for Oracle Academy Certifications /
Introduction
SQA have a range of Higher National Certificates available to colleges and students.
The information given in this document applies irrespective of the context in which the Units are delivered.
This document is of an advisory nature. The final decision on whether or not to grant credit transfer must be made by the centre and is subject to external moderation. However, external moderators are unlikely to raise objections to any credit transfer based on the advice given here.
SQA provide clear criteria for deciding if two syllabuses are equivalent. All the following criteria must be satisfied if full credit transfer is to be recognised between both syllabuses:
1. The syllabuses have the same SCQF levels.
2. The syllabuses have the similar credit values (or equivalent).
3. The syllabuses are equivalent in terms of core skill coverage.
4. The syllabuses relate to the same subject area and the main topics are common to both.
5. The syllabuses present a similar level of cognitive demand.
6. The syllabuses encompass similar skill-sets.
7. The syllabuses are contemporary in terms of terminology, techniques and technology.
8. Employers, admission officers and other users would perceive both syllabuses as broadly equivalent.
9. The assessment demands are similar in terms of candidate activity and performance criteria, or candidates would be equally likely to pass both assessments.
10. Special conditions (where they exist) are applicable to both syllabuses.
Since the units in this document match closely to the vendor courses, all of the above criteria can be met.
The Vendor courses here have all the competences necessary to fulfil the appropriate employment objectives including knowledge, understanding and the necessary practical skills. Thus, credit transfer granted to a candidate on the basis of vendor passes and will cover all aspects of an HN Unit.
The following guidance relates to specific vendor certification. Centres are free to consider any form of alternative evidence, and accept this as evidence of competence if they consider that it fully satisfies a unit’s requirements. However, centre decisions are subject to external moderation.
Introduction
The Oracle Academy, Introduction to Computer Science is designed for high schools and colleges to provide a thorough foundation in database, programming, and professional skills curriculum to students, while offering rigorous training and professional development for teachers. It is ideal for institutions that wish to offer a comprehensive and structured training program that enables faculty to deliver a web-based, student-friendly curriculum.
Competitive edge in the job market
Students are exposed to technical, business and professional skills that are used in a variety of industries and job roles. Advanced students have the opportunity to pursue Oracle certification – a distinction that provides an additional competitive edge in the job market.
Student-friendly curriculum
This professionally designed curriculum is geared to meet the learning needs of a variety of students, from those interested in gaining broad exposure to business and technical skills to students planning on pursuing a technical education or career. It blends virtual and face-to-face training, hands-on exercises, assessments, and project based learning experiences while leveraging the latest Oracle technologies, allowing teachers and students to easily access the curriculum through a web browser.
Oracle-hosted curriculum and lab environment
Oracle hosts the curriculum and lab environment using state-of-the art technical infrastructure. There is absolutely no software setup or maintenance required to deliver the curriculum and its accompanying practices—all you need is a web browser!
Continual Professional Development
The Oracle Academy courses can only be delivered by institutions that have put staff members through the intensive training programme offered annually by the Oracle Corporation.
Java Programming
Overview
This course builds on the skills students gained in Java Fundamentals and helps them advance their Java programming skills using the Java SE7, the latest release of Java. Participants are introduced to the core application programming interfaces used to design object-oriented applications with Java. Hand-on practices and projects figure prominently throughout this course. Those who successfully complete it will possess strong foundational knowledge for Oracle Java SE 7 Programmer I certification.
Duration: 90 hours (one semester)
Completion of this course would enable students to gain Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) accreditation for one of the following units: -
H171 35: Software Development: Object Oriented Programming
2 credits at higher national level 8 (16 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 8[1])
H16Y 35: Software Development: Data Structures
2 credits at higher national level 8 (16 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 8)
Mapping of Core Skills development to Units
S = signposted at SCQF level 6
Unit Code / Unit Title / Communication / numeracy / ICT / Problem Solving / Working with OthersOral / Written / Using Graphical Info / Using Number / Critical Thinking / Planning and Organising / Reviewing and Evaluating
H171 35 / Software Development: Object Oriented Programming / S / S / S
H16Y 35 / Software Development:
Data Structures / S / S / S
Any candidate who passes the named Oracle unit(s) can gain certification for the corresponding SQA unit(s).
You will then have to inform your SQA coordinator that they have passed the unit when they have completed the Oracle Academy course so that they get the recognition on their SQA Certificates.
