Programming Unit

This unit introduces computer programming in a high level programming language and includes principles and practice in problem solving, programming design, solution implementation and testing. For this purpose for the first term we start to programming using Processing a simple programming language based on a simplyfied version of the popular java language with a graphic interface that helps students with no previous experience the fundamentals of coding.

In these six weeks I have learnt how to draw lines, rectangles and circles on the interface screen making use of the line, rect and ellipse in-built commands. I also saw the benefits of using loop structure such as for and while loops to avoid repetition of instructions. I had a first approach to modularity, why and how to group blocks of code in procedures and functions and argument passing.

Representation of Pong game implemented with CSS3 animation.

Considering I have prior knowledge of programming in Java I find most of the activities in the first term easy, nevertheless I expect to be dealing with more complex coding techniques in the second term, when I will undertake object-oriented programming.

Extreme Fishing Game

Computer Systems Fundamentals Unit

This unit provides an introduction to the fundamental principles and mathematics underpinning the design and construction of computer systems.

The topics I learnt during my first weeks at university include boolean algebra, design and evaluation of digital logic circuits, using Logisim, I have seen multiplexors and how logic gates can be combined to build circuits such comparators, full adders and RS Flip-Flops. Karnaugh maps, arithmetic and logic unit and fetch and execute cycle.

The unit includes a mathematics element as well, so far I have studied set theory, matrices as linear transformation and vector algebra. In the coming weeks I will be learning Assembly language and mips.

The material covered in the first part of this unit was very interesting indeed. To have a deep knowledge of the principles and machine architecture is vital to develop efficient software solutions. I enjoy learning this subject and feel confident I will achieve good results throughout the academic year.