This unit is aimed at introducing students to the subject of computer programming and enabling them to develop computer programs for problem solving at a basic level. The focus of the unit is to provide students with a robust understanding of the basic principles of programming and algorithmic thinking. Students will be able to reinterpret a general problem into a computer problem and use their understanding of the computer model to develop source code. The unit will discuss topics necessary for the students to be able to write, debug, and execute computer code to solve logical problems. Crucial concepts include defining data types, control flow, iteration, functions, and recursion. The teaching materials are designed to provide technical and theoretical knowledge that serve as a foundation for continued learning of presented areas.

The purpose of this course is for students to understand necessary techniques for developing client/server applications at the web level. The course focuses on designing and developing web-based applications using a variety of programming languages and tools like PHP and Python. Students will be exposed to Internet application development architecture. Class projects include developing business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) applications, among others. Development skills include presenting and receiving information through a web site, validating entered information and storing entered information in text files or databases. Students develop an understanding of the principles of web page and web site design; standard object models, and the use of server-side programs for database and file access; testing, software quality assurance; and the process of publishing Web sites. This hands-on PHP and Python programming course uses open-source software (PHP, Python, JavaScript and MySQL) to provide the student with a fundamental programming background.