If you have further questions about the Relational Database Systems unit DM4K12 and Oracle do not hesitate to contact Wendy Reith () or Dave Main ()
If you have further questions about any other areas of Credit transfer or delivery of the oracle academy do not hesitate to contact William McRae ()
Delivery of Oracle Academy within current HN Frameworks
The content of Introduction to Computer Science course offered as part of the Oracle Academy curriculum can be delivered as a stand alone course or be delivered as part of a full-time course and credit transferred to Units delivered within many NC/HNC/D courses, the course can also be delivered as part of an SQA Professional Development Award. The following section details which courses have been identified as containing the HN units which can be credit transferred from the Oracle Academy Introduction to Computer Science.
The Oracle Academy Program Introduction to Computer Science consists of two 90-hour courses and two 180-hour courses all of which are assessed by a combination of restricted response tests and practical exercises. These courses can provide credit transfer to NC/HN Units. These courses can also help candidates prepare for the Oracle Certified Associate Certification exams. A blended learning approach to the delivery is recommended and students should be encouraged to work through material in their own study time.
HN Computer Games Development GC8R 45
The NC Games Development Course can provide an articulation route to further study and will encourage and engage candidates by utilising a hands-on, practical approach to learning the skills for this sector.
Upon completion of Java Fundamentals and Programming course advanced students will be eligible for a credit transfer for the following three SQA units.
Unit Title / SQA Ref. No. / Credit Value / SCQFSoftware Development: Object Oriented Programming / H171 35 / 1 / 4
Software Development: Data Structures / H16Y 35 / 2 / 5
Course Content Java Programming
Java Programming – Section 1
Lesson 1: Deploying an Application
Java Programming – Section 2
Lesson 1: Working with Pre-Written Code
Java Programming – Section 3
Lesson 1: Java Class Design
Lesson 2: Generics and Collections
Lesson 3: String Processing
Lesson 4: Exceptions and Assertions
Lesson 5: Input/Output Fundamentals
Java Programming – Section 4
Lesson 1: Creating a Final Project
Java Programming: Appendix B: A SQL Primer
Java Programming: Appendix C: Prep for US AP College Board Computer Science A Exam
Course Content Java Fundamentals
Java Fundamentals – Section 0
Lesson 1: Student Course Resources
Lesson 2: Course Outline
Lesson 3: Course Map
Lesson 4: Curriculum Tour (MP4 File)
Lesson 5: Software Installation Instructions
Java Fundamentals – Section 1
Lesson 1: Welcome
Lesson 2: Introduction
Java Fundamentals – Section 2
Lesson 1: Get Started with Alice
Lesson 2: Add and Position Objects
Lesson 3: Use Procedures and Arguments
Lesson 4: Add Rotation and Randomization
Lesson 5: Declare Procedures
Lesson 6: Use Control Statements
Lesson 7: Use Functions
Lesson 8: Use the IF and WHILE Control Structure
Lesson 9: Use Expressions
Lesson 10: Use Variables
Lesson 11: Use Keyboard Controls
Lesson 12: Develop a Complete Animation
Lesson 13: Correlating Java Variables, Data Types, and Expressions with Alice 3 Tools
Lesson 14: Correlating Java Methods, Classes, and Other Structures with Alice 3 Tools
Java Fundamentals – Section 3
Lesson 1: Getting Started with Greenfoot
Lesson 2: Using Methods, Variables and Parameters
Lesson 3: Working with Source Code and Documentation
Lesson 4: Developing and Testing an Application
Lesson 5: Using Randomization and Understanding Dot Notation and Constructors
Lesson 6: Defining Methods
Lesson 7: Using Sound and Keyboard Control
Lesson 8: Creating a World, Animation Actors and Ending a Game
Lesson 9: Understanding Abstraction
Lesson 10: Using Loops, Variables and Strings
Lesson 11: Putting it all Together with Greenfoot
Lesson 12: Creating an Inventory of Java Fundamentals
Java Fundamentals – Section 4
Lesson 1: Compiling with Eclipse – A First Program
Lesson 2: Using Object Classes and Driver Classes
Lesson 3: Programming with Data Types and Operators
Lesson 4: Using Strings
Java Fundamentals – Section 5
Lesson 1: Using Scanner and Conditional Statements
Lesson 2: Using Program Control Statements
Java Fundamentals – Section 6
Lesson 1: Using Arrays
Lesson 2: Sorting and Searching
Lesson 3: Handling Errors
Java Fundamentals – Section 7
Lesson 1: Creating Classes, Objects, and Methods
Lesson 2: Passing Objects and Overloading Methods
Lesson 3: Understanding Recursion, Static Modifier, and Nested Classes
Lesson 4: Understanding Inheritance
Lesson 5: Understanding Polymorphism
Java Fundamentals – Appendix A Self Study Guides
Lesson 1: What's in Your Future?
