INFS2609 Coding for Business - 2023

Subject Code
INFS2609
Study Level
Undergraduate
Commencing Term
Term 1
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
6
Delivery Mode
On Campus
School
Info Systems & Tech Mgmt
The course outline is not available for current term. To view outlines from other years and/or terms, visit the archives .

1. Course Details

Summary of Course

This is a Level 2 Information Systems (IS) course that introduces you to the foundations of coding skills in business. It will involve both a theoretical component (e.g. learning about basic programming concepts like loops, arrays and functions) as well as a practical component (e.g. implementing simple algorithms in a computer laboratory and designing a user-friendly interface). The course also provides a first step towards learning the principles of object-oriented design and programming through the use of the Java programming language.


The course is suitable for students with no prior coding experience. It is particularly targeted at business students as it relates to a number of core concepts that are essential in understanding the technologies behind information systems in business without getting into low-level technical details. This course serves as a prerequisite for INFS3634 (Mobile Ecosystems and Application Development).

Teaching Times and Locations

Please note that teaching times and locations are subject to change. Students are strongly advised to refer to the Class Timetable website for the most up-to-date teaching times and locations.

View course timetable

Course Policies & Support

Course Aims and Relationship to Other Courses

This course covers material that is significant to the discipline of Information Systems. A central aim of this course is to build students' coding skills in preparation for INFS3634 (Mobile Ecosystems and Application Development). This course also aims to develop students’ ability to work individually in solving problems through the application of coding concepts to design. Overall, this course aims to provide students with various concepts and skills that are essential in technology careers including project management, business analysis, systems analysis, and software development.


Delivery Attributes


2. Staff Contact Details

Position Title Name Email Location Phone Consultation Times
Lecturer-in-chargeDrMichael C. Cahalane
TBD
Lecturer    Rafiya Harun
TBA

​The best way to contact your lecturer or tutor is via email. Please note that only your UNSW email account should be used for formal notices and correspondence regarding the course. Always sign your email with your name and student number. To protect student privacy, correspondence originating from non-UNSW email accounts will not elicit a response. The subject of your e-mail should begin with the course code (i.e., INFS2609) and should be signed with your name and zID. If you need to contact the School urgently you can contact the School Office on 9385-5320 or email: istm@unsw.edu.au.

3. Learning and Teaching Activities

Use of your Webcam and Digital Devices: If you enrol in an online class, or the online stream of a hybrid class, teaching and associated activities will be conducted using Teams, Zoom, or similar a technology. Using a webcam is optional, but highly encouraged, as this will facilitate interaction with your peers and instructors. If you are worried about your personal space being observed during a class, we encourage you to blur your background or make use of a virtual background. Please contact the Lecturer-in-Charge if you have any questions or concerns.

Some courses may involve undertaking online exams for which your own computer or digital devices will be required. Monitoring of online examinations will be conducted directly by University staff and is bound by the University's privacy and security requirements. Any data collected will be handled accordance with UNSW policies and standards for data governance. For more information on how the University manages personal information please refer to the UNSW Student Privacy Statement and the UNSW Privacy Policy.

Approach to Learning and Teaching in the Course

​This course introduces you to the foundations of the programming discipline, which underlies most technical subjects such as software and mobile applications design, data management, and algorithms. The course provides a first step towards learning the principles of object-oriented design and programming using Java programming language. In addition to developing programming skills, the focus of this course is also on self-directed learning and problem solving. Lectures, tutorials, textbooks, assignments, exams and other resources are all provided to help this process.

We will cover a lot of material in INFS2609, so it is vital that you study from Week 1. Essentially, this means that you should read and complete the course materials and prepare for your tutorials. The course team will facilitate your learning by providing the guidance as to what you need to study, and working with you on problems you may encounter. It is, however, your responsibility to make a concerted and timely effort to study. If you make this effort, you will find the material interesting, the course worthwhile and the interaction with your fellow students stimulating. You should also do well.

Learning Activities and Teaching Strategies

​The course involves five key components – lectures, tutorials, assignments, self and peer-learning, and your private study.

