Course - Information Technology, Introduction - IT1001
Information Technology, Introduction
About
About the course
Course content
The course provides an introduction to procedural programming, with Python as language, as well as experience in conducting a small programming project related to the teaching of STEM subjects in high school. Concepts covered: Variables and data types, representation of numbers and implications in calculations (e.g., rounding errors). Input and output. Control structures: sequence, branching, looping, recursion. Structuring and modularization of programs; functions and modules. Data structures: strings, lists, tuples, arrays, sets, and dictionaries. Files and exception handling. Basic numerical calculations, visualization and plotting.
Learning outcome
Knowledge:
- K1: Can explain basic principles for digital representation of information.
- K2: Can explain the purpose and semantics of key constructs for procedural programming in Python.
- K3: Can apply the knowledge of programming concepts to solve various kinds of problems, such as explaining the result of code, filling in missing pieces of code, finding errors in code, and writing code to solve practical problems.
Skills.
- F1: Can conduct a small programming project.
- F2: Can discuss programming problems with peers.
- F3: Can pursue learning objectives in a self-regulated manner, deciding on a personal pace and ambition level.
General competencies:
- G1: Can reflect upon the opportunities and challenges for programming as a tool in the teaching of STEM subjects in high school.
Learning methods and activities
Compulsory activities:
There are two things that are compulsory: (1) The student must have participated in at least 80% of the weekly seminars, including discussions with peer students facilitated by the teaching staff. The department may under certain circumstances grant applications for lower participation. (2) The student must deliver a simple progress plan early in the semester, the deadline for this will be announced at the start of the semester. The compulsory activities must be approved to get a grade in the course.
In addition to the compulsory activities, digital learning resources will be made available for the students for supplementary self-study.
Compulsory assignments
- Seminar
- Progress plan
Further on evaluation
Assessment in the course is done by means of a mastery ladder where students can choose their individual ambition level and progress plan. There are two main components in this mastery ladder:
(i) The test series: A series of automated tests. Counting tests must be performed under supervision.
(ii) The project: An individual programming project developed iteratively to gradually higher levels of ambition.
Assessment in the course is done by means of a mastery ladder where students can choose their individual ambition level and progress plan. The course is divided into 9 modules, where one has to pass 5 to take E, 6 for D, 7 for C, 8 for B, 9 for A. To pass a module, it is required both to pass the test for the module and deliver an approved increment of the individual programming project. Summative module tests must be taken under supervision, and autumn 2025 this can be done every Friday during the teaching term. The tests must be taken in order, and it is required to pass the first test before taking the second, etc. One can pass maximum one test per week. A failed test can be attempted again in the next available time slot. In the individual project, each student shall develop unique Python code with usage potential in STEM subjects in high school, related to the student's main discipline (Biology / Chemistry / Physics / Mathematics / Informatics). Together with the program, they shall also deliver a short report reflecting upon experiences from the project and the potential pedagogical use of the program. The project is developed iteratively, to be acknowledged to gradually higher levels of ambition, where the levels must also be taken in order, i.e. the first level of the project must be delivered before the second level, etc. In case a project delivery is not approved, it is possible to fix the shortcomings that have been pointed out and deliver again.
Only one joint grade is achieved in the course. To pass the course, a passing level must have been reached both in the test series and project. If the level achieved in these two components differ, the grade will be determined by the lowest level.
In the event of voluntary repetition, fail (F) or valid absence, the entire portfolio must be retaken.
Specific conditions
Admission to a programme of study is required:
Natural Science with Teacher Education, years 8 - 13 (MLREAL)
Recommended previous knowledge
None.
Required previous knowledge
None.
Course materials
Digital learning resources. Will be provided at the beginning of, and during, the semester.
Credit reductions
| Course code | Reduction | From |
|---|---|---|
| TDT4109 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2023 |
| TDT4110 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2023 |
| TDT4111 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2023 |
| TDT4127 | 5 sp | Autumn 2023 |
| INFT1010 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2024 |
Subject areas
- Computer Science