Course Title: Programming Concepts Using C
Course Code: BSCT 1112
Credit Units: 3
Contact Hours: 45
Level: Year 1
Semester: 1
Course Description
This course introduces learners to procedural programming using the C language within real-
world and industry-relevant contexts. It emphasizes fundamental programming constructs
including data types, control structures, functions, arrays, strings, pointers, file handling, and
modular code design. Using case-driven tasks and project-based learning, learners will
develop logical reasoning, algorithmic thinking, and debugging skills. The course cultivates
the ability to transform problem statements into coded solutions, preparing learners for
software development tasks and future advanced programming courses.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, learners should be able to:
Analyze problem scenarios and design structured algorithmic solutions using
flowcharts and pseudocode.
Implement procedural logic using C programming constructs to solve computational
problems.
Debug, test, and optimize C code with clarity and correctness.
Integrate file operations, arrays, and pointer manipulation into complete applications.
Collaborate in coding sprints to simulate real-world software development practices.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:
Explain and apply C programming concepts to algorithmic problem solving.
Construct reusable C functions, manipulate data using arrays and pointers, and handle
user/file I/O.
Use flowcharts to model processes and translate them into working code.
Build modular applications that include structured code, user interaction, and data
persistence.
Present project-based solutions demonstrating clean code, testing reports, and
algorithmic logic.
Competencies to be developed
Procedural thinking and algorithmic design.
Debugging and logical troubleshooting of code.
Use of development tools (IDEs, compilers, and debuggers).
Skills in writing clean, modular, and maintainable C programs.
File and data structure manipulation in procedural contexts.
Collaboration and communication in coding projects.
Self-learning and adaptability to emerging programming practices.
Course Content
# Topic Competency Focus Learning Tasks / CH
(What students will be Projects
able to do)
1 Introduction to C Define procedural Install 3
Programming programming and set up Code::Blocks or
• History and relevance of C C IDE for code GCC. Write a
• Characteristics of development "Hello World"
procedural programming program with
• Setting up C environment comments
2 Programming Structure Declare and use various Task: Develop a 4
and Data Types data types and apply type program that
• Structure of a C program casting rules collects and
• Syntax, variables, constants displays student
• Data types and type information
conversion
3 Operators and Expressions Use correct operators and Mini-project: GPA 4
• Arithmetic, relational, expressions in calculator using
logical, and bitwise operators computational logic arithmetic and
• Precedence and logical operators
associativity
• Type promotion
4 Control Structures Apply decision-making Problem scenario: 4
• if, if-else, switch-case in the program flow Write a program to
• Nested conditions and determine grades
logical operators from marks
5 Loops and Iterative Create loops to manage Design a menu- 4
Structures repetition in tasks driven calculator
• for, while, do-while loops using loops and
• Loop control statements conditional logic
(break, continue)
6 Arrays Use arrays for storing Task: Create a 4
• One-dimensional arrays and processing data sets voting results tally
• Multidimensional arrays using 2D arrays
• Array initialization and
traversal
7 Strings and Character Manipulate strings and Group project: 4
Handling perform validations Build a simple
• String declaration and login validation
initialization system
• String handling functions
(strlen, strcpy, strcat)
8 Functions in C Build modular code Case study: 4
• Declaration, definition, and using functions and Implement a
calling recursion factorial calculator
• Parameter passing with recursion
• Recursion and scope
9 Pointers Use pointers to Exercise: Develop 4
• Pointer declaration and manipulate memory and a pointer-based
dereferencing data swap function
• Pointers and arrays
• Call by reference using
pointers
1 Structures and Unions Create and access Problem-based 4
0 • Defining and using structured data in task: Design a
structures programs student database
• Nested structures using structures
• Difference between
structures and unions
1 File Handling in C Write C programs for Final project: Build 5
1 • File operations (fopen, persistent data storage a contact book with
fread, fwrite, fclose) save/load features
• Text vs binary files using file handling
• Error handling in files
Mode of Delivery
Case-based coding exercises and real-world simulations
Pair programming and debugging labs
Role-play: Developer vs. tester debugging simulations
Mini-projects and reflective journaling
Peer code reviews and collaborative feedback sessions
Assessment Strategy
Assessment Type Weight (%) Description
Practical Projects / 20% Learners apply programming constructs to real-
Assignments world simulations and solve logic-based problems
using C.
Continuous Practical 20% Weekly labs involving code writing, debugging,
Activities and testing of small programs and algorithms.
Portfolio / Reflective 10% Students reflect on weekly learning, debug logs,
Journal growth in programming logic, and personal
challenges.
Oral Presentation / 10% Presentation of a final project, defending logic,
Defense code quality, and testing methods.
Final Written Exam 40% Exam includes code analysis, function tracing,
error identification, and algorithm design based on
scenarios.
Total 100%
References
Books
Griffiths, D. & Griffiths, D. (2020). Head First C: A Brain-Friendly Guide. O'Reilly Media.
ISBN: 9781449399917
Kernighan, B. W., & Ritchie, D. M. (1988). The C Programming Language (2nd ed.).
Prentice Hall. ISBN: 9780131103627
Online Sources
GeeksforGeeks. (n.d.). C Programming Language.
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/c-programming-language/
W3Schools. (n.d.). C Programming Tutorial. https://www.w3schools.com/c/index.php
C Programming. (n.d.). TutorialsPoint.
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/cprogramming/index.htm
YouTube Videos
Huddy Pro. (n.d.). C programming1: Introductory concepts Part 1 [Video]. YouTube.
https://youtu.be/P1DgncRfhD0?list=PLxjRIgVhM59wXRDuJt5F-xDu8PZkPcf5e
freeCodeCamp.org. (2020, April 13). C Programming Full Course - Beginner to Advanced.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJgsSFOSQv0
ProgrammingKnowledge. (2017, June 7). C Programming Tutorial for Beginners.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSPZob_1TOk