Each lecture will outline the main concepts and methods for this course. Each week, the Lecturer will begin by reviewing and clarifying material previously covered. The Lecturer will then introduce a new topic, highlight relevant study material and present students with programming examples. On occasion, the Lecturer will use the lecture time to pose questions to students and hold class discussions on topics covered. The relevant study material and programming exercises, to be read and completed in your own time, provide more details about the topics introduced in the lecture. It is expected that you will spend sufficient time per week studying for this course. This time should be made up of reading, revision, working on exercises and problems, and attending classes (lectures and tutorials). In periods where you need to complete assignments or prepare for examinations, the workload may be greater.

Tutorials will be used to reinforce and apply concepts covered in lectures and study materials. Tutorials are the key element of the course. Tutorials for INFS2609 will be run as programming labs. These programming labs will provide a practical, hands-on environment for students to experiment and design algorithms (using Java programming language) to solve problems. Over the term, you will engage in a variety of different problem-solving scenarios that build in complexity and that call for different combinations of knowledge and skill. Being prepared for your labs is therefore essential. Students should routinely check what materials they are expected to read/complete prior to each programming lab. This includes completing any activities you have been asked to do in preparation for your next workshop as well as reviewing your lecture notes from your previous lecture. The programming lab will also give you the opportunity to discuss your work with fellow students and tutor, and hence gain an indication of your own progress. Students should also use their workshop time to ask questions for clarifications on the material covered in class as well as their study material.

Individual Assessments (45%): By regularly assessing students' knowledge of the material covered, the individual assessments provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate knowledge of programming and problem-solving skills throughout the term. In this course, students will complete individual regular assessments in class during lecture time (see class schedule).

Group Assignment (30%): This course includes a group assignment due in Week 10. Students are required to form teams with other students enrolled in the same tutorial class. Further details on the Group Assignment will be provided on moodle.

The self and peer-learning assessments provide additional opportunities for students to demonstrate knowledge of programming and problem-solving skills in collaboration with their peers.

Your private study is an important component of this course. The textbook and the online programming platform contain self-assessment exercises to help you. The self-assessment exercises are designed to test your understanding of the topic at hand and include review questions, application questions and discussion questions of varying difficulty. The course site on Moodle and the online programming platform will provide you with access to additional materials, including short lessons and programming videos.

Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) are free, weekly, out-of-class study sessions available to all students enrolled in this course. They are facilitated by a leader (or leaders), who is (are) student(s) who have previously enrolled for and successfully completed the course. Attending PASS regularly can help you to:

  • Deepen your understanding of the course content
  • Develop skills for independent university study
  • Make friends
  • Feel more confident in your studies.

Timetables for the PASS groups will be made available on the Moodle website. There is no need to register. It is recommended that you attend the same group regularly but there is no obligation. You can even attend more than one PASS group a week if you like. You can also choose to attend some weeks but not others.


Please note: There is no final exam in this course. All assessments are conducted during the term. Therefore, students should prepare to engage with the lecture and tutorial material throughout the term.

5. Course Resources

The website for this course is on Moodle at: http://moodle.telt.unsw.edu.au


6. Course Evaluation & Development

Feedback is regularly sought from students and continual improvements are made based on this feedback. At the end of this course, you will be asked to complete the myExperience survey, which provides a key source of student evaluative feedback. Your input into this quality enhancement process is extremely valuable in assisting us to meet the needs of our students and provide an effective and enriching learning experience. The results of all surveys are carefully considered and do lead to action towards enhancing educational quality.

​In this course, we will seek your feedback through end of term myExperience responses. Feedback will also be encouraged throughout the term via collaborative platforms and in-class discussions. This feedback will be taken into consideration and applied where appropriate. For example, the self and peer-learning assessment component was introduced as a result of feedback highlighting the individual nature of assessment tasks.

