Software Development 1 introduces students to the fundamental concepts, methodologies, and techniques of software development. The module provides the foundation skills of the Software Development theme, being followed by Software Development 2 in Semester 2, and Software Development 3 in Semester 1 of Year 2. Programming is a key component of computer science and is an in-demand skill for the workplace inside and outside of the IT industry. Software Development 1 introduces the fundamental principles of software development, including syntax and semantics, variables and primitive data, expressions and assignment, input-output, conditions, iteration, functions, recursion, and an introduction to algorithms. The module details how to build programs using these techniques and how to apply problem-solving strategies in the design and implementation of simple programs. Students will practise the skills of programming. They will work in a high-level language, using the tools to design, implement, build, execute, and test software applications.

Software Development 1 provides students with core programming competencies, providing a foundation for many modules in the Computer Science programme. The Software Development theme feeds into the Data, Algorithms and Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, and Computer Systems themes.

The aim of Software Development 1 is to develop student's fluency in programming languages and software development. The module will require students to both implement their own programs and trace the behaviour of existing programs. Software Development 1 forms one of the three computing views delivered in Semester 1 of Computer Science alongside Computer Systems (machine or hardware view) and Mathematics for Computer Science (mathematical or formal view).

*Course content subject to change