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 2025 in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 29 units, leading on to 83 units in all. Students rate it 5.0 out of 5 from 2 reviews and call it moderate.
This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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.
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.
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
29 units list FIT1045 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
The same content under another code. Only one of them counts.
From Semester 2, 2025 onward:
This unit introduces programming fundamentals. It will present fundamental programming control structures, built-in and complex datatypes, mechanisms for modularity, and the use of basic libraries. You will also be introduced to good programming practices and processes for software development.
Semester 1, 2025: 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. You will also be introduced to good programming practices and programming in teams.
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
| First semester | Malaysia | On campus |
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
| Second semester | Malaysia | On campus |
| October intake teaching period, Malaysia campus | Malaysia | On campus |
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
Effectively use variables, conditionals and loops in computer programs;
From Semester 2, 2025 onward: Design, construct and test programs that include user-defined functions and data structures;
Semester 1, 2025: Design, construct and test simple programs that include user-defined functions and data structures;
Write programs efficiently by discovering and leveraging libraries;
From Semester 2, 2025 onward:
Implement good programming practices, including unit testing, basic documentation and readability.
Semester 1, 2025: Implement good programming practices in a team, including unit testing, basic documentation and readability.
From Semester 2, 2025 onward:
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.
Semester 1, 2025: 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.
Programmer's Field Guide: https://programmers.guide
Additional Python language support:
The Python Tutorial: https://docs.python.org/3/tutorial/index.html
Foundations of Python Programming: https://runestone.academy/ns/books/published/fopp/index.html
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 laptop to class to access specialist software.
FIT1045 is part of 8 areas of study in the 2025 handbook.
FIT1045 has no prerequisites.
FIT1045 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 29 units, including ECE2191, FIT1008, FIT1054, FIT1058, FIT2002 and FIT2081. Those lead on to 83 units in all.
In 2025, FIT1045 runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia.
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.
No. FIT1045 has 8 assessment tasks and no exam.
FIT1045 is part of Business analytics, Computational science, Computer science, Mobile apps development and Web development.
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.