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Computer programming in a high-level language with special emphasis on numerical computation. This course is required for engineering intermediate and is an alternative to COSC121 as a prerequisite for COSC122 and all 200 level COSC and SENG courses. COSC131 teaches the fundamentals of computer programming using the Python language and can be taken by students who have no previous programming background. Topics include expressions, assignment, selection and iteration, structured data (lists, dictionaries, tuples, arrays), functional decomposition, file processing, numerical computation with numpy, graph plotting with matplotlib and an introduction to object-oriented programming.
1. Use Python data structures and flow control constructs and their applications [WA1]2. Apply the Python language to design, implement and test programs that solve simple problems in science and engineering [WA1]3. Reduce complexity through the (re)structuring of code [WA1]4. Use the NumPy numerical library to perform a range of numerical calculations and to use the Matplotlib library to plot graphs [WA1]5. Apply Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) in Python at a basic level [WA1]
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Employable, innovative and enterprising
Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
1) EMTH117 or MATH101, or2) NCEA 14 Credits (18 strongly recommended) at level 3 Mathematics (including the standards 'Apply differentiation methods in solving problems (91578)' and 'Apply integration methods in solving problems (91579)'), or3) Cambridge: D at A level or an A at AS level in Mathematics, or4) IB: 4 at HL or 5 at SL in Mathematics, or5) approval of the Head of Department based on alternative prior learning. (01 Jan 2024 - present) 1) MATH101, or2) NCEA 14 Credits (18 strongly recommended) at level 3 Mathematics (including the standards 'Apply differentiation methods in solving problems (91578)' and 'Apply integration methods in solving problems (91579)'), or3) Cambridge: D at A level or an A at AS level in Mathematics, or4) IB: 4 at HL or 5 at SL in Mathematics, or5) approval of the Head of Department based on alternative prior learning.
COSC121
Andrew Bainbridge-Smith
There is no prescribed textbook for the course, as the lecture notes, videos and learning modules should be sufficient for most students. However, those wanting extra reading might wish to consider some of the recommended reading given on the course's Learn site.The software used in the course is free and is available on all course laboratory computers. It can be installed on nearly all reasonably modern home computers except Chromebooks.
Please click HERE for the CSSE Department's policy for the academic remedy of applications for a special consideration for final exams.
Domestic fee $998.00
International fee $5,188.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Computer Science and Software Engineering .