Lesson 2: What is a Consultant?
Lesson 3: Speaking in Public
Lesson 4: Leaders in Information Technology
Lesson 5: Creating a Career Portfolio
Lesson 6: Interests, Skills, and Achievements
Lesson 7: Work Experience and Community Involvement
Lesson 8: Creating a Resume
Lesson 9: The Changing Nature of the Job Market
Lesson 10: Searching for a Job
Lesson 11: Written Communication
Lesson 12: Interviewing
Lesson 13: Networking
Lesson 14: Cyber Security
Appendix Centre Advice – Mapping Detail to Software Development: Object Oriented Programming- H171 35
Unit title: Software Development: Object Oriented Programming: H171 35
Credit points and level: 2 Higher National Unit credits at SCQF level 8: (16 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 8*)
Unit purpose: This Unit is designed to enable candidates to develop a broad knowledge of the concepts, principles, and techniques of object oriented software development. Candidates will develop problem-solving and object oriented technical skills. Candidates will then be required to demonstrate their proficiency in these skills through the creation of object oriented software solutions to problems. The emphasis is on the development and testing of the class libraries required for the problem domain. These will be reinforced by developing the appropriate practical skills in implementing and testing object libraries. It is recommended that this Unit is delivered in tandem with the Unit H172 35 Systems Development: Object Oriented Analysis and Design to give candidates an insight into the full development lifecycle.
This Unit is aimed at candidates who have no previous experience of computer programming.
On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
· Investigate object oriented programming techniques and apply them to a design.
· Implement a solution from an object oriented design using object oriented techniques.
· Test the completed product.
This Unit assumes knowledge of fundamental programming concepts, but it would be advisable to briefly refresh these basic topics which are covered in the Java Fundamentals course.
· Object oriented concepts and terms
· Object oriented programming techniques
· Objects and classes
· Attributes and methods
· Parameter passing
· Abstraction, encapsulation and information-hiding
· Inheritance
· Polymorphism
· Association
· Aggregation and collection
· Coupling and cohesion[2] / Java Fundamentals – Section 2
Lesson 5: Declare Procedures
Java Fundamentals – Section 3
Lesson 9: Understanding Abstraction
Java Fundamentals – Section 7
Lesson 1: Creating Classes, Objects, and Methods
Lesson 2: Passing Objects and Overloading Methods
Lesson 4: Understanding Inheritance
Lesson 5: Understanding Polymorphism
Java Programming - Section 2
Lesson 1: Working with Pre-Written Code
Java Programming - Section 3
Lesson 1: Java Class Design
Outcome 2: Implement a solution from an object oriented design using object oriented techniques. / Java Fundamentals/Programming
· Declaring and initialising variables
· Using operators
· Implementing control structures
· Defining data structures
· Accessing and manipulating data structures
· Using parameter passing
· Creating Classes
· Creating instances of classes
· Creating relationships between classes
· Creating Constructor methods
· Overloading methods
· Use of exceptions
· Use of standard object libraries
· Documenting Code / Java Fundamentals – Section 2
Lesson 5: Declare Procedures
Lesson 6: Use Control Statements
Lesson 7: Use Functions
Lesson 8: Use the IF and WHILE Control Structure
Lesson 9: Use Expressions
Lesson 10: Use Variables
Lesson 13: Correlating Java Variables, Data Types, and Expressions with Alice 3 Tools
Java Fundamentals – Section 3
Lesson 10: Using Loops, Variables and Strings
Java Fundamentals – Section 4
Lesson 2: Using Object Classes and Driver Classes
Lesson 3: Programming with Data Types and Operators
Java Fundamentals – Section 6
Lesson 1: Using Arrays
Lesson 2: Sorting and Searching
Lesson 3: Handling Errors
Java Fundamentals – Section 7
Lesson 1: Creating Classes, Objects, and Methods
Lesson 2: Passing Objects and Overloading Methods
Java Programming – Section 1
Lesson 1: Deploying an Application
Java Programming – Section 3
Lesson 1: Java Class Design
Lesson 4: Exceptions and Assertions
Lesson 5: Input/Output Fundamentals
Java Programming – Section 4
Lesson 1: Creating a Final Project
Outcome 3: Test the completed product. / Java Fundamentals/Programming
· Implementing a test plan using a defined strategy
· Maintaining test documentation
· Evaluating results of test runs
· Amending code as necessary / Java Programming – Section 2
Lesson 1: Working with Pre-Written Code
Java Programming – Section 4
Lesson 1: Creating a Final Project
Appendix Centre Advice – Mapping Detail to Software Development: Data Structures- H16Y 35