UnitLevel 1Undergraduate

FIT1045 Introduction to programming

Faculty of Information Technology

FIT1045 Introduction to programming is a level 1, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Information Technology, offered in 2023 in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 21 units, leading on to 67 units in all. Students rate it 5.0 out of 5 from 2 reviews and call it moderate.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2023
Semester 1, Semester 2
Clayton, Malaysia
Assessment
No exam
3 tasks
Workload
144 hours
per semester

This is the 2023 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

Reviews

Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 reviews
5.02 reviews
  1. 5 stars: 2
  2. 4 stars: 0
  3. 3 stars: 0
  4. 2 stars: 0
  5. 1 star: 0
Teaching
5.0out of 5 from 2 reviews
Content
4.5out of 5 from 2 reviews
Assessment
4.0out of 5 from 2 reviews
Usefulness
5.0out of 5 from 2 reviews
Difficulty
Moderate
Workload
Heavy

What students say

  • VLOctober 2026 · Took it in 2026
    5 out of 5: Excellent

    This is a very fun unit and I believe the concepts taught are presented and explained well in the FIT1045 Field Guide. I achieved a Distinction, but it took me a lot of work weekly, so given the portfolio basis of grading I can only imagine how much work an HD would take.

    • Teaching5out of 5
    • Content5out of 5
    • Assessment4out of 5
    • Usefulness5out of 5
    • DifficultyModerate
    • WorkloadHeavy
  • JSOctober 2026 · Took it in 2024
    5 out of 5: Excellent

    A really good first programming unit. The weekly labs build on each other, so if you keep up it never feels overwhelming. Start the assignments early and use the consultation hours, the tutors are happy to walk through your code.

    • Teaching5out of 5
    • Content4out of 5
    • Assessment4out of 5
    • Usefulness5out of 5
    • DifficultyEasy
    • WorkloadModerate

Requisites

Overview

This unit introduces programming fundamentals using the Python language. It will present fundamental programming control structures, built-in and complex datatypes, mechanisms for modularity, and the use of basic libraries. Students will also be introduced to good programming practices and programming in teams.

Offerings in 2023

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterClaytonOn campus
First semesterMalaysiaOn campus
Second semesterClaytonOn campus
Second semesterMalaysiaOn campus
October intake teaching period, Malaysia campusMalaysiaOn campus

Assessment

  • Assignment 1Assignment
    30%
  • Assignment 2Assignment
    35%
  • Assignment 3Assignment
    35%

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Effectively use variables, conditionals and loops in computer programs;

  2. 2

    Design, construct and test simple programs that include user-defined functions and data structures;

  3. 3

    Write programs efficiently by discovering and leveraging libraries;

  4. 4

    Implement good programming practices in a team, including unit testing, basic documentation and readability.

Workload and teaching

  • Applied sessions24 hours
  • Workshops24 hours
  • Teaching approachActive learning

This unit has a requirement of 1-2 hours per week of asynchronous learning.

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled online and face to face learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated reading and preparation for scheduled teaching activities.

Learning resources

Recommended resources

Recommended resources
Foundations of Python Programming. https://runestone.academy/ns/books/published/fopp/index.html

Technology resources

Regularly check edstem forums for announcements and Monash emails.

(For Clayton Campus ONLY) Please note: This is a bring-your-own-device unit. You will be expected to bring a web-connected device (i.e., laptop or tablet) to class to access specialist software.

Where it fits

FIT1045 is part of 14 areas of study in the 2023 handbook.

Contacts

Unit Coordinators
Mr Ganesh Krishnasamy
Chief Examiners
Dr Pierre Le Bodic

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for FIT1045?

FIT1045 has no prerequisites.

What can I take after FIT1045?

FIT1045 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 21 units, including FIT1008, FIT1054, FIT2002, FIT2014, FIT2081 and FIT2086. Those lead on to 67 units in all.

When is FIT1045 offered?

In 2023, FIT1045 runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia.

Is FIT1045 hard?

Students who took it rate it moderate to do well in and heavy on workload (2 ratings). The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester.

Does FIT1045 have an exam?

No. FIT1045 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.

Which majors and minors include FIT1045?

FIT1045 is part of Business analytics; Computational science; Computer networks and security; Computer science; and Cybersecurity, and 4 other areas of study.

What do students think of FIT1045?

It is rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 reviews, and 2 students of 2 gave it 4 or 5 stars. Read the reviews above or add your own.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
1
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Information Technology
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Available