COURSE INFORMATION
Course Title: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS & PROGRAMMING
Code Course Type Regular Semester Theory Practice Lab Credits ECTS
CEN 104 D 2 2 2 0 3 5
Academic staff member responsible for the design of the course syllabus (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) Dr. Marsed Leti mleti@epoka.edu.al
Main Course Lecturer (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours: Dr. Marsed Leti mleti@epoka.edu.al , eis.epoka.edu.al/publictimetable/live/a2RzT3RkUEFPSkhkR1JsbTJUa0hBdz09OjoN_WsiPxgk-xggD8oVUb7c
Second Course Lecturer(s) (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours: M.Sc. Bredli Plaku bplaku@epoka.edu.al
Language: English
Compulsory/Elective: Compulsory
Study program: (the study for which this course is offered) Bachelor in Civil Engineering (3 years)
Classroom and Meeting Time: E-011
Teaching Assistant(s) and Office Hours: NA
Code of Ethics: Code of Ethics of EPOKA University
Regulation of EPOKA University "On Student Discipline"
Attendance Requirement: 75%
Course Description: Introduction to programming with a high level language, data types and variables, basic control structures: sequence, conditional structures, repetition, analyzing problems and flowcharting. Arrays, input/output commands, file processing, etc.
Course Objectives: This course introduces the basics of programming and algorithms, covering flowcharts, data types, decision-making, loops (while, for, do-while), text file operations, standard math functions, modular programming, and arrays. It's designed to build a solid foundation for understanding and solving programming problems.
BASIC CONCEPTS OF THE COURSE
1 Print Statement
2 Comments
3 Data Types
4 Operators
5 Input
6 Syntax
7 Conditional Statements
8 Loops
9 String Manipulation
10 Variables
COURSE OUTLINE
Week Topics
1 Introduction to Computers and Programming
2 Installing and Setting Up Python
3 Strings
4 For Loop and Ranges
5 Numbers and Math Operators
6 If Statement
7 Midterm Review
8 Midterm
9 While Loop
10 Functions
11 Functions
12 Lists
13 Term Project and Miscellaneous Topics
14 Term Project and Miscellaneous Topics
Prerequisite(s): No Previous Programming Experience Required • Basic Computer Literacy • Basic Mathematics
Textbook(s): Heinold, B. (2015). A practical introduction to Python programming.
Additional Literature: Sweigart, A. (2015). Automate the boring stuff with Python: Practical programming for total beginners. No Starch Press.
Laboratory Work: Required
Computer Usage: Required
Others: No
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
1 Understand the basics of Python syntax and programming concepts, including variables, data types, and simple operations, to start writing basic Python scripts.
2 Write and debug simple Python programs that perform calculations and process data relevant to civil engineering, such as solving linear equations and analyzing material properties.
3 Use Python to create and interpret simple flowcharts and algorithms for solving civil engineering problems, like calculating load distributions or water flow rates.
4 Apply control structures in Python (if statements, for loops, while loops) to automate repetitive tasks in civil engineering projects, such as iterating through design options or environmental conditions.
5 Manipulate lists and other basic data structures in Python to organize and process engineering data, such as survey measurements or material specifications.
6 Perform basic file input and output operations in Python, learning to read from and write to files for managing project documentation and data logs.
7 Utilize basic Python libraries and functions for mathematical calculations and plotting, aiding in the visualization of structural forces, terrain profiles, or other engineering data.
8 Understand the principles of modular programming in Python by writing functions and organizing code into modules, enhancing code reuse and readability for civil engineering tasks.
9 Develop problem-solving skills by applying Python to tackle civil engineering challenges, fostering a computational thinking approach to design and analysis.
10 Collaborate on Python projects relevant to civil engineering, encouraging teamwork and the sharing of code for project management and design tasks.
COURSE CONTRIBUTION TO... PROGRAM COMPETENCIES
(Blank : no contribution, 1: least contribution ... 5: highest contribution)
No Program Competencies Cont.
Bachelor in Civil Engineering (3 years) Program
1 an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering 5
2 an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs 5
3 an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams 3
4 an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems 5
5 an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility 3
6 an ability to communicate effectively 1
7 the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context 4
8 a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life long learning 1
9 a knowledge of contemporary issues 3
10 an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice 4
11 skills in project management and recognition of international standards and methodologies 3
COURSE EVALUATION METHOD
Method Quantity Percentage
Homework
0
Midterm Exam(s)
1
30
Project
1
25
Quiz
2
5
Final Exam
1
35
Attendance
0
Total Percent: 100%
ECTS (ALLOCATED BASED ON STUDENT WORKLOAD)
Activities Quantity Duration(Hours) Total Workload(Hours)
Course Duration (Including the exam week: 16x Total course hours) 16 4 64
Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice) 16 2 32
Mid-terms 1 13 13
Assignments 0
Final examination 1 16 16
Other 0
Total Work Load:
125
Total Work Load/25(h):
5
ECTS Credit of the Course:
5
CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE COURSE LECTURER

We extend our best wishes to all of you for a successful and productive experience in this course. We look forward to seeing your growth and achievements as we embark on this academic journey together.