Introduction to Informatics (first year, fall)
This exchange programme will give you
a thorough introduction in Software Engineering. It's the first semester of an Informatics bachelor programme.
About the exchange programme
All aspects of the software development lifecycle are discussed. Two projects form the center of this semester: The first one is about learning to develop a user interface for a simple case, working in an agile manner from analysis via design to implementation and validation. The second project focusses is about building a database application. Next to these two projects, the semester focusses on learning to work in an agile manner in a team, to use GitHub for the development and to get a foundation in Java programming and database development. The programme is intended for students who have no or only a basic experience with object oriented programming and relational database systems already and/or who want to learn how to develop in an agile manner.
Why this programme?
- A comprehensive introduction to Software Engineering, covering all aspects of the software development lifecycle.
- Interactive and practical learning experiences in small, international classes, emphasizing hands-on project work
- We focus on Object Oriented programming, Database Development and the Agile Process of software development, preparing students for real-world IT challenges.
More about Introduction to Informatics (first year)
What can you expect from us
Fontys helps students discover their talents and see how their studies support their future career. Every talent matters. Students build strong knowledge, good people skills and learn to work on complex problems.
They take responsibility for their learning and follow their own path based on their needs and abilities. Learning can happen anytime and anywhere, and crossing boundaries in learning and working is normal.
Students feel seen, supported and valued at Fontys.
What do we expect from you
Foreknowledge in the IT domain is not needed; interest in the IT discipline and an active and eager-to-learn attitude is all we expect.
Programme
The total workload for this programme is 30 European Credits, duration is 1 semester. The semester consists of two learning units, each worth 15 ECTS.
The semester consist out of different learning outcomes:
- Analyse
- Design
- Realise
- Manage and Control
- Professional Skills
Analyse - Analyse the UI requirements of a given simple case.
Topics:
- UML: User groups and personas, Use case diagram, User stories.
Design - Design a database for this case and validate it
Topics:
- UI/UX introduction, Windows design, Navigation diagram, Wireframing.
Realise - Implement and test the database and make it accessible via an user interface
Topics:
- Windows Programming environment and programmin basics like control structures and arrays
- Introduction to testing
- UI Technology
Manage and Control - Deploy and manage a database application in an agile manner
Topics:
- Interactive devolpment, Agile Development (principles, mindset and application)
- Git/GitHub introduction, Docker
- Internet Protocol IPv4