Course coordinator
Dr Peter O'Shea
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Elec Engineering & Comp Science School
Introduction to programming for engineers focusing on the fundamentals of computing and programming, using an exploratory problem-based approach. Building abstractions with procedures, data and objects; data modelling; designing, coding and debugging programs of increasing complexity. Applying programming techniques to the analysis of real world data.
This course introduces fundamental concepts in engineering programming, using the Python programming language. Emphasis is placed on problem solving using computational techniques, creating algorithms,ﾠdesigning classes, data analysisﾠand visualisation. The course provides a Help Center where students can "drop in" Monday to Friday and get advice from the teaching team on assignments - student feedback suggests this to be a very helpful resource.
Course requirements
Assumed background
No background in computer programming is assumed
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
CSSE1001
Restrictions
Restricted to students enrolled in BE, BE(Hons), BE(Hons) and Duals, BE/ME, BE/ME Exchange, ME (32), ME(48) and Study Abroad
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Peter O'Shea
Dr Kasra Khosoussi
Professor Kate O'Brien
Dr Mehmet Yildirimoglu
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to provide students with the basic programming skills that are needed by engineers. These skills include file processing, robust program design with functions and classes, data analyis,ﾠvisualisation and applied engineering programming.ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Differentiate and apply program constructs such as variables, selection, iteration and sub-routines
LO2.
Recognise and apply basic object-oriented design methodologies, along with associated concepts such as classes, instances and methods
LO3.
Read and analyse programs written by others
LO4.
Interpret an engineering problem and design an algorithmic solution to the problem
LO5.
Read and analyse an algorithmic design and be able to translate the design into a working program
LO6.
Apply techniques for program testing and debugging
LO7.
Apply sound programming techniques to the solution of real world engineering problems
LO8.
Analyse and visualise engineering data
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Code |
Assignment 1
|
20% |
29/08/2025 3:00 pm |
| Computer Code, Practical/ Demonstration |
Assignment 1 Practical
|
Pass/fail |
Week 6 Mon - Week 6 Thu |
| Computer Code |
Assignment 2
|
30% |
24/10/2025 3:00 pm |
| Computer Code, Practical/ Demonstration |
Assignment 2 Practical
|
Pass/fail |
Week 13 Mon - Week 13 Thu |
| Examination |
End of semester exam
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Assignment 1
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Computer Code
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
29/08/2025 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
In writing this assignment (and other assessment items) students must not look at anyone else's code or show anyone else their own code. They must also refrain from copying code from the internet or other sources. See assignment sheet for details.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Students will need to attend a compulsory interview in the week after the due date, and will be required to sign up for an interview time slot. If students fail to get at least 50% for the interview, their assignment mark will be capped at 50% of the total available marks for the assignment, If students cannot attend the scheduled interview for a legitimate reason (with appropriate documentation) there will be a make up session in Week 13.
Hurdle requirements
If students do not obtain at least 50% on the interview they mark will be capped at 50% of the maximum mark for the assignment.Submission guidelines
Assignment submitted on-line via Gradescope. Students should submit their code regularly to Gradescope as they progress in the assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Solutions will be released 7 days after the due date.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Assignment submissions received after the due time (or any approved extended deadline) will be subject to a 100% late penalty. A one-hour grace period applies to the due time after which time (4:00:00pm) the 100% late penalty will be imposed. This grace period is designed to deal with issues that might arise during submission (e.g. delays with Blackboard or Gradescope) and should not be considered a shift of the due time.
Assignment 1 Practical
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Computer Code, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- Pass/fail
- Due date
Week 6 Mon - Week 6 Thu
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L06, L07, L08
Task description
This item forms the secure element of Assignment 1.
You will sign up for an interview slot and in the interview you will be asked questions about your code for Assignment 1. You must bring your student card.
Failure to attend may result in a failure.
Your performance in this session will contribute to your Assignment 1 mark, as specified in the Assignment 1 task sheet.
Hurdle requirements
If students do not pass Assignment 1 Practical their overall mark for Assignment 1 will be capped at 50%.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Discretionary extensions are not available for this task.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
If there is a legitimate reason non-attendance (along with appropriate documentation) a make up session will be run in Week 13.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Assignment 2
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Computer Code
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
24/10/2025 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
In writing this assignment (and other assessment items) students must not look at anyone else's code or show anyone else their own code. They must also refrain from copying code from the internet or other sources. See assignment sheet for details.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Students will need to attend a compulsory interview in the week after the due date, and will be required to sign up for an interview time slot. If students fail to get at least 50% for the interview, their assignment mark will be capped at 50% of the total available marks for the assignment. If students cannot attend the scheduled interview for a legitimate reason (with appropriate documentation) there will be a make up session in Week 13.
