Diploma in Computer Programming with Java

Course Overview

Trained computer programmers are ideally placed to take advantage of such skills shortages. Programmers are essential for websites, databases, web applications and games, it looks highly likely that programming graduates at all levels will be in strong demand well into the foreseeable future. Computer programming involves creating a sequence of instructions (code) in order to get a computer to perform certain tasks. There are many different kinds of programming languages, but just as learning one foreign language can help you learn others, becoming familiar with one programming language will allow you to develop a reading knowledge of others and pick them up more easily. Java is one of the more popular programming languages, it is an object oriented, cross platform programming language which is widely used in industry for internet based website and applications. More than 800,000 Java programmers are using their knowledge, skills and recognition learned through varies courses to improve their job prospects, earn more money and become more valuable employees. There are over 3 billion devices running Java worldwide, the world’s top companies rely on Java Programmers to build and maintain these critical applications, as such companies across all sectors have shown an increased demand for ICT Professionals that are skilled in Java Programming.

What you will Learn

If this all sounds like double Dutch, don’t worry, this introductory-level computer programming course is specifically designed for those with little or no previous experience in the area. It provides learners, regardless of their background, to feel justifiably confident in their ability to write code and is ideal for any learner with an interest and motivation to embark in a career in software development.

This course is aimed at learners with little or no prior programming experience, but a desire to understand computational approaches to problem solving. Learners will learn the fundamental concepts and terminology of software development and develop skills in designing and writing computer programs. The course assumes no programming background and provides an overview of the software development process in addition to introducing important programming constructs and methodologies. This course provides a comprehensive and easy to follow lesson plan and tutition in one of the most popular, versatile and widely used programming languages in common use today, all taught in modern specialist computing labs.

If you want to learn computer programming but don't have any prior experience, you'll enjoy this programming course in Java, one of the most widely used computer languages in the world. It's a breeze to learn in a friendly and supportive environment. Start with the basics of programming and go on to write your own programs and integrate input and output, calculations, decision making, and loops. Build your knowledge and confidence with easy-to-understand examples and plenty of skill-building exercises. The course will also serve learners as a pathway to preparing for the Java SE Foundations exam by Oracle.

What is a Professional Diploma?

An IBAT Professional Diploma is a focused, short duration practical course that consolidates, upskills and/or reskills learners in a professional area. They are stand-alone qualifications  that do not lead to an award on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

Course Content

Week 1:
You will be introduced to computer programming in general and to Java in particular. You will get to set up your computer with the downloads and installations you'll need for the rest of this course. You will be walked through the process of editing, compiling, and running other computer programs written in Java.

Week 2:
You will learn about primitive data types;the building blocks you need to use before you can build more complex types. You will be shown how to use them in some simple programs, and look at how they relate to each other.

Week 4:
You will be introduced to classes and objects. We'll revisit the HelloWorld application and rewrite it in Java's OOP (object-oriented programming) structure. This will include how to declare classes, objects, attributes, and methods to Java.

Week 5:
You will be shown how to declare data variables to Java and how to use variables in arithmetic expressions to calculate new results. Also included will be an introduction to data input, getting information into our programs from an outside source. Then write a program that incorporates all these features.

Week 6:
Making decisions is one of the most important and powerful things a computer language can do. We're going to look at the decision-making process in detail and see how Java does it. When you're done with this lesson, you'll know how to write Java programs that make decisions based on the principles of computer logic.

Week 7:
You'll learn how to repeat actions using a control structure called a loop. Loops in Java involve decisions, just as branches do. But in a loop structure, if the condition is met, the branch is backward instead of forward, allowing us to repeat actions. You'll learn about Enumeration which lets you set up new data types with built-in limits on their values Finally, Java's switch structure which lets you replace a series of nested if statements with a single value-based structure.

Week 8:
Discuss how Java generates exceptions and how we can prevent them from crashing our programs. You'll learn about class methods and how to call them without creating any objects. Last, you'll find out about a debugger, which lets us look at what's going on inside our program as it runs.

Week 9:
So far in this course, everything has been text-based. This week you'll be introduced to the world of Java windows, and we'll begin to look at GUI (graphical user interface) programming in Java. You will look at the basic components of a Java window and then add some simple graphics to it.

Week 10:
In the final week of the course you will obtain the basics on OOPS concepts Inheritance, Overriding, Polymorphism. This will also be an opportunity to review any queries on the course so far. The lecturer will then give the class an overview about Java SE certification should you wish to progress to this qualification.

Assessment

• Participants will be required to successfully to complete a web project worth (100%).

Lecturer Profile

Testimonials

Career Opportunities

If you are looking for a career in software development – IBAT is the place to study.

Current forecasts about the future of the computing industry in Ireland are excellent. During the past decade, Ireland has gained increasing recognition as Europe’s premier location for software development. Since the 1980s, most leading US software vendors, including Microsoft, Oracle, Google, Facebook and Symantec, have based their European operation centres in Ireland. The country has also become the number one site for software development in Europe. All the big players such as Microsoft, Google, EBay, Symantec and Amazon are now based in Ireland.

This course will serve as an excellent and comprehensive introduction to programming and will help to secure entry-level positions across the ICT sector for roles including software testing and junior developer.

Some roles available for those with a Computer Programming degree include:

• Software Developer
• Software Engineer
• Web Developer
• Database Administrator
• Computer Programmer
• Business Intelligence Analyst

The programme covers all of the topics for the Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer - this accreditation is obtained by passing the Java SE 8 Programmer I 1Z0-808 exam.  However to pass this exam students need to study the material in fine detail and practice writing code for several months

Computer Programming is often the first port of call for anyone looking to move into a full-time role in software development. An understanding of a computer language will also offer many opportunities for promotion as it provides insight and knowledge on how systems are actually built and implemented within organisations.

Academic Progression Opportunities

Students who complete the Diploma in Computer Programming and are interested in furthering their study in programming are eligible to progress onto the more Advanced Diploma in Computer Programming (Advanced Java).

Entry Requirements

This course is aimed at learners with little or no prior programming experience, but a desire to understand computational approaches to problem solving.  

Students are required to be fluent in basic digital literacy on Windows as follows - ability to: 

• Type and edit files
• Understand the keyboard (backspace v del, tab key)
• Have very basic typing skills, ability to type with some proficiency i.e. not pecking with 2 fingers
• Use the file system - copy and paste files, delete and move files
• Create folders / navigate around folders
• Rename files and folders
• Understand the difference between files and folders
• Copy and Paste text within files
• Use zip files

Minimum computer requirements for the online course

• Any Microsoft Windows 10/11 or Apple Mac OS, but must have a minimum of 8GB of memory or higher to provide a much better learning experience.
• Computer processor should be Core i5 (or higher) or an AMD equivalent.
• Google Chromebooks are not suitable.
• Good reliable broadband connection.

How to Apply

Click on ‘Find out More’ or ‘Apply Now’ to reserve your place or enquire more about this course.

You can also book a one to one with one of our course specialists by calling us at:  +353 1 8075 055  or emailing us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

We also have flexible payment plans, please ‘Find out More’ or call us to discuss your options or visit the college anytime and our course specialists will be more than willing to discuss any queries you may have.