Last chance to study this subject for 2026—enrol by 28 June
Need help? Contact a student advisor.
Programming Fundamentals
UndergraduateTAS-KIT1012026
Enrol today with instant approval and no entry requirements
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 28 June 2026
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Start dates
- 23 Feb 2026,
- 6 July 2026
- Price from
- $2,919
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Programming Fundamentals
About this subject
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Apply code reading and debugging techniques to explain the purpose and behaviour of program code, and identify and correct errors in syntax, logic, and style.
- Design and implement well-structured programs using structured programming, functional decomposition, and modular design.
- Select and use appropriate data structures, including lists and simple user-defined types, to solve computational problems.
- Develop practical programs for simple real-world or applied problems, using sound coding style, basic testing, and clear documentation.
- Introduction to Programming
- Algorithms and Data
- Code Tracing + Functions
- Decisions and Repetition
- Selection, Repetition, and Lists
- Data Classes
- Functional Decomposition
- Sorting and Searching
- Runtime Errors and Exceptions
- Custom Program Demonstrations
This subject introduces programming with an emphasis on building both foundational understanding and practical skills. It is designed to be accessible to students from a wide range of disciplines, while also providing a strong basis for further study. The subject develops computational thinking and the ability to express solutions clearly and effectively in code.
Students learn core programming concepts including variables, control flow, data structures, functions, and basic file handling. By the midpoint of the subject, students are able to design, implement, and debug small programs that work with structured data.
The subject then extends these skills through practical applications such as data analysis and visualisation, accessing external data sources, building simple automation tools, and exploring an application area connected to students’ interests. Throughout the subject, emphasis is placed on good programming practice, debugging, documentation, and the use of modern development tools.
- Assignment 2: Report, Presentation and Viva Voce (30%)
- Assignment 1: Programming (30%)
- Tutorial Work (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
A place for curious minds to solve big challenges and make a difference in the world.
Wherever you are, the University of Tasmania brings its island campus to you through a growing range of online programs across art and design, business, education, health, science, sustainability, technology, and more.
It’s never too late to switch things up. Kickstart that career you’ve been dreaming about, or upskill for the one you’re in. You’ll also become a part of the world's leading university on climate action.
Learn more about University of Tasmania
Explore University of Tasmania courses
- QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:
- 20
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:
- 14
Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Additional requirements
- Other requirements - Teaching Arrangement: Online workshop 2 hours weekly; computer laboratory tutorial 2 hours weekly; independent learning approx 2 hours/week - videos and reading
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.
Why study a single subject?
Bite sized study
Try studying a particular area to see if online study suits you, or upskill in just a few months with a single subject that you’re interested in.
Pursue a dream
With thousands of single subjects to choose from, you can find topics that get you on the path to your higher education goals fast.
Gain Uni credit
Most single subjects are part of a full degree. That means if you’re keen to keep learning, you can gain credit for the subjects you’ve successfully completed.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology (Artificial Intelligence)
UndergraduateTAS-IAI-DEG
Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology (Games and Creative Technology)
UndergraduateTAS-GCT-DEG
Diploma of ICT Professional Practice
UndergraduateTAS-IPP-DIP
Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Psychological Science
UndergraduateTAS-BPS-DEG
Diploma of University Studies (Business)
UndergraduateTAS-USB-DIP
Diploma of University Studies (Science Pathway)
UndergraduateTAS-USS-DIP
Bachelor of Business (Business Analytics)
UndergraduateTAS-BBA-DEG
Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Science
UndergraduateTAS-BBS-DEG
Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Economics
UndergraduateTAS-BEC-DEG
Single subject FAQs
What’s a single subject?
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
How can I use single subjects to get into a full degree?
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
Can anyone help me choose a subject?
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
How do I pay for my subjects?
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
How do I enrol?
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
When is the cut-off date for enrolling?
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.