Fundamentals of Java

This course introduces jobseekers to

programming using the Java language. It
has been specifically developed by Dublin
Institute of Technology for the ICT Ireland
Skillnet. It uses the core content from the
MSc in Applied Software Technology to
explain the concepts of programming
using the Java technology stack and give
participants a practical introduction to the Course Objectives
Java landscape. By the end of the course participants should
be able to:
This is an intensive course for those • Understand the Java technology stack
wishing to gain a good basic knowledge of • Understand the Java programming
the Java programming language. Java is language
the primary language of software • Understand the Java product lifecycle
programming throughout the industry. • Understand object-oriented concepts
Job seekers equipped with this building in Java
block will be very well placed to compete • Use the Java language and how to
for a variety of available positions across create Java applications
the sector.
The participant will practice:
• Object-oriented analysis
Target Participants
• Basic programming techniques
The Fundamentals of Java course is aimed
• Using classes and methods
at beginners to programming who wish to • Using variables
learn the Java language. These will be • Using operators and loop constructs
jobseekers and for the most part will be • Using encapsulation and constructors
graduates of engineering and science
related subjects who are interested in Certification
making the transition to working in the Satisfactory completion of the course will lead
ICT sector. Candidates will be likely to to the award of a Certificate in Java
have an aptitude for mathematics or Fundamentals by DIT which will recognise a
science and an aptitude for and interest in grade based on a written examination and
ICT technologies. They will be interested continuous assessment. This will be a
in converting to work in the IT sector, be Continuing Professional Development Award
enthusiastic team players, organised and at Level 7 of the NFQI and will attract 5 ECTS
credits. Note this is not the Oracle Certified
self motivated, and be capable of effective
Java Associate qualification but will help
prioritisation. The course will also benefit
participants to prepare for that qualification.
unemployed participants wishing to begin
their study towards the Oracle Certified College Status
Java Associate Exam (OCJA), being aimed Participants will be fully registered students of
at those who wish to begin learning Java DIT and able to avail of all the College facilities
practically and at a steady pace. including use of the Library.
Course Content

Course Introduction Session 6: UNDERSTANDING METHODS

• Administration and Course Materials • Declare and Invoke Methods

• Course Structure and Agenda • Methods with Return Types
• Participant and Trainer Introductions • Overloading Methods
• Overriding Methods
Session 1: JAVA TECHNOLOGY PRIMER • Method Outputs

• Key Concepts of the Java Language Session 7: BASIC CLASSES AND VARIABLES
• Java Technology Landscape
• Understanding the Product Lifecycle • Understand Primitives
• Setup the Java SE Development Kit • Primitive Wrapper Classes
• Understand Enumerations
Session 2: PACKAGE, COMPILE, INTERPRET
Session 8: VARIABLE SCOPE AND CLASS
• Understanding Packages CONSTRUCTION
• Understanding Package-Derived
Classes • Local Variables
• Compiling Interpreting Java Code • Method Variables
• Instance Variables
Session 3: DEVELOPING AND TESTING A JAVA
PROGRAM Session 9: DECLARE, INITIALIZE AND USE
VARIABLES
• Creating Classes
• Compile and Run Command Line • Understand Variable Syntax
Programs • Use Java Primitive Variables
• Run Applications using the Main • Declare, Initialise and Utilise Variables
Method and Constants
• Moving from Procedural to Object • Adhere to Coding Standards
Oriented Java • Use of Java Operators
• Type Casting and Promotion
Session 4: PROGRAMMING WITH JAVA
STATEMENTS Session 10: LOOP CONSTRUCTS

• Assignments • Create and Use While Loops

• Conditional Statements • Create and Use For Loops Including
• Algorithms and Pseudo-Code For/Each Syntax
• Create and Use Do/While Loops
Session 5: JAVA OPERATORS AND STRINGS
Session 11: CREATE AND USE OBJECTS
• Assignment Operators
• Arithmetic Operators • Declare, Instantiate, and Initialize
• Relational Operators Object Variables
• Logical Operators • Understanding Java Objects
• String Objects and Methods • Understanding Java Enumerations
• Strong Typing
Session 12: USING ARRAYS Session 14: ENCAPSULATION AND
CONSTRUCTORS
• Building One-Dimensional Arrays
• Setting Array Values and Looping • Data Protection Through Encapsulation
Through Arrays • Access Modifiers
• Array Methods and Properties • Object Initialisation with Constructors
• Building Two-Dimensional Arrays
• Array Examples Session 15: UML TO REPRESENT OBJECT-
ORIENTED CONCEPTS
Session 13: CLASSES AND RELATIONSHIPS
• Class, Abstract Class and Interface
• Class Compositions and Association Diagrams
• Class Relationships • Attributes and Operations
• Multiplicities • Create Basic UML Diagrams
• Examples of Classes and • Recognise UML Associations
Relationships

www.ictirelandskillnet.org

Important Information: The Programme is only open to Irish or EEA nationals who are graduates and are
unemployed, though they need not be in receipt of any social welfare payment. Participation in this
programme is subject to a selection process and based on criteria which are available on request. ICT Ireland
Skillnet has sole discretion and is the final arbiter on who will participate. Making an application is not a
guarantee of selection. Applications are treated in strictest confidence. Applicants accept that no feedback will
be provided to them, or any other party regarding the selection process, nor will applicants be provided with
any reason for their non-selection. DSP Code: SKN-A

This programme is funded by Skillnets Ltd under the Jobseekers Support Programme, with funds from the National Training
Fund through the Department of Education and Skills.