COS2614/101/0/2022

Tutorial Letter 101/0/2022

Programming: Contemporary Concepts

COS2614
Year modules

Computer Science

This tutorial letter contains important information about your module.

BARCODE
CONTENTS

Page

1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 4

2 PURPOSE AND OUTCOMES ...................................................................................................... 4

2.1 Purpose ........................................................................................................................................ 4

2.2 Outcomes ..................................................................................................................................... 5

3 CURRICULUM TRANSFORMATION ........................................................................................... 5

4 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS................................................................................... 5

4.1 Lecturer(s) .................................................................................................................................... 5

4.2 Department ................................................................................................................................... 6

4.3 University ...................................................................................................................................... 6

5 RESOURCES ............................................................................................................................... 6

5.1 Prescribed book(s) ........................................................................................................................ 6

5.2 Recommended book(s) ................................................................................................................. 6

5.3 Electronic reserves (e-reserves) ................................................................................................... 6

6 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES ................................................................................................ 8

6.1 First-Year Experience Programme @ Unisa ................................................................................. 8

7 STUDY PLAN ............................................................................................................................... 9

8 PRACTICAL WORK ..................................................................................................................... 9

9 ASSESSMENT ........................................................................................................................... 10

9.1 Assessment criteria..................................................................................................................... 10

9.2 Assessment plan ........................................................................................................................ 10

9.3 Assignment numbers .................................................................................................................. 10

9.4 Assignment due dates ................................................................................................................ 11

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9.5 Submission of assignments ........................................................................................................ 11

9.6 Other assessment methods ........................................................................................................ 11

9.7 The examination ......................................................................................................................... 11

10 ACADEMIC DISHONENESTY.................................................................................................... 11

10.1 Plagiarism ................................................................................................................................... 11

10.2 Cheating ..................................................................................................................................... 12

10.3 More information about plagiarism can be downloaded on the link below ................................... 12

11 STUDENT WITH DISABILITY .................................................................................................... 12

12 IN CLOSING ............................................................................................................................... 12

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1 INTRODUCTION

Welcome to COS2614, Programming: Contemporary Concepts. We trust that you will find this
module stimulating and interesting. We wish you a successful semester of study. The focus of
this module is on object-oriented programming (OOP) using C++ as the implementation
language and the Qt framework for developing OOP programs.
Do not hesitate to contact your lecturer (on myUnisa, by email, or by telephone) if you are
experiencing problems with the content of this tutorial letter or any aspect of the module.

Please note that this module is offered in a fully online format, which means that material will
be available online and no material. All study material for this module will be available on
myUnisa. It is thus very important that you register on myUnisa and access the module site on a
regular basis. You must be registered on myUnisa to be able to access your learning material,
submit your assignments, and gain access to various learning resources and to participate in
online discussion forums.

Because this is an online module, you need to go online to see your study material and read
what to do for the module. Go to the website here: https://my.unisa.ac.za and login with your
student number and password.

We hope that you will enjoy this module. All the best.

2 PURPOSE AND OUTCOMES

2.1 Purpose

This module provides qualifying students with the knowledge, skills and competencies to apply
object-oriented programming techniques and strategies in solving real-world problems
according to industry-approved processes within South African and global contexts. The
students who complete this module can design and implement object-oriented software
systems. These abilities prepare qualifying students to be competent programmers that are
familiar with objects and classes. This module forms part of the specialization in Information
Systems or Computer Science, in the BSc degree.

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2.2 Outcomes

Outcomes are the concepts and skills that are covered, and that you are expected to master, in
a course.

The outcomes of COS2614 are as follows:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of inheritance in an object-oriented programming (OOP)

language;

2. Demonstrate an understanding of polymorphism in an object-oriented programming

(OOP) language;

3. Analyse problem situations to plan an object-oriented implementation;

4. Write programs with graphical user interfaces using an object-oriented GUI framework;
and

5. Optimize re-usability through the use of basic software design patterns.

3 CURRICULUM TRANSFORMATION

Unisa has implemented a transformation charter based on five pillars and eight dimensions. In
response to this charter, we have placed curriculum transformation high on the teaching and
learning agenda. Curriculum transformation includes the following pillars: student-centred
scholarship, the pedagogical renewal of teaching and assessment practices, the scholarship of
teaching and learning, and the infusion of African epistemologies and philosophies. These
pillars and their principles will be integrated at both programme and module levels as a phased-
in approach. You will notice a marked change in the teaching and learning strategy
implemented by Unisa, together with how the content is conceptualised in your modules. We
encourage you to embrace these changes during your studies at Unisa in a responsive way
within the framework of transformation.

