Introduction to Information Technology (4478.10)

Required texts

Required:

Gaddys, T. Starting Out with Python. Pearson, 2022.

Guzdial, M.J. & Ericson, B. Introduction to Computing and Programming in Python. A Multimedia Approach. Pearson, ISBN: 9781292109862

Supplementary:

Punch, W.F. and Enbody, R. Practice of Computing Using Python, The: Pearson New International Edition, ISBN:9781292038353
 

A limited number of copies of these books will be available from the library.

Submission of assessment items

Extensions & Late submissions

Assignments will be submitted electronically through the Unit Website. Your assignment should include, when instructed, a programming module, data files, pictures, circuits, and the like.

Tests will be undertaken via Canvas quizzes. 

It is student's responsibility to be sure that the submitted assignment meets the Assignment Marking criteria, and it is submitted on time. Also, the student must be sure that the files submitted work properly in a computer based on a Windows operating system. 

No concession will be given if the submitted files are incomplete, wrong, the compressed file does not open, pictures do not load, code points to relative path, and the like.

Artificial Intelligence

Students are not permitted to use generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in assessments for this unit.

GenAI may only be used in authorised ways when completing assessments at UC. This means that GenAI can only be used for an assessment when:

the Unit Convener has authorised GenAI use for that assessment
the student uses GenAI in the way that the assessment instructions allow
the student fully acknowledges their use of GenAI, with proper citations, references and a GenAI Acknowledgement Statement in line with the assessment instructions.

Where the assessment instructions do not specifically state that GenAI may be used and how, then its use is not permitted for that assessment. Students must still provide the required GenAI Acknowledgement Statement to indicate whether GenAI has or has not been used in the preparation of the assessment. If unsure, students should seek advice from the Unit Convener.

The GenAI for StudentsLinks to an external site. Library Guide provides further information, including how to reference GenAI.

Special assessment requirements

The IIT unit uses both formative and summative forms of assessment. Students are required to satisfactorily complete a number of assignments and assessable items and to perform satisfactorily in the final exam. Specifications for the assignments and requirements for satisfactory completion are given on the IIT unit website on Canvas (LearnOnline).

Assignments are meant to be individual work, although talking a problem over with another student or tutor is considered one reasonable way of learning. However, the actual assignment submission must be your own work. Students are expected to familiarise themselves with the University's Student Conduct Rules (http://www.canberra.edu.au/current-students/conduct). Experience has shown that students who do not do their own work are unlikely to pass the exam (and therefore the unit).

Assignment submissions will be assessed for addressing the specific requirements of each assignment, as stated in the assignment descriptions, as well as for employing good programming principles. All assessment items will receive a numerical mark, which together in their entirety define a student's final grade and mark as outlined in section 5a.

Deffered exams:

In the event a student misses the end of term examination due to illness or other exceptional circumstances, the student must submit the deferred final exam application form within 3 working days of scheduled exam to the UC College student services team. 

The IIT unit uses both formative and summative forms of assessment. Students are required to satisfactorily complete a number of assignments and assessable items. Specifications for the assignments and requirements for satisfactory completion are given on the IIT unit website on Canvas (LearnOnline).

Assignment submissions will be assessed for addressing the specific requirements of each assignment, as stated in the assignment descriptions, as well as for employing good programming principles. All assessment items will receive a numerical mark, which together in their entirety define a student's final grade and mark as outlined in section 5a.

Responsibility for understanding

If there is any doubt with regard to the requirements of any particular assignments or assessment procedure, the onus for clarifying the issue rests with the student who should
contact the unit Convener or tutor. Further, it is the responsibility of students to ensure that they are correctly enrolled in the unit and that the tutor and Student Administration have their correct contact details.

Final Grade and Mark

To obtain a particular grade in this unit it is necessary that there are no outstanding resubmissions at the end of Week 12. All assessment items will receive a numerical mark. The final grade will be determined as a weighted average of the individual assessment items.

To be awarded a particular grade in IIT, students must meet all the requirements listed below. That is, all grades are conditional upon the following minimum requirements:

• submit the Academic Integrity Module (AIM) completion certificate, and
• Obtain minimum 50% on overall

In addition, students will receive a grade in any of the assessable components listed in Section 5a ONLY if the Unit Readiness test (that is, the AIM) has been successfully completed. Late penalties will apply even if the student submitted the task on time, but the Unit Readiness Test is pending for completion.

Finally, the following criteria also apply:

The unit convenor reserves the right to question students on any of their submitted work for moderation and academic integrity purposes.

Supplementary assessment

Students must apply academic integrity in their learning and research activities at UC. This includes submitting authentic and original work for assessments and properly acknowledging any sources used.

Academic integrity involves the ethical, honest and responsible use, creation and sharing of information. It is critical to the quality of higher education. Our academic integrity values are honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.

UC students have to complete the Academic Integrity Module annually to learn about academic integrity and to understand the consequences of academic integrity breaches (or academic misconduct).

UC uses various strategies and systems, including detection software, to identify potential breaches of academic integrity. Suspected breaches may be investigated, and action can be taken when misconduct is found to have occurred.

Information is provided in the Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Integrity Procedure, and University of Canberra (Student Conduct) Rules 2023. For further advice, visit Study Skills.

Learner engagement

Participation requirements

Your participation in all activities will enhance your understanding of the unit content and therefore the quality of your assessment responses. Lack of participation may result in your inability to satisfactorily pass assessment items. Experience has shown that students who do not attend the classes (either online or face to face) will have difficulty in passing the subject.

Required IT skills

Some of the components of this unit involve online meetings in real time using the Virtual Room in your UCLearn teaching site. The Virtual Room allows you to communicate in real time with your lecturer and other students. To participate verbally, rather than just typing, you will need a microphone. For best audio quality we recommend a microphone and speaker headset. For more information and to test your computer, go to the Virtual Room in your UCLearn site and 'Join Course Room'. This will trigger a tutorial to help familiarise you with the functionality of the virtual room.

It is assumed that the student has basic understanding of computers.

In-unit costs

Textbook, 2x USB thumb drives and consumables (using a cloud storage is recommended). The book and e-book are available in the library.

Work placement, internships or practicums

Not applicable to this unit.

Additional information

Foundation of Unit

This unit provides an introduction of fundamental technical concepts in the area of information technology as well as an overview of basic programming concepts.

Provision of information to the group

Notifications through the Canvas Announcements Forum or the Canvas Discussion Forums are deemed to be made to the whole class.  It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they check for announcements on the Unit's Canvas website.  Students should ensure they check their student email regularly.  The Canvas discussion forums will be checked by staff regularly.

Use of student email account

The University Email policy states that "students wishing to contact the University via email regarding administrative or academic matters need to send the email from the University account for identity verification purposes".  Therefore all unit enquiries should be emailed using a student university email account. Students should contact servicedesk@canberra.edu.au if they have any issues accessing their university email account.

In all cases of absence, sickness or personal problems it is the student's responsibility to ensure that the unit Convener is informed. The minimum participation requirement must be met in order to pass the unit (regardless of supporting documentation).

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