OVERVIEW

The course aims to provide foundational programming skills, with a particular emphasis on scientific reasoning and computational thinking. It includes both lectures and practical labs designed to deepen and consolidate the topics covered in class. The course has a strong practical focus, encouraging students to independently tackle increasingly complex problems. The programming paradigm adopted is imperative programming.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

This course is composed of two modules: the first one focus on the theoretical issues while the second is focused on paractical lab experiences. The aim of the course is to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of computer science and the basics of imperative programming, fostering essential computational thinking skills through a combination of theoretical and practical learning. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the skills necessary to design, write, and test simple programs, as well as to solve computational problems using basic programming tools and techniques.

PREREQUISITES

Being an introductory programming course, it doesn't require any prerequisites.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of the following activities:

·       Laboratory activities

·       Written test

Laboratory activities

The course includes laboratory activities to be carried out (individually or in groups) during the lessons held throughout the course year, before the final exam. For some of these activities, the submission of the work done will be required and evaluated. For others, students' participation will simply be monitored. 

Alternative activities (e.g., a coding project to be developed individually in person the day of the exam) will be proposed for those (e.g., working students) who are unable to attend laboratory activities.

Written test (final)

The written test that will take place at the end of the year will consist of multiple-choice questions. The questions will be both theoretical and practical and will focus on the topics covered in class.

During the lessons, some examples of possible questions and exercises for each topic will be discussed so that the type of test is clear at the end of the course.

Students with certification of Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), disabilities, or other special educational needs must contact the instructor at the beginning of the course to agree on teaching and examination methods that, while respecting the course objectives, take into account individual learning styles and provide appropriate compensatory tools. It is reminded that the request for compensatory/dispensatory measures for exams must be sent to the course instructor, the School representative, and the “Settore servizi per l'inclusione degli studenti con disabilità e con DSA” office (dsa@unige.it) at least 10 working days before the test, as per the guidelines available at the link: https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The laboratory activity aims to assess coding knowledge. The written test has a dual purpose: to evaluate the understanding of fundamental aspects of the discipline and to verify the students' participation in the guided laboratory sessions.