4 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS

4.1 Lecturer(s)

The details of the lecturers will be provided on the home page of the COS2614 site on myUnisa.

The details of the lecturers will also be communicated in a COSALL tutorial letter.

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When you contact the lecturers, please do not forget to always include your student number and
module code. This will help the lecturers to assist you.

4.2 Department

You can contact the School of Computing as follows:

Telephone number: +27 (0) 11 670 9200

E-mail: computing@unisa.ac.za

4.3 University

To contact the University, follow the instructions in the brochure Study @ Unisa. Remember to
have your student number available whenever you contact the University.

5 RESOURCES

5.1 Prescribed book(s)

Please note that there is no prescribed book for this module. We will be making use of Open
Education Resources that are freely available on the internet. The recommended book listed
below, An Introduction to Design Patterns in C++ with Qt, is very useful module and can be
accessed online through the Library.

5.2 Recommended book(s)

Author Ezust, A. & Ezust, P.

Title An Introduction to Design Patterns in C++ with Qt

Year Published 2012

Edition 2nd

Publisher Pearson

5.3 Electronic reserves (e-reserves)

No e-reserves are prescribed for this module.

E-reserves can be downloaded from the Library catalogue. More information is available at
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/request

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5.4 Library services and resources

The Unisa Library offers a range of information services and resources:

• For a general Library overview, go to

https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/About-the-Library
Library @ a glance

• For detailed Library information, go to

https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library
• For research support and services (eg personal librarians and literature search services), go
to
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Library-services/Research-support

The Library has created numerous Library guides to assist you: http://libguides.unisa.ac.za

Recommended guides:

• Request recommended books and access e-reserve material:

https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request
• Requesting and finding library material: Postgraduate services:
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/postgrad
• Finding and using library resources and tools (Research Support):
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/research-support
• Frequently asked questions about the library:
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/ask
• Services to students living with disabilities:
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/disability
• A-Z databases:
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/az.php
• Subject-specific guides:
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/?b=s
• Information on fines & payments:
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/fines

Assistance with technical problems accessing the Unisa Library or resources:

https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/techsupport

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Lib-help@unisa.ac.za (insert your student number in the subject line please)

General library enquiries can be directed to Library-enquiries@unisa.ac.za

6 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The Study @ Unisa website is available on myUnisa: www.unisa.ac.za/brochures/studies

This website has all the tips and information you need to succeed at Unisa.

6.1 First-Year Experience Programme @ Unisa

For many students, the transition from school education to tertiary education is beset with
anxiety. This is also true for first-time students to Unisa. Unisa is a dedicated open distance and
e-learning institution. Unlike face-to-face/contact institutions, Unisa is somewhat different. It is a
mega university, and all our programmes are offered through a blended learning mode or fully
online learning mode. It is for this reason that we thought it necessary to offer first-time students
additional/extended support so that you can seamlessly navigate the Unisa teaching and
learning journey with little difficulty and few barriers. In this regard we offer a specialised student
support programme to students entering Unisa for the first time. We refer to this programme as
Unisa’s First-Year Experience (FYE) Programme. The FYE is designed to provide you with
prompt and helpful information about services that the institution offers and how you can access
information. The following FYE programmes are currently offered:

• FYE website: All the guides and resources you need to navigate through your first year at
Unisa can be accessed using the following link: www.unisa.ac.za/FYE

• FYE e-mails: You will receive regular e-mails to help you stay focused and motivated.

• FYE broadcasts: You will receive e-mails with links to broadcasts on various topics related to
your first-year studies (eg videos on how to submit assignments online).

• FYE mailbox: For assistance with queries related to your first year of study, send an e-mail
to fye@unisa.ac.za

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7 STUDY PLAN

The table below reflects a possible study plan you could use during the semester. For each
week there is a specific lesson on myunisa

Please note that this is a continuous assessment module. You will have to complete 3 practical
assignments and two tests that will consist of theory and practical questions. Each lesson on
myunisa will have exercises associated with it. For assignments 1 and 2 you will have to submit
some of those exercises. Go to myunisa for more information.

