School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
EM108 Software Development for Engineers
Module co-ordinator: Professor Gabriel-Miro Muntean
Brief Description | Goals
and Learning Outcomes | Syllabus | Course
Textbooks
Lecture Notes | Laboratory
Materials | Assignments | Exam | Survey
Brief Description
This module focuses on building software development skills using
the Python language. In particular, the module teaches the students how to approach a problem, to devise a computer-solvable solution, to implement it using Python programming language and test it.
A selection of simple programs will be developed first and then more complex programming issues will be introduced along with more complex programs.
Example application areas include numerical analysis and cryptography.
Goals and Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this course, the student will:
-
have acquired advanced development skills using the Python language
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have learnt fundamental principles of functions, data structures, files, classes, etc.
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applied basic programming techniques for building diverse application types, including related to numerical analysis
and cryptography
Syllabus
PART ONE
- Introduction to Computers
History, Software and hardware, Computer architecture, Storing information, Computer networks, Major services
- Software Engineering and Programming
Variables, Expressions, Flow control, Applications, Interpret and Execute Python statements/programs
PART TWO
- Functions
Introduction, Definition, Use, Complex example
- Strings
Introduction, Definition, Use, Complex example
- Data Structures
Introduction, Definition, Use, Complex example
- Files
Introduction, Operations with files, Complex example
- Modules and Libraries
Introduction, Using modules & libraries, Complex example/li>
- Classes
Introduction, Use, Nested classes, Complex example
- Applications
Numerical analysis, Cryptography, Physics, Graphical representation
Course Textbooks
SRecommended textbooks:
-
Leonard J. Ledger, "Python Programming For Beginners",
Independent Publishing, 2022, ISBN 979-8354411122
-
Y. Daniel Liang, "Introduction to Programming Using Python",
Pearson Education, ISBN 978-0133050554
-
Eric Matthes, "Python Crash Course: A Hands-On, Project-Based Introduction to Programming",
No Starch Press, 2015, ISBN 978-1593279288
Some of relevant textbooks are also in the DCU library.
Lecture Notes
All lecture notes are available in the EM108 entry in the Loop System
Laboratory Materials
All materials required for the labs are available in the EM108 entry in the Loop System
Assignments
The assignment requirements and submission links are available in the EM108 entry in the Loop System
There are seven assignments due to be submitted during the semester. The details of the assignments are provided via Loop learning management system.
Exam
Notes:
1) EM108 examination consists of a computer-based exam
that takes place in May   (resit in August); in DCU's
Research and Engineering Building, rooms S143, S144, S210, and SB33.
The exam mark will account for 60% of the final grade.
2) The exam is organised according to the same major rules:
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The students are asked to come to the lab 10 minutes before the starting
time of the exam, sit in front of a machine and wait to be directed by
the lecturer, demonstrators or invigilators. At the beginning of the exam
the machine you will use may be indicated to you.
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During the exam no communication will be permited to and from the students
in any form. For this purpose the Internet access will be interrupted for
the duration of the exam (and exam simulation). No mobile phones are accepted
(please switch them off before the exam and leave them aside) and no discussion
will be permitted beween the students.
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The students will have access to the exam requirements on a special section of
the Loop Exam System that remains accesible.
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The exam lasts for 2 hours, time that includes the time required for submission.
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The exam is organised on an "open-book" basis: students may bring in notes,
textbooks, etc. and have access to the lecture notes via the Loop System .
No outside DCU Internet connection will be available.
Survey
A survey will be made available before the end of the semester in the Loop System
Author: Prof. Gabriel-Miro
Muntean
Latest revision: January 27th, 2023.
BACK TO EM108 HOMEPAGE.