Introduction to programming

The course can be part of the following programmes: 1) Master in Language Technology (H2LTG) and 2) Master in Language Technology (One year or Two years) (H2MLT).

It can also be offered as a freestanding course.

For admission to course a Bachelor Degree in some of the following subjects:

• computer science,
• computational linguistics or language technology,
• linguistics (including at least 30 credits in formal linguistics or programming),
• adjacent subject, e.g. cognitive science, languages, philosophy or mathematics (provided that the student has got 30 credits either in formal linguistics or programming), or the equivalent after assessment is required.

English 6 or equivalent is also required.

The course gives an introduction to programming suitable for students who are used to formal reasoning but have never programmed before. The course include an introduction to basic computer science concepts such as algorithms, data structures and programming paradigms.

Furthermore it introduces to programming and basic concepts, theories and technologies that are used in the Master's programme in Language technology.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• describe basic programming concept such as functions, types and control structures,
• describe how to solve simple problems by means of a programming language,
• know what plagiarism implies,
• have knowledge of GU rules about plagiarism,

Competence and skills

• use of department's language technology lab and its basic software,
• have basic proficiencies in programming,
• have the ability to independently solve simple language technology problems by means of a programming language,
• identify plagiarism,
• find information about plagiarism and GU rules about plagiarism,
• perform work according to a predetermined schedule,

Judgement and approach

• make an informed assessment of how a problem can be represented and solved by means of a programming language.

Teaching takes the form of lectures, seminars, laboratory work, and assignments. This course includes obligatory exercises.

Language of instruction: English

The course is assessed through exercises, a written examination, and an oral presentation. Compulsory attendance may apply for some course components.

The grading teacher may request completion of examined student achievements.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

For a passing grade on the course, a passing grade must be achieved on the exercises, oral presentation, and written examination.

For a pass-with-distinction grade on the course, a pass-with-distinction grade must additionally be achieved on the exercises and written examination.

Students who are currently taking the course or have completed it will be given the opportunity to express their views and share their experiences in an anonymous course evaluation. A compilation of the course evaluation and the course coordinator's reflections on it will be made available to the students within reasonable time after the end of the course. The next time the course is taught the compilation and any measures based on it will be presented to the students.

The course requires access to a computer (or similar) with internet access.