Study information

The C Family - 2023 entry

MODULE TITLEThe C Family CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEECM2433 MODULE CONVENERProf Jacqueline Christmas (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 0 11 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 90
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

The family of C languages includes some of the most widely-used programming languages in science and commerce today. From embedded systems to scientific modelling and from mobile apps to web services, many of the systems around us have been developed in a C family language. In this module you will be introduced to a number of the C family languages, their history, and the computer systems that they are most commonly used to develop.

Pre-req 1:  ECM1400 Programming
Pre-req 2:  ECM1410 Object Orientated Programming

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module aims to develop skills in the C family languages including the syntax of each language and its predominant application area. The module also aims to highlight the similarities and differences between each of the languages, to explain their shared history and to describe the relationship between these languages and languages such as Java.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
 
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
 
1. read and write computer programs in C and C++, and read programs in Objective-C;
 
2. demonstrate an understanding of the application areas to which each language is best suited and explain why;
 
3. describe the similarities and differences between these languages and explain their shared history and relationship with other languages;
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
 
4. identify common programming structures amongst separate languages;
 
5. choose appropriate languages for specific applications;
 
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
 
6. use C languages for the development of a variety of embedded, scientific and web-based systems;
 
7. summarise the key similarities and differences among a family of languages.
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
  • History of C languages and relationship with Java;
  • C syntax and applications;
  • C++ syntax and applications in scientific programming and engineering;
  • Objective C syntax and applications in app development;
  • Summary of languages highlighting feature comparison.
 
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 42 Guided Independent Study 108 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning & teaching 20 Lectures
Scheduled learning & teaching 20 Workshops (Programming)
Scheduled learning & teaching 2 Surgeries (one for each assignment)
Guided independent study 42 Individual assessed work
Guided independent study 66 Private Study

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
C programming Assignment 2 hours 1, 5, 6 Class Feedback
C++ programming Assignment 2 hours 1, 5, 6 Class Feedback

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 40 Written Exams 60 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
C/C++ programming exercise 40 40 hours 1,2,4,5,6 Individual Marksheet
Examination 60 2 hours - Summer Exam Period 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 Individual Marksheet

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
C/C++ programming exercise C*C++ programming exercise 1,2,3,5,6 August Ref/Def period
Examination Examination (2 hours) All August Ref/Def period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Reassessment will be by coursework and/or written exam in the failed or deferred element only. For referred candidates, the module mark will be capped at 40%. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:

 

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

 

Web based and Electronic Resources:

 

Other Resources:

  • Module notes given by lecturer(s).

 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Stroustrup, B. Programming - Principles and Practice Using C++ Addison-Wesley
Set Schildt, H. C: The Complete Reference Osborne McGraw-Hill
Set Schildt, H. C++ From the Ground Up Osborne McGraw-Hill
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES ECM1410, ECM1400
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 5 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 10th July 2018 LAST REVISION DATE Wednesday 8th February 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH Software development; programming.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.