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COMP47530

Academic Year 2025/2026

Exploring Ruby (Mixed Delivery) (COMP47530)

Subject:
Computer Science
College:
Science
School:
Computer Science
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Mark Keane
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Online
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

The course will cover the Ruby programming language, introducing its main programming constructs (e.g., variable assignment, iterative constructs, conditionals, recursion) with a strong practical emphasis on system building. The Rails software framework will also be introduced and its importance to web-system design. Throughout the course functional and object-oriented programming aspects of Ruby will be emphasised. The module will have a somewhat mixed format, with the lectures available online (asynchronous) and four 1-hr, information clinics spaced throughout the semester delivered online (synchronous attendance via zoom, not recorded). Students will carry out weekly, self-directed coursework supported by these information clinics designed to provide guidance and feedback (n.b., the times for these will be announced based on requirements during the semester).

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

Students should have attained a thorough working knowledge of Ruby programming techniques, be able to build a system using the language and apply it in a web context.

Indicative Module Content:

Main parts of the Ruby language; primitives, data-structures and programming conventions. Culminates in introduction to the Ruby-on-rails framework.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

90

Lectures

24

Conversation Class

4

Total

118


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The course adopts a very practical approach to learning the language, a learning-by-doing approach. So, students are encouraged to work through lectures, trying each of the examples discussed. Each lecture has an accompanying practical that address the main aspects of that lecture; it is important to do these on a weekly basis as you progress through the lectures. We will have zoom-based information sessions during term (4 in number), where you can ask questions about these practical issues.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

The course is designed to be taken by students with no prior programming experience.

Learning Exclusions:

None.

Learning Recommendations:

The course is designed to be taken by students with no prior programming experience. However, prior experience with, at least, one programming language and/or with the object-oriented programming paradigm would clearly be a boon.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Additional Information:
None.


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): Closed book, in-person exam in exam centre End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
100
No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback in given on the practicals completed during the term (these are formative). All summative assessment is based on final written exam.