Object-Oriented Programming in C++ - course unit details - MPhys Physics with Astrophysics - course details (2025 entry)

Early clearing information

This course may be available through clearing for home and international applicants

If you already have your exam results, meet the entry requirements, and are not holding an offer from a university or college, then you may be able to apply to this course.

Duration: 4 years
Year of entry: 2025
UCAS course code: F3FA / Institution code: M20

Key features:
Scholarships available
Accredited course

Typical A-level offer: A*A*A including specific subjects
Typical contextual A-level offer: A*AA including specific subjects
Refugee/care-experienced offer: AAA including specific subjects
Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 38 points overall with 7,7,6 at HL, including specific requirements

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Course unit details:
Object-Oriented Programming in C++

Course unit fact file
Unit code	PHYS30762
Credit rating	10
Unit level	Level 3
Teaching period(s)	Semester 2
Available as a free choice unit?	No

Overview

Object-Oriented Programming in C++

Pre/co-requisites

Unit title	Unit code	Requirement type	Description
Introduction to Programming for Physicists	PHYS20161	Pre-Requisite	Recommended

A working knowledge of programming at the level of PHYS20161 and an interest in programming.

Aims

To learn the fundamentals of Object Oriented Analysis and Design.
To become fluent in the C++ programming language.
To develop good programming style.
To be able to apply coding quickly and efficiently to realistic applications.

Learning outcomes

This course unit detail provides the framework for delivery in 21/22 and may be subject to change due to any additional Covid-19 impact. Please see Blackboard / course unit related emails for any further updates

On completion successful students will be able to:-

1. Write C++ code that is compact and intelligible

2. Design and write programs in C++ using a wide range of ANSI standard features

3. Locate data structures and algorithms in the standard library to simplify coding

4. Select and use appropriate object-orientation techniques to solve new problems

Syllabus

1. The basic properties of C++: constants; boolean data-types; pointers and references; dynamic memory allocation; function overloading.

2. Data streams: standard input/output; managing files.

3. Classes and objects: encapsulation; access functions; constructors and destructors; arrays of objects; friends; operator overloading; assignment operator; shallow and deep copying; this pointer. Move semantics.

4. Inheritance: base and derived classes; access specifiers; overriding functions; multiple inheritance.

5. Polymorphism: base class pointers; abstract base classes; virtual and pure virtual functions; interface classes.

6. Structuring programs: header files; multiple source files; namespaces.

7. Advanced C++ features: static data; templates; runtime type checking; error handling and exceptions.

Lambda closures.

8.The C++ Standard Library; the boost library; other libraries.

Assessment methods

6 short coding assignments, marked on code quality; One larger coding project with a short report.

Standard late penalties apply for all assessments

Feedback methods

Written feedback will be offered for the short assignments, and demonstrators will be available to give additional oral feedback on the short assignments. Written feedback will be provided with final project marks.

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Lectures	10
Practical classes & workshops	10

Independent study hours
Independent study	80

Teaching staff

Staff member	Role
Caterina Doglioni	Unit coordinator
Charanjit Kaur	Unit coordinator

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