Module Information and Expectations

• Welcome to WRAV101/MSEV101 at Nelson Mandela University
• Ms Marinda Taljaard, Mr Ntembeko Jafta, and Mr Ighsaan Salie are the lecturers

Today's Goal

• Helping you find your feet
• There will be time for questions at the end of the session
• No content is taught in this session; it will be handled in the next session

Important Information

• The module will be offered on campus, with online sessions only if required by circumstances
• Includes weekly lectures and weekly practical sessions
• All summative assessments will be held on campus and are not available online
• When accessing Moodle from your phone, download and use the Moodle app
• Module communication occurs via emails to your NMU student account
• Subject lines for these emails start with ### WRAV101/MSEV101
• Read communications carefully for important info
• The WRAV101 module site is available even if registered for MSEV101, accessible via Funda.mandela.ac.za

Computer Modules

• Emails have been sent out with initial module information
• BSc or BCom students wanting to do Computer Science need to register for WRAV101 and WRAV102
• BIT students need to register for WRAV101 and WRAV102
• B Eng (Mechatronics) students need to register for MSEV101 and MSEV102

General Computer Skills

• University modules often require the use of MS-Word and/or MS-Excel
• Depending on your program, registration for a Computing Fundamentals module may be required
  • WRSC111 for BSc with Applied Maths
  • WRFV101 for BSc or B Com
• BIT students do not have a module covering these skills
• Access all MS-Word Section of DigiReady videos at http://getdigiready.mandela.ac.za
• Utilize MS-Office Help and the Internet to become an efficient computer user

Module Content

• Getting Started with Programming
• Working with different data types
• Implementing arithmetic and logical expressions
• Using three types of control structures: sequence, selection, and iteration
• Implementing a solution to a problem in a structured manner
• Taking the first steps to creating your own computer program, which could lead later to creating your own mobile application

Textbook

• The recommended textbook is Visual C# by Joyce Farrell (any edition is acceptable)
• Alternatively, any textbook covering an introduction to programming in C# is suitable

Computer Access

• Labs are available on South and North campus
• Specific labs are allocated for practical sessions
• Labs might be available during other times
• Using PCs in the labs is an option, so personal computer access is not needed as the default, but if planning on buying your own, this is recommended
  • i5 Intel Processor and 8GB RAM, and 16GB for 3rd-year computing science modules
  • Minimum 500GB SSD with enough space to install:
    • MS-Office (if not already installed)
    • Visual Studio 2022

Weekly Module Activities

• Attend two lectures per week tailored to specific programs
• Attend one practical session to complete and submit practical tasks
  • Practical sessions begin the week of February 17
• Allocate personal time to work through additional material, often in video format
• Focus on practice as much as possible

Specific Details - BCom, BSc Students

• Ms. Marinda Taljaard is the lecturer (office South campus 09 02 29)
• Lecture 1: Mondays 14:25 – 15:00 in 35 00 05 / Mondays 15:00 – 15:35 in 35 00 05
• Lecture 2: Thursdays 09:05 – 10:15 in 123 00 07
• Attend one practical session from these provisional options:
  • Option 1: Tuesdays 15:45 – 16:55 (Embizweni building, 2nd floor, lab 4, 09 02 06)
  • Option 2: Wednesdays 15:45 – 16:55 (Embizweni building, 2nd floor, lab 4, 09 02 06)
  • Option 3: Thursdays 14:25 – 15:35 (Embizweni building, 2nd floor, lab 4, 09 02 05)
  • Option 4: Thursdays 15:45 – 16:55 (Embizweni building, 2nd floor, lab 4, 09 02 06)
• Book your session on the Moodle site by February 17

Specific Details - BIT Students

• Mr. Ntembeko Jafta is the lecturer (office South campus 09 02 30)
• Ms. Marinda Taljaard is the module co-ordinator (office South campus 09 02 29)
• Lecture 1: Tuesdays 11:45 – 12:55 (North campus venue M-237)
• Lecture 2: Wednesdays 10:25 – 11:35 (South campus venue 05 00 03)
• Attend one practical session:
  • Wednesdays 13:05 – 14:15 (Embizweni building, 2nd floor, lab 4, 09 02 06)

Specific Details - BEng (Mechatronics) Students

• Mr. Ighsaan Salie is the lecturer (office 046, R-Block, North campus, 2nd floor)
• Ms. Marinda Taljaard is the module co-ordinator (office South campus 09 02 29)
• Lecture 1: Tuesdays 09:05 – 10:15 in 261-2-0237 (North campus M-237)
• Lecture 2: Thursdays 11:45 – 12:55 in 261-2-0237 (North campus M-237)
• Attend one practical session (details to be confirmed)

Assessment Activities

Extract of the provisional module schedule for Semester 1, 2025:

• 10-14 Feb: Introduction to Visual Studio and Programming
• 17-21 Feb: Using Data
  • Prac 1 due during your session, Quiz 1 due Monday 24 Feb
• 24-28 Feb: Making Decisions (Selection)
  • Prac 2 due in your prac session, Quiz 2 due Monday 3 March
• 03-07 Mar: Making Decisions (Selection)
  • Prac 3 due in your prac session, Quiz 3 due Monday 10 March
• 10-14 Mar: Looping
  • Prac 4 due in your prac session, Quiz 4 due Monday 17 Mar
• 17-21 Mar: Using nested loops
  • Prac 5 due in your prac session (loops)
  • Fri 21 Mar Human Rights Day
• 24-28 Mar: Using nested loops; Introduction to methods
  • Semester Test 1: Saturday 22 March, Quiz 5 due Monday 7 April
  • RECESS 29 Mar - 06 April

Formative Assessment:

• Regular Practical Tasks
• Regular Quizzes (on Moodle)

Summative Assessment (on campus):

• 2 Semester Tests
• Examination

Requirements to Pass

• Minimum final mark of 50%
• The final mark is calculated as a weighted average of the class mark and the examination mark
• The class mark is a calculated weighted average of
  • Practical tasks
  • Quizzes
  • Semester test 1
  • Semester test 2
• Provisional weightings for the final mark calculation:
  • Class Mark - 40%
    • 15% Pracs
  • 15% Quizzes
  • 30% Semester Test 1
  • 40% Semester Test 2
  • Examination - 60%

Communication Guidelines

• Check for announcements at the top of the module site regularly
• Use NMU web-mail and do not send messages from within the module site
• Always add a subject to your email, with module code & keyword(s) describing the problem.
• Follow these content guidelines:
  • Start with Hello & Good-bye and do not use casual language
  • Use polite language without being abrupt
  • Clearly explain the problem in detail with an appropriate snip
• Consider the impact of using Reply vs Reply to All.

Accessing the Module Site

• Access funda.mandela.ac.za on your browser or Moodle app
• After signing up, click on My courses and then on the relevant module
• The module site will be arranged sequentially
• General sections appear at the top of the page, where you can find the prac session booking links
• Activities are organized by week
• Learning material from the weekly sections includes:
  • video/pdf/slide show
  • practical tasks
  • quizzes
• All due dates are visible on the module site
• The Lecturer contact information and general documents section is another resource
• Check the Module schedule for updates when more info is available
• Check the Module Guide to learn more
• Completion boxes denote which boxes are to be selected
• A checkmark means you have successfully done that activity, but other activities require you to complete the previous one before proceeding

Visual Studio Download

• Community version can be downloaded and installed
• Available at https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/downloads/
• Older versions (e.g., 2019) may also work

Installing Visual Studio

• The .NET desktop development component must be selected on the left
• A number of optional elements must be selected on the right
• Refer to the Module guide for further installation instructions

Different Knowledge Levels

• Some people have never really understood a Windows computer or may get the bare bones
• Some may get some casual use from time to time
• Done some stuff in school
• Took CAT or IT as a Grade 10 - 12 subject
• Knowledge of your current level will define your studying needs
• If you did IT as a Grade 12 subject, think about what you might have to exempt
• Details to follow

Module Exemption

Based on prior learning, where you can prove competency

• Competency Test defines competency
• Grade 12 IT subject
• The written test not using an IDE can answer in any programming language
• Paper duration is 1.5/2 hours, set to be confirmed
• WRAV102's test is another discussion for a later date, and isn't recommended
• Email [email protected] using CC ([email protected]) for application information
• Cost of R440 must be paid before the exam
• Once exempted, an exemption fee of R1160 must be paid, the module fees will be cancelled

Competency Test Process

You MUST continue to attend lectures and practices, and must have had confirmation you completed the steps to apply for Exemption

• Request and complete the application, return it by email including the proof of learning
• The application will be marked successfully
• Upon approval, pay R440 and immediately return it to Thando
• Write the test on the schedule
• Await the results via email
• If successful, you will receive an exemption Pay R1160, and immediately return to Thando

Learning Expectations

• Be on time
• Cell phones on silent
• Be considerate when during class - do not create disturbances
• Finish your project at the right time
• Add to classroom experience and lectures

To-do List

You must be a part of the Moodle site

• The correct key is required South#2025 is required for B Sc and B Com BIT#2025a is required for BIT students MSEV#2025a is required for B Eng(Mechatronics) Students
• The lectures must be attended this week in the particular group
• Practical Sessions start on February 17
• Your practical session must be booked on Moodle, opening February 13
• A drive to backup your work is required Even with smaller capacity, the program will do the bare minimum

This module covers key information about module-related email etiquette, accessing module sites, finding announcements, and available resources. It also includes the student's and lecturer's communication protocols. It describes expectations for class participation and cell phone usage.