This module introduces the fundamentals of business programming and algorithm design that will
underpin the technical and application content of undergraduate degree course based within the
discipline of Information Technology for Business. Students taking the module will develop basic
skills in programming by learning the core control structures and problem-solving strategies
common to most business programming languages. They will apply these to a range of tasks and
problems. The module will make students aware of professional practices associated with the
industry such as testing code and documentation. Implementing Python Pandas for data analysis.
Intended Module Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the student should be able to:
Demonstrate an ability to use basic control flow syntax to produce working solutions to
problems in a programming language.
Reason about simple algorithms, selecting or creating algorithms to solve specific and
generalised problems.
Understand the need for, and begin to use, practices such as code testing and documentation
in professional programming environments.
Express, implement and use Python Pandas for data analysis.
Indicative Content
Basic Programming Practice:
Variables, values, data types (integer, floating point, string, Boolean),
function calls, function creation, conditionals (if statements), and iteration (loops); all in a high level
programming language.
Algorithmic Problem Solving:
Using the above to solve a range of problems; expressing algorithms to solve problems.
More Sophisticated Programming Practice:
GUI, recursive functions, error handling, data structures
(e.g. arrays, associate arrays) and their use to solve problems.
Essential fundamentals for Programming and Algorithms:
Boolean logic, distinguishing different programming languages, classification of errors.
Professional Tools:
Version control, testing and documentation for code.
Use libraries to extend the functionality of the base language:
Use Python Pandas for data analysis.
Teaching and Learning
The module will employ a variety of methods as appropriate.
Student activity and time spent on each activity comprises: