignments will be based around the information and topics covered during the course and will focus on core programming principles.

Lecturer

Michael Carstairs

Michael Carstairs is an experienced Programmer having worked in multiple programming languages and IDE environments as well as with HTML, CSS, C#, Python, JavaScript, and Processing.

He is constantly striving to ensure clear and understandable code that can be used in scalable web and game environments. Michael brings a wealth of programming experience and knowledge with a particular interest in creating interesting interactive elements in all applications.

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