7. Course Schedule

Note: for more information on the UNSW academic calendar and key dates including study period, exam, supplementary exam and result release, please visit: https://student.unsw.edu.au/new-calendar-dates
Week Activity Topic Assessment/Other
Week 1: 13 FebruaryLecture

Coding for Business Overview Java Basics NetBeans IDE

Tutorial

Basic Java Programming Exercises

 

  • 2.5% Preparation and Participation
Week 2: 20 FebruaryLecture

Version Control: GitHub Loops and Arrays

Tutorial

Loops and Arrays Exercises GitHub

2.5% Preparation and Participation

Week 3: 27 FebuaryLecture

Methods Classes and Objects (Part1)

  • 5% In-class Individual Assessment
Tutorial

Methods Exercises Intro Class Exercises

  • 2.5% Preparation and Participation
Week 4: 06 MarchLecture

Classes and Objects (Part 2) Encapsulation and Inheritance (Part 1)

  • 5% In-class Individual Assessment
Tutorial

Classes and Objects Exercises Intro Encapsulation Exercises

  • 2.5% Preparation and Participation
Week 5: 13 MarchLecture

Encapsulation and Inheritance (Part 2) Polymorphism (Part 1)

  • 10% In-class Individual Assessment
Tutorial

Encapsulation and Inheritance Exercises Intro Polymorphism Exercises

  • 3% Preparation and Participation
Week 6: 20 MarchLecture

None (Flexibility Week)

Tutorial

None (Flexibility Week)

Week 7: 27 MarchLecture

Polymorphism (Part 2) Abstract Classes and Interfaces (Part 1)

  • Release Group Assignment
Tutorial

Polymorphism Exercises Intro Abstract Class Exercises

  • 3% Preparation and Participation
Week 8: 06 AprilLecture

Abstract Classes and Interfaces (Part 2) Exception Handling and Software QA (Part 1)

  • 10% In-class Individual Assessment
Tutorial

Abstract Classes and Interfaces Exercises Intro Exception Handling Exercises

  • 3% Preparation and Participation
Week 9: 10 AprilLecture

Exception Handling and Software QA (Part 2) Databases and Parallel Processing (Part 1)

  • 10% In-class Individual Assessment
Tutorial

Exception Handling & Software QA Exercises Intro Parallel Processing Exercises

  • 3% Preparation and Participation
Week 10: 17 AprilLecture

Databases and Parallel Processing (Part 2) GUI DB Examples

  • 5% In-class Individual Assessment
  • Group Assignment Due (30%)
Tutorial

Parallel Processing Exercises Database connection Exercises

  • 3% Preparation and Participation

8. Policies and Support

Information about UNSW Business School program learning outcomes, academic integrity, student responsibilities and student support services. For information regarding special consideration, supplementary exams and viewing final exam scripts, please go to the key policies and support page.

Program Learning Outcomes

The Business School places knowledge and capabilities at the core of its curriculum via seven Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs). These PLOs are systematically embedded and developed across the duration of all coursework programs in the Business School.

PLOs embody the knowledge, skills and capabilities that are taught, practised and assessed within each Business School program. They articulate what you should know and be able to do upon successful completion of your degree.

Upon graduation, you should have a high level of specialised business knowledge and capacity for responsible business thinking, underpinned by ethical professional practice. You should be able to harness, manage and communicate business information effectively and work collaboratively with others. You should be an experienced problem-solver and critical thinker, with a global perspective, cultural competence and the potential for innovative leadership.

All UNSW programs and courses are designed to assess the attainment of program and/or course level learning outcomes, as required by the UNSW Assessment Design Procedure. It is important that you become familiar with the Business School PLOs, as they constitute the framework which informs and shapes the components and assessments of the courses within your program of study.

PLO 1: Business knowledge

Students will make informed and effective selection and application of knowledge in a discipline or profession, in the contexts of local and global business.

PLO 2: Problem solving

Students will define and address business problems, and propose effective evidence-based solutions, through the application of rigorous analysis and critical thinking.

PLO 3: Business communication

Students will harness, manage and communicate business information effectively using multiple forms of communication across different channels.

