Introduction to Programming and the UNIX Environment
UndergraduateUNE-COSC1102025
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.
Enrol today with instant approval and no entry requirements
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Enrol by
- 12 Oct 2025
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 16 weeks
- Start dates
- 24 Feb 2025,
- 23 June 2025,
- 20 Oct 2025
- Price from
- $2,351
- Upfront cost
- $0
- 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: Assignment. 10 tutorial exercises @ 2% each. All exercises must be attempted. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3;
Assessment 2: 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;
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 (20%)
- Assessment 2 - Theory Assignment (10%)
- Assessment 3 - Programming Task (15%)
- Assessment 4 - Programming Task (20%)
- Final Examination - Invigilated online 2 hrs 15 min (35%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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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.
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What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateUNE-LGS-DEG
Diploma in Information Technology
UndergraduateUNE-INF-DIP
UndergraduateUNE-DSC-DIP
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