Programming Fundamentals unit (KIT101)

Melbourne Study Centre, Ultimo Study Centre, Hobart, Launceston, Online

Introduction

This unit 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 unit 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 unit, they are able to design, implement, and debug small programs that work with structured data.

The unit 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 unit, emphasis is placed on good programming practice, debugging, documentation, and the use of modern development tools.

Summary

Unit name	Programming Fundamentals
Unit code	KIT101
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Information and Communication Technology
Discipline	Information & Communication Technology
Coordinator	Doctor Robert Ollington
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania and Third Party(ies): ECA
Level	Introductory

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Melbourne Study Centre	Semester 1
Melbourne Study Centre	Semester 2
Ultimo Study Centre	Semester 1
Ultimo Study Centre	Semester 2
Hobart	Semester 1
Hobart	Semester 2
Launceston	Semester 1
Launceston	Semester 2
Online	Semester 1
Online	Semester 2

Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• 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.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
029999	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$2,919.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

JEE101|XPD124

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	On-campus ECA Melbourne and Sydney, and On-line teaching arrangements may differ and will be advised by your teaching team. On-campus enrolments in Hobart and Launceston: Independent Learning: 2 hours/week (videos and reading); Online Workshop: 2 hours/week; Computer Laboratory (Tutorial): 2 hours/week. For this unit, students are expected to attend workshops and tutorials.
Assessment	Assigment 2 (30%)|Assignment 1 (30%)|Tutorial work (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.