Computer Science (COMP) 268

Overview

COMP 268 is all about introductory Java programming. Building on the concepts introduced in COMP 200 and/or COMP 210, it shows how to use various Java language constructs to develop code and solve problems. It adopts a hands-on approach to cover some of the essential topics in Java. That is, for each topic, you are expected to design, write, and analyze Java code corresponding to that topic. COMP 268 is a prerequisite for COMP 272, COMP 308, and COMP 314 and is suitable as the object-oriented programming prerequisite for other senior COMP courses.

Topics covered include basic language constructs, control structures, classes, objects, inheritance, input, output, arrays, events, applets, exceptions, introduction to concurrency, and a few advanced features in Java. You will not want to skip studying any of the ten units: concepts you learn in one unit will play a role in your understanding a higher-level concept in a subsequent unit.

The online course material is mostly text with a handful of animated media. While reading the text and coding in Java are the main course activities, you are also expected to take part in developing a programming profile of your efforts in this course. Each unit requires you to maintain a compilation of problems, coding solutions, and your personal commentary for your programming profile.

Each student will be assigned a tutor to consult; students are also welcome to consult with the course coordinator if needed.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be able to

• demonstrate the principles of object-oriented programming.
• associate the features and elements of the Java programming language with problems and solutions.
• apply and analyze the concepts of program fundamentals, statement, control flow, and recursion.
• apply, explain, and compare the concepts of class, object, method, constructor data abstraction, function abstraction, inheritance, overriding, overloading, and polymorphism.
• write code, test, and analyze input/output for programs with basic data structures using array, list, and linked structure arrays, event handling, applets, and exception handling in Java.
• develop and publish applets with the functionality of exception handling.
• apply, analyze, write, debug, and test concurrency in Java.
• write code and test advanced features in Java including packaging and socket programming.

Outline

The course consists of the following study guide units:

• Unit 0: Orientation
• Unit 1: What is Java? What is in Java? Why Java? How Java?
• Unit 2: Variables, Operators, and Expressions in Java
• Unit 3: Control Structures in Java
• Unit 4: Classes and Objects in Java
• Unit 5: Streams in Java
• Unit 6: Array, Vector, ArrayList, LinkedList, and Queue
• Unit 7: Events in Java
• Unit 8: Applets
• Unit 9: Concurrency in Java (aka, Java Threads)
• Unit 10: Advanced Topics in Java

Evaluation

To receive credit for COMP 268, you must achieve a composite grade of at least “D” (50 percent), with a score of at least 50 percent on each activity. The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:

The midterm and final examinations for this course must be taken online with an AU-approved exam invigilator at an approved invigilation centre. It is your responsibility to ensure your chosen invigilation centre can accommodate online exams. For a list of invigilators who can accommodate online exams, visit the Exam Invigilation Network.

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.

Course Materials

There is no textbook for COMP 268. All of the learning materials are distributed online. These include

• The ten units of the COMP 268 study guide.
• Detailed descriptions of the requirements for the assignments and programming profile.
• Links to a variety of online resources.
• A course evaluation form.

Additional supporting materials of interest to COMP 268 students may occasionally be made available through the course discussion forums.

Special Course Features

The course work in COMP 268 requires students to have a Java 6 compiler and virtual machine installed in their computer. Instructions are given in the course materials.

COMP 268 is a core course in the BA Information Systems and the BSc Computer Information Systems. This course is recommended for the students in senior-level Computer Science program or other relevant programs.

Challenge for Credit Course Overview

The Challenge for Credit process allows students to demonstrate that they have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university level course.

Full information for the Challenge for Credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.

• Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Policy
• Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Procedures

Challenge Evaluation

To receive credit for the COMP 268 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least "B" (75 per cent) on the examination and "B" (75 per cent) on EACH assignment.

Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Course Registration Form

• Challenge for Credit Form