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Programming Foundation unit (KIT500)

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Unit year 2026

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Location: Melbourne Study Centre, Ultimo Study Centre, Hobart

Introduction

This unit introduces fundamental programming skills, developing students' ability to think algorithmically to solve problems and to express their solutions in well-constructed Python code. Beginning with the fundamental characteristics of computers and how they represent information, the unit develops the concepts of data types, variables, expressions (calculations), statements (actions) and text-based input and output. Building on these low-level constructs the unit examines ways to manage the complexity in a program with control structures (for making decisions), functions and their parameters, built-in and custom data structures, and higher-level organisational mechanisms such as modules.

Summary

Unit name Programming Foundation
Unit code KIT500
Credit points 12.5
College/School Sciences and Engineering
School of Information and Communication Technology
Discipline Information & Communication Technology
Coordinator Associate Professor Julian Dermoudy
Delivered By University of Tasmania and Third Party(ies): ECA
Level Postgraduate

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Melbourne Study Centre Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students
Melbourne Study Centre Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students
Ultimo Study Centre Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students
Ultimo Study Centre Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students
Hobart Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Hobart Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

Please check that your computer meets the minimum System Requirements if you are attending via Distance/Off-Campus.

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 2 5/7/2026 27/7/2026 30/8/2026 24/10/2026
Semester 1 22/2/2026 16/3/2026 19/4/2026 13/6/2026

* 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 analyse, interpret, and describe the purpose of program code, and to identify and correct errors in syntax, logic or style
  • Apply the principles of structured programming to the design and implementation of algorithms as computer programs
  • Construct small programs that include the use and creation of functions, lists, and other data structures
  • Apply functional decomposition to algorithms, document the resulting design, and implement the design as programming modules and functions

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
020103 $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.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

On-campus Melbourne and Sydney teaching arrangements may differ and will be advised by your teaching team.

On-campus enrolments in Hobart:

  • Independent Learning: 2 hours/week (videos and reading);
  • Online Workshop: 2 hours/week;
  • Computer Laboratory (Tutorial): 2 hours/week from week 2.

For this unit, students are expected to attend workshops and on-campus classes.

AssessmentSemester Performance (10%)|Advanced Portfolio (40%)|Pass Portfolio (50%)
TimetableView 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.