PLO 4: Teamwork

Students will interact and collaborate effectively with others to achieve a common business purpose or fulfil a common business project, and reflect critically on the process and the outcomes.

PLO 5: Responsible business practice

Students will develop and be committed to responsible business thinking and approaches, which are underpinned by ethical professional practice and sustainability considerations.

PLO 6: Global and cultural competence

Students will be aware of business systems in the wider world and actively committed to recognise and respect the cultural norms, beliefs and values of others, and will apply this knowledge to interact, communicate and work effectively in diverse environments.

PLO 7: Leadership development

Students will develop the capacity to take initiative, encourage forward thinking and bring about innovation, while effectively influencing others to achieve desired results.


These PLOs relate to undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.  For PG Research PLOs, including Master of Pre-Doctoral Business Studies, please refer to the UNSW HDR Learning Outcomes

Business School course outlines provide detailed information for students on how the course learning outcomes, learning activities, and assessment/s contribute to the development of Program Learning Outcomes.

UNSW Graduate Capabilities

The Business School PLOs also incorporate UNSW graduate capabilities, a set of generic abilities and skills that all students are expected to achieve by graduation. These capabilities articulate the University’s institutional values, as well as future employer expectations.

UNSW Graduate CapabilitiesBusiness School PLOs
Scholars capable of independent and collaborative enquiry, rigorous in their analysis, critique and reflection, and able to innovate by applying their knowledge and skills to the solution of novel as well as routine problems.
  • PLO 1: Business knowledge
  • PLO 2: Problem solving
  • PLO 3: Business communication
  • PLO 4: Teamwork
  • PLO 7: Leadership development

Entrepreneurial leaders capable of initiating and embracing innovation and change, as well as engaging and enabling others to contribute to change
  • PLO 1: Business knowledge
  • PLO 2: Problem solving
  • PLO 3: Business communication
  • PLO 4: Teamwork
  • PLO 6: Global and cultural competence
  • PLO 7: Leadership development

Professionals capable of ethical, self-directed practice and independent lifelong learning
  • PLO 1: Business knowledge
  • PLO 2: Problem solving
  • PLO 3: Business communication
  • PLO 5: Responsible business practice

Global citizens who are culturally adept and capable of respecting diversity and acting in a socially just and responsible way.
  • PLO 1: Business knowledge
  • PLO 2: Problem solving
  • PLO 3: Business communication
  • PLO 4: Teamwork
  • PLO 5: Responsible business practice
  • PLO 6: Global and cultural competence

While our programs are designed to provide coverage of all PLOs and graduate capabilities, they also provide you with a great deal of choice and flexibility.  The Business School strongly advises you to choose a range of courses that assist your development against the seven PLOs and four graduate capabilities, and to keep a record of your achievements as part of your portfolio. You can use a portfolio as evidence in employment applications as well as a reference for work or further study. For support with selecting your courses contact the UNSW Business School Student Services team.





Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

Academic Integrity is honest and responsible scholarship. This form of ethical scholarship is highly valued at UNSW. Terms like Academic Integrity, misconduct, referencing, conventions, plagiarism, academic practices, citations and evidence based learning are all considered basic concepts that successful university students understand. Learning how to communicate original ideas, refer sources, work independently, and report results accurately and honestly are skills that you will be able to carry beyond your studies.

The definition of academic misconduct is broad. It covers practices such as cheating, copying and using another person’s work without appropriate acknowledgement. Incidents of academic misconduct may have serious consequences for students.

Plagiarism

UNSW regards plagiarism as a form of academic misconduct. UNSW has very strict rules regarding plagiarism. Plagiarism at UNSW is using the words or ideas of others and passing them off as your own. All Schools in the Business School have a Student Ethics Officer who will investigate incidents of plagiarism and may result in a student’s name being placed on the Plagiarism and Student Misconduct Registers.

Below are examples of plagiarism including self-plagiarism:

Copying: Using the same or very similar words to the original text or idea without acknowledging the source or using quotation marks. This includes copying materials, ideas or concepts from a book, article, report or other written document, presentation, composition, artwork, design, drawing, circuitry, computer program or software, website, internet, other electronic resource, or another person's assignment, without appropriate acknowledgement of authorship.

Inappropriate Paraphrasing: Changing a few words and phrases while mostly retaining the original structure and/or progression of ideas of the original, and information without acknowledgement. This also applies in presentations where someone paraphrases another’s ideas or words without credit and to piecing together quotes and paraphrases into a new whole, without appropriate referencing.

Collusion: Presenting work as independent work when it has been produced in whole or part in collusion with other people. Collusion includes:

  • Students providing their work to another student before the due date, or for the purpose of them plagiarising at any time
  • Paying another person to perform an academic task and passing it off as your own
  • Stealing or acquiring another person’s academic work and copying it
  • Offering to complete another person’s work or seeking payment for completing academic work

Collusion should not be confused with academic collaboration (i.e., shared contribution towards a group task).

Inappropriate Citation: Citing sources which have not been read, without acknowledging the 'secondary' source from which knowledge of them has been obtained.

Self-Plagiarism: ‘Self-plagiarism’ occurs where an author republishes their own previously written work and presents it as new findings without referencing the earlier work, either in its entirety or partially. Self-plagiarism is also referred to as 'recycling', 'duplication', or 'multiple submissions of research findings' without disclosure. In the student context, self-plagiarism includes re-using parts of, or all of, a body of work that has already been submitted for assessment without proper citation.

To see if you understand plagiarism, do this short quiz: https://student.unsw.edu.au/plagiarism-quiz

Cheating

The University also regards cheating as a form of academic misconduct. Cheating is knowingly submitting the work of others as their own and includes contract cheating (work produced by an external agent or third party that is submitted under the pretences of being a student’s original piece of work). Cheating is not acceptable at UNSW.

If you need to revise or clarify any terms associated with academic integrity you should explore the 'Working with Academic Integrity' self-paced lessons available at: https://student.unsw.edu.au/aim.

For UNSW policies, penalties, and information to help you avoid plagiarism see: https://student.unsw.edu.au/plagiarism as well as the guidelines in the online ELISE tutorials for all new UNSW students: http://subjectguides.library.unsw.edu.au/elise. For information on student conduct see: https://student.unsw.edu.au/conduct.

For information on how to acknowledge your sources and reference correctly, see: https://student.unsw.edu.au/referencing. If you are unsure what referencing style to use in this course, you should ask the lecturer in charge.



Student Responsibilities and Conduct

​Students are expected to be familiar with and adhere to university policies in relation to class attendance and general conduct and behaviour, including maintaining a safe, respectful environment; and to understand their obligations in relation to workload, assessment and keeping informed.

Information and policies on these topics can be found on the 'Managing your Program' website.

Workload

It is expected that you will spend at least ten to twelve hours per week studying for a course except for Summer Term courses which have a minimum weekly workload of twenty to twenty four hours. This time should be made up of reading, research, working on exercises and problems, online activities and attending classes. In periods where you need to complete assignments or prepare for examinations, the workload may be greater. Over-commitment has been a cause of failure for many students. You should take the required workload into account when planning how to balance study with employment and other activities.

We strongly encourage you to connect with your Moodle course websites in the first week of semester. Local and international research indicates that students who engage early and often with their course website are more likely to pass their course.

View more information on expected workload

Attendance and Engagement

Your regular attendance and active engagement in all scheduled classes and online learning activities is expected in this course. Failure to attend / engage in assessment tasks that are integrated into learning activities (e.g. class discussion, presentations) will be reflected in the marks for these assessable activities. The Business School may refuse final assessment to those students who attend less than 80% of scheduled classes where attendance and participation is required as part of the learning process (e.g. tutorials, flipped classroom sessions, seminars, labs, etc.). If you are not able to regularly attend classes, you should consult the relevant Course Authority.

View more information on attendance

General Conduct and Behaviour

You are expected to conduct yourself with consideration and respect for the needs of your fellow students and teaching staff. Conduct which unduly disrupts or interferes with a class, such as ringing or talking on mobile phones, is not acceptable and students may be asked to leave the class.

View more information on student conduct

Health and Safety

UNSW Policy requires each person to work safely and responsibly, in order to avoid personal injury and to protect the safety of others.

View more information on Health and Safety

Keeping Informed

You should take note of all announcements made in lectures, tutorials or on the course web site. From time to time, the University will send important announcements to your university e-mail address without providing you with a paper copy. You will be deemed to have received this information. It is also your responsibility to keep the University informed of all changes to your contact details.




Student Support and Resources

The University and the Business School provide a wide range of support services and resources for students, including:

Business School Learning Support Tools
Business School provides support a wide range of free resources and services to help students in-class and out-of-class, as well as online. These include:

  • Academic Communication Essentials – A range of academic communication workshops, modules and resources to assist you in developing your academic communication skills.
  • Learning consultations – Meet learning consultants who have expertise in business studies, literacy, numeracy and statistics, writing, referencing, and researching at university level.
  • PASS classes – Study sessions facilitated by students who have previously and successfully completed the course.
  • Educational Resource Access Scheme – To support the inclusion and success of students from equity groups enrolled at UNSW Sydney in first year undergraduate Business programs.

The Nucleus - Business School Student Services team
The Nucleus Student Services team provides advice and direction on all aspects of enrolment and graduation. Level 2, Main Library, Kensington 02 8936 7005 / https://nucleus.unsw.edu.au/en/contact-us

Business School Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The Business School Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee strives to ensure that every student is empowered to have equal access to education. The Business School provides a vibrant, safe, and equitable environment for education, research, and engagement that embraces diversity and treats all people with dignity and respect. BUSEDI@unsw.edu.au

UNSW Academic Skills
Resources and support – including workshops, individual consultations and a range of online resources – to help you develop and refine your academic skills. See their website for details.
academicskills@unsw.edu.au

Student Support Advisors
Student Support Advisors work with all students to promote the development of skills needed to succeed at university, whilst also providing personal support throughout the process.
John Goodsell Building, Ground Floor.
advisors@unsw.edu.au
02 9385 4734

International Student Support
The International Student Experience Unit (ISEU) is the first point of contact for international students. ISEU staff are always here to help with personalised advice and information about all aspects of university life and life in Australia.
Advisors can support you with your student visa, health and wellbeing, making friends, accommodation and academic performance.
International.student@unsw.edu.au
02 9385 4734

Equitable Learning Services
Equitable Learning Services (formerly Disability Support Services) is a free and confidential service that provides practical support to ensure that your health condition doesn't adversely affect your studies. Register with the service to receive educational adjustments.
Ground Floor, John Goodsell Building.
els@unsw.edu.au
02 9385 4734

UNSW Counselling and Psychological Services
Provides support and services if you need help with your personal life, getting your academic life back on track or just want to know how to stay safe, including free, confidential counselling.
Level 2, East Wing, Quadrangle Building.
counselling@unsw.edu.au
02 9385 5418

Library services and facilities for students
The UNSW Library offers a range of collections, services and facilities both on-campus and online.
Main Library, F21.
02 9065 9444

Moodle eLearning Support
Moodle is the University’s learning management system. You should ensure that you log into Moodle regularly.
externalteltsupport@unsw.edu.au
02 9385 3331

UNSW IT
UNSW IT provides support and services for students such as password access, email services, wireless services and technical support.
UNSW Library Annexe (Ground floor).
02 9385 1333



Support for Studying Online

The Business School and UNSW provide a wide range of tools, support and advice to help students achieve their online learning goals. 

The UNSW Guide to Online Study page provides guidance for students on how to make the most of online study.

We recognise that completing quizzes and exams online can be challenging for a number of reasons, including the possibility of technical glitches or lack of reliable internet. We recommend you review the Online Exam Preparation Checklist of things to prepare when sitting an online exam.

INFS2609