Students who are concerned about not meeting the prerequisites for this course are encouraged to contact the course coordinator before registering
Overview
COMP 206 is designed to introduce you to programming in the C++ computer programming language. The course progresses from first principles to advanced topics in object oriented programming using C++.
Outline
COMP 206 consists of the following units:
Unit 0: Introduction to C++
Unit 1: Introduction to Objects
Unit 2: Making and Using Objects
Unit 3: The C in C++
Unit 4: Data Abstraction
Unit 5: Hiding the Implementation
Unit 6: Initialization and Cleanup
Unit 7: Function Overloading and Default Arguments
Unit 8: Constants
Unit 9: Name Control
Unit 10: References and the Copy-Constructor
Unit 11: Operator Overloading
Unit 12: Dynamic Object Creation
Unit 13: Inheritance and Composition
All units are closely based on material from Thinking in C++, 2nd Edition by Bruce Eckel.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to
articulate the principles of object-oriented problem solving and programming.
outline the essential features and elements of the C++ programming language.
explain programming fundamentals, including statement and control flow and recursion.
apply the concepts of class, method, constructor, instance, data abstraction, function abstraction, inheritance, overriding, overloading and polymorphism.
program with basic data structures using array, list, and linked structures.
explain the object-oriented design process and the concept of software engineering.
program using objects and data abstraction, class, and methods in function abstraction.
analyze, write, debug, and test basic C++ codes using the approaches introduced in the course.
analyze problems and implement simple C++ applications using an object-oriented software engineering approach.
Evaluation
To receive credit for COMP 206, you must achieve a course composite grade of at least D (50 percent), including a grade of 50 percent on each assignment, and at least 50 percent on the final examination. The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:
Activity
Weight
Assignment 1
15%
Assignment 2
20%
Assignment 3
25%
Final Exam
40%
Total
100%
The final examination 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.
Materials
Eckel, B. (2000) Thinking in C++, 2nd ed. Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ. (eText)
All other learning resources will be available online.
Available from the Course Website
Computer Science 206 Study Guide
Assignments and instructions
A course evaluation form
Links to other web-based course resources
Available from Other websites:
C++ Compiler and development environment tools.
Online version of Thinking in C++
Program examples from Thinking in C++
Additional supporting materials of interest to students may occasionally be made available electronically.
Special Course Features
COMP 206 is offered through Moodle, a learning management system that is accessed through the myAU portal. COMP 206 can be completed at the student’s workplace or home. COMP 206 is an elective in all undergraduate programs offered by the School of Computing and Information Systems.
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized study counterparts.
Opened in Revision 2, May 9, 2014
Updated July 15, 2021, by Student & Academic Services