Lecture 1 Overview

1. Welcome.
2. What this module is about.
   1. What is a computer program (instructions for a computer)
   2. Instructions written in a programming language
   3. Computer: stores and processes information
3. How the module is implemented
   1. How it fits in with other modules on the degree course.
   2. Lectures, workshops and labs
   3. Textbook
   4. Teaching approach
   See also the module Web Page.
4. What you need to do to get maximum benefit.
   1. You must decide that you are going to learn to program and let nothing get in your way.
   2. Keep up to date with each week's work. Each week builds on the previous week's work and if you miss a week, it is very hard to catch up.
   3. Prepare for the lecture by reading the book. Listen at the lecture. If there is something you don't understand, ask.
   4. Prepare for the labs by going to the workshops.
   5. If you don't finish the exercises in the lab, then finish them in your own time before the next lab.
   6. Get the book and use it.
5. More on programs and computers
   1. Brief history of computers.