Introduction to Programming and the UNIX Environment
Undergraduate
UNE-COSC110 2024Course information for 2024 intake View information for 2025 course intake
Take a structured approach to solving complex problems. Build foundation knowledge for further study of computer science. Learn to use UNIX-type operating systems to develop and debug programs. Get involved in practical exercises and assignments.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 16 weeks
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Introduction to Programming and the UNIX Environment
About this subject
Upon completion of this subject, students will be able to:
- solve problems using a structured approach by constructing and implementing algorithms using a high-level programming language, making use of a range of data-types, control structures, parameter passing, functions and procedures;
- describe and apply good program development practices and/or coding style to the production of software;
- analyse and debug computer programs to describe their purpose and identify logic and syntactical errors whenever they are present;
- explain the principles of intellectual property and how they relate to the ethical considerations surrounding control and availability of information technology;
- explain the history and status of information technology by identifying key developments and their relationship with current techniques or technologies; and
- understand and apply the tools and commands available in UNIX-type operating systems for tasks relating to software development, basic administration and data processing.
- Topics will be available to enrolled students in the subjects Learning Management System site approximately one week prior to the commencement of the teaching period.
Modern software development is a multi-billion dollar industry, where problem-solving skills and solid understanding of programming techniques and practices are vital for producing high quality software. Building core knowledge for the study of computer science, this subject introduces you to techniques for computer program development. You will gain experience using a high-level programming language, and UNIX-type operating systems for developing and debugging computer programs. Honing skills for structured problem solving, you will develop and implement algorithms that break complex problems down into their component tasks and procedures. You will also explore the social implications, ethics and professional practice for IT. Your learning is reinforced throughout with practical exercises that challenge you with interesting problems. Topics include control structures, data types, algorithm design and analysis, basic hardware components and a user view of operating systems.
Assessment 1: Tutorial exercises. 10 tutorial exercises @ 1% each. All exercises must be attempted. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3;
Assessment 2: Theory assignment. All assignments must be attempted. Relates to Learning Outcomes 4 and 5;
Assessment 3: Programming Task. All assignments must be attempted. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 6;
Assessment 4: Programming Task. All assignments must be attempted. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 6;
Assessment 5: Programming Tasks. All assignments must be attempted. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 6;
Final Examination. 2 hours and 15 mins. It is mandatory to pass this examination in order to pass the unit. Relates to Learning Outcomes: LO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
Exam supervised online during the exam period. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit.
UNE manages supervised exams associated with your UNE subjects.
Prior to census date, UNE releases exam timetables. They’ll email important exam information directly to your UNE email address.- Assessment 1 - Tutorial Exercises (10%)
- Assessment 2 - Theory Assignment (10%)
- Assessment 3 - Programming Task (15%)
- Assessment 4 - Programming Task (15%)
- Assessment 5 - Programming Task (15%)
- Final Examination - Invigilated online 2 hrs 15 min (35%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
The University of New England is the only Australian public university to be awarded the maximum 5 stars for Overall Experience by the Good Universities Guide, 13 years in a row. UNE has delivered distance education since 1955—that’s longer than any other Australian university. Perhaps that’s why students continue to rate UNE so highly for student satisfaction and teaching quality. With over 170 degrees offered online, and more than 22,000 students, UNE is an expert in online education.
Learn more about UNE.
Explore UNE courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 36
Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Additional requirements
- Equipment requirements - Headphones or speakers (required to listen to lectures and other media). Headset, including microphone (highly recommended). Webcam (may be required for participation in virtual classrooms and/or media presentations).
- Software requirements - It is essential for students to have reliable internet access in order to participate in and complete your units, regardless of whether they contain an on campus attendance or intensive school component. Please refer students to link for requirements: http://www.une.edu.au/current-students/support/it-services/hardware
- Other requirements -
Textbook information is not available until approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the Teaching period.
Students are expected to purchase prescribed material.
Textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Why study a single subject?
Bite sized study
Try studying a particular area to see if online study suits you, or upskill in just a few months with a single subject that you’re interested in.
Pursue a dream
With thousands of single subjects to choose from, you can find topics that get you on the path to your higher education goals fast.
Gain Uni credit
Most single subjects are part of a full degree. That means if you’re keen to keep learning, you can gain credit for the subjects you’ve successfully completed.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Undergraduate
UNE-LGS-DEGUndergraduate
UNE-DSC-DIPDiploma in Information Technology
Undergraduate
UNE-INF-DIPSingle subject FAQs
What’s a single subject?
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
How can I use single subjects to get into a full degree?
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
Can anyone help me choose a subject?
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
How do I pay for my subjects?
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
How do I enrol?
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
When is the cut-off date for enrolling?
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.