Hurdle requirements
If students do not obtain at least 50% on the interview they mark will be capped at 50% of the maximum mark for the assignment.Submission guidelines
Assignment submitted on-line via Gradescope. Students should submit their code regularly to Gradescope as they progress in the assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Solutions will be released 7 days after the due date.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Assignment submissions received after the due time (or any approved extended deadline) will be subject to a 100% late penalty. A one-hour grace period applies to the due time after which time (4:00:00pm) the 100% late penalty will be imposed. This grace period is designed to deal with issues that might arise during submission (e.g. delays with Blackboard or Gradescope) and should not be considered a shift of the due time.
Assignment 2 Practical
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Computer Code, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- Pass/fail
- Due date
Week 13 Mon - Week 13 Thu
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L06, L07, L08
Task description
This item forms the secure element of Assignment 2.
You will sign up for an interview slot and in the interview you will be asked questions about your code for Assignment 2. You must bring your student card.
Failure to attend may result in a failure.
Your performance in this session will contribute to your Assignment 1 mark, as specified in the Assignment 2 task sheet.
Hurdle requirements
If students do not pass Assignment 1 Practical their overall mark for Assignment 1 will be capped at 50%.Submission guidelines
No submission required.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Discretionary extensions are not available for this task.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
If there is a legitimate reason non-attendance (along with appropriate documentation) a make up session will be run in Week 13.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
End of semester exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07, L08
Task description
End of semester exam. The exam will test understanding of the concepts covered over the entire course.
The exam will be an invigilated multiple choice exam. The exam will be conducted on-campus.
Hurdle requirements
Students must obtain at least 40% on the final exam to get a grade of 3 or more. Students must obtain at least 45% on the final exam to get a grade of 4 or more.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 19 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Conditions for Grade of 2 not satisfied. |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 46 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: MARK >= 20% (Please refer to additional information below) |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: MARK >= 47% and Exam >= 40% (Please refer to additional information below) |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: MARK >= 50% and Exam >= 45% (Please refer to additional information below) |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: MARK >= 65% and Exam >= 60% (Please refer to additional information below) |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: MARK >= 75% and Exam >= 70% (Please refer to additional information below) |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: MARK >= 85% and Exam >= 80% (Please refer to additional information below) |
Additional course grading information
To calculate your final grade and mark, we use the overall mark (MARK), the mark for the exam (EXAM) and the marks for the assignments (A1, A2)ﾠwith each of these marks given as a percentage.
MARK = A1 * 0.2 + A2 * 0.3 + Exam * 0.5
Overall percentages will be rounded to the nearest integer before grade cut-offs are applied.
Your final grade and final mark are then the highest grade for which your component results satisfy the criteria in the above table.
At the discretion of the course coordinator, final grades and marks may be scaled upwards, but not downwards.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Early feedback
Students will have the opportunity to receive feedback on their performance early in the semester via Gradescope auto-grader tests in Assignment 1. These autograder test results will be available at least a week before Assignment 1 is due.
Having Troubles?
If you are having difficulties with any aspect of the course material you should seek help. Speak to the course teaching staff.
If external circumstances are affecting your ability to work on the course, you should seek help as soon as possible. The University and UQ Union have organisations and staff who are able to help, for example, UQ Student Services are able to help with study and exam skills, tertiary learning skills, writing skills, financial assistance, personal issues, and disability services (among other things).
Complaints and criticisms should be directed in the first instance to the course coordinator. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may bring the matter to the attention of the School of EECS Director of Teaching and Learning.
Use of AI
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 |
Lecture |
Week 1 Introduction to course and Python programming, variables and types, multiline programs Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 12 |
Applied Class |
Weekly tutorials Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Week 2 |
Lecture |
Week 2 Functional decomposition and control structures Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 3 To Week 12 |
Applied Class |
Daily Help sessions (Monday-Friday 10am-5pm, Weeks 3-12). Students can drop in to the Help Center (78-217) any time between 10am to 5pm to seek guidance from the teaching team. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Week 3 |
Lecture |
Week 3 Manipulating data structures, file I/O Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L06 |
Week 4 |
Lecture |
Week 4 Intro to classes and objects, lists, variable scope Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L06 |
Week 5 |
Lecture |
Week 5 Dictionaries, Intro to Numpy Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 6 |
Lecture |
Week 6 Array creation, vectorisation Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 7 |
Lecture |
Week 7 Data visualisation and further numpy examples Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 8 |
Lecture |
Week 8 Introduction to data analysis Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 9 |
Lecture |
Week 9 Analysis of engineering data Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Week 10 |
Lecture |
Week 10 Object orientation, implementation and application of classes, inheritance Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 11 |
Lecture |
Week 11 Engineering applications, random walks Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Week 12 |
Lecture |
Week 12 Engineering applications, diffusive processes Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Week 13 |
Lecture |
Week 13 Engineering applications, course review Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: