Module Descriptors
INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING AND ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS
ELEC43021
Key Facts
Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Level 4
30 credits
Contact
Leader: Masum Billah
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 60
Independent Study Hours: 240
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
  • COURSEWORK - C PROGRAMMING - 2,000 WORDS weighted at 50%
  • GROUP REPORT - PYTHON ENGINEERING PROJECT - 2,500 WORDS weighted at 50%
Module Details
ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT DETAILS
Coursework – C Programming
A 2000-word individual report on problem-solving using C programming requiring the development and evaluation of programming solutions alongside reflection on personal skill development and professional practice, weighted at 50%, meeting Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 4. Assessing AHEP 4 Outcomes C1, C2, C3, C5, C18.

Group Report - Python Engineering Project
A 2500-word group report on a Python engineering project, with students contributing through project planning, coding, data analysis, and report writing, ensuring shared responsibility, weighted at 50%, meeting Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3. Assessing AHEP 4 Outcomes C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C17.

Formative assessment will include a range of problem-solving tasks using C and Python.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
This module delivers C and Python programming, combining theoretical coding with hands-on engineering projects to build practical skills.

The module will cover the following topics:
- C Language Fundamentals: Core syntax, variables, data types, operators, and input/output functions.
- Control structures: Sequential execution, conditional statements, and loop structures.
- Arrays, functions, pointers, and structures for data encapsulation.
- Python for Engineering: Basic syntax, variables, data types, string manipulation, and exception handling.
- Control flow: Conditional expressions, loop iterations, and list comprehensions.
- Library usage: Introduction to NumPy and Matplotlib for engineering tasks.
- Engineering Practice & Tools: Programming standards, Code readability, documentation (comments, docstrings), and version control basics (Git).
- Debugging techniques: Using IDE tools for breakpoint debugging and error analysis.
- Case studies: Analysis of engineering problems.
- Team collaboration: Group-based project management, task allocation, and peer code review.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Apply your knowledge of the core syntax of C and Python to analyse and model Electronic and Information Engineering problems. (AHEP 4: C1, C2)

Learning Outcome: Application & problem-solving

2. Design and write structured Engineering programs in C and Python to solve typical problems in Electronic and Information Engineering, and optimise functionality through debugging, both individually and collaboratively. (AHEP 4: C3, C5)

Learning Outcome: Critical reasoning & collaboration, Digital literacy

3. Communicate technical information and Engineering solutions effectively, drawing on research and literature review about programming-based applications. (AHEP 4: C4, C17)

Learning Outcome: Communication, Research skills

4. Recognise personal development needs and demonstrate initiative in developing programming and problem-solving skills relevant to Engineering industry practice. (AHEP 4: C18)

Learning Outcome: Personal development and entrepreneurship
LEARNING STRATEGIES
Whole group lectures will be used to deliver new material and to consolidate previous material. Small-group tutorials, with activities designed to enhance the understanding of the material delivered in the lectures, will be used to apply the skills and knowledge learned. A mixture of classroom based, and practical activities will take place supported by staff.
RESOURCES
Suitable Compilers/IDE for C and Python programming, such as PyCharm, Jupyter Notebook etc.
SPECIAL ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
Must be registered on BEng (Hons) Electronic and Information Engineering provision at XUPT, China.
TEXTS
Chapman, S.J. (2021) Programming for Engineers: An Introduction to C and Python. New York: McGraw-Hill Education.

Sudarshan, S.D. (2020) Engineering Applications with Python. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Blum, E.K. (2019) Introduction to Programming for Engineers. Harlow: Pearson.
WEB DESCRIPTOR
This module introduces core programming skills in C and Python, tailored for electronic and information engineering students. It bridges theoretical coding with engineering applications through projects and simulations. The module will enable learners to build a foundation in programming logic and interdisciplinary problem-solving.