Week Study Lessons

1 Introduction to C++ and Qt 6

2 Classes

3 Lists

4 Functions

5 Inheritance and Polymorphism

6-7 Mid-course Test

8 Introduction to Design Patterns

9 QObject

10 Generics and Containers

11 QT GUI Widgets

12 Online Assignment 3
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End of Year Test
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8 PRACTICAL WORK

Assignments 1 and 2 consists of OOP practical work that requires the submission of running
programs written in Qt.

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 9 ASSESSMENT

9.1 Assessment criteria

COS2614 is a continuous assessment module. You will need to complete 3 assignments and
two tests. The below indicates how each of these will contribute to your final mark.

Component Weight
Assignment 1 15%
Test 1 15%
Assignment 2 15%
Assignment 3 5%
Test 2 50%
Final Mark Total 100%

The two tests and assignment 3 will be online.

9.2 Assessment plan

• To complete this module, you will be required to submit 5 assessment tasks.

• All information on when and where to submit your assignments will be made available to
you via the myUnisa site for this module.

• Due dates for assignments and tests, as well as the actual assignments will be made
available on the myUnisa site for this module.

9.3 Assignment and Test numbers

• There are no assignment and test due dates included in this tutorial letter.

• Assignment and test due dates will be made available to you on the landing page of
myUnisa for this module. We envisage that the due dates will be available to you upon
registration.

• Please start working on your assignments and tests as soon as you register for the
module.

• Log on to the myUnisa site for this module to obtain more information on the due dates
for the submission of the assignments and tests.

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9.4 Assignment due dates

• Modules offered by Unisa are either blended (meaning that we use a combination of
printed and online material to engage with you) or online (all information is available via
the internet). In all cases of online engagement, we use myUnisa as our virtual campus.

• Look out for information from your lecturer as well as other Unisa platforms to determine
how to access the virtual myUnisa module site.

• Information on the tools that will be available to engage with the lecturer and fellow
students to support your learning will also be communicated via various platforms.

• The University undertakes to communicate as clearly and as frequently as is necessary

to ensure optimum advantage in the use of the new learning management system.

• Additional information on the use of the myUnisa site for the module, as well as features
to engage and communicate with your lecturer and other students will also be made
available via the online site for the module.

• Therefore, log on to the myUnisa site for your module to gain more information on where
to complete and/or upload your assignments and how to communicate with your lecturer.

9.5 Submission of assignments and tests

As indicated in section 9.2, you need to complete 3 assignments and 2 tests for this module.
Details on the assignments are available on myUnisa module site.

9.6 Other assessment methods

There are no other assessment methods for this module.

9.7 The examination

There is no examination(including a supplementary examination) for this module.

10 ACADEMIC DISHONENESTY

10.1 Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the act of taking the words, ideas and thoughts of others and presenting them as
your own. It is a form of theft which involves several dishonest academic activities, such as the
following:

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 • Cutting and pasting from any source without acknowledging the source.
• Not including or using incorrect references.
• Paraphrasing without acknowledging the original source of the information.

10.2 Cheating

Cheating includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Completing assessments on behalf of another student, copying from another student

during an assessment or allowing a student to copy from you.
• Using social media (eg WhatsApp, Telegram) or other platforms to disseminate
assessment information.
Submitting corrupt or irrelevant files.
• Buying completed answers from “tutors” or internet sites (contract cheating).

10.3 More information about plagiarism can be downloaded on the link below

https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/myunisa/default/Study-@-Unisa/Student-values-and-rules

11 STUDENT WITH DISABILITY

The Advocacy and Resource Centre for Student with Disability ARCSWiD) provides an
opportunity for staff to interact with new and returning students with disabilities.

• If you are a student with a disability and would like additional support or need additional
time for assessments, you are invited to contact the lecturer for this module (Check
myUnisa for caontact details) so that you can be assisted

12 IN CLOSING

Do not hesitate to contact your e-tutors or lecturers by email if you are experiencing problems
with the content of this tutorial letter or any aspect of the module.

We wish you a fascinating and satisfying journey through the learning material and trust that
you will complete the module successfully.

Enjoy the journey!

COS2614 Team

Computer Science Department

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