Overview
COMP 268 is designed to introduce you to programming in the Java computer language. The course progresses from first principles to advanced topics in object-oriented programming using Java.
This course builds on the basic elements of Java programming and culminates in a final project (a text-based adventure game) that utilizes the skills acquired in this course.
You will reflect on your progress and learning throughout the course and engage in online discussions with your peers to increase your problem-solving and critical-analysis skills.
Outline
COMP 268 is divided into nine units:
- Unit 1: The Mental Landscape
- Unit 2: Names and Things
- Unit 3: Control
- Unit 4: Subroutines
- Unit 5: Objects and Classes
- Unit 6: Inheritance, Polymorphism, and Nested Classes
- Unit 7: Arrays, ArrayLists, and Records
- Unit 8: Correctness, Robustness, Efficiency
- Unit 9: Input/Output Streams, Files, and XML
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to
- articulate the principles of object-oriented problem solving and programming.
- outline the essential features and elements of the Java 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 Java codes using the approaches introduced in the course.
- analyze problems and implement simple Java applications using an object-oriented software engineering approach.
Evaluation
To receive credit for COMP 268, you must achieve a course composite grade of at least D (50 percent) and at least 50 percent on each of the assignments, the final project, and the final exam.
The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignment 1 | 15% |
| Assignment 2 | 20% |
| Assignment 3 | 20% |
| Final project | 30% |
| Final exam | 15% |
| Total | 100% |
The final examination for this course must be requested in advance and written under the supervision of an AU-approved exam invigilator. Invigilators include either ProctorU or an approved in-person invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions, can be found at the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
This course either does not have a course package or the textbooks are open-source material and available to students at no cost. This course has a Course Administration and Technology Fee, but students are not charged the Course Materials Fee.
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Eck, D. J. (2022, May). Introduction to programming using Java (Version 9, JavaFX ed.). Hobart and William Smith Colleges. https://math.hws.edu/javanotes
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you 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 about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the COMP 268 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least D (50 percent) on each of the assignments, the final project, and the final exam.
The weighting of these grades toward your final mark is as follows:
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignment 1 | 15% |
| Assignment 2 | 20% |
| Assignment 3 | 20% |
| Final project | 30% |
| Final exam | 15% |
| Total | 100% |
Challenge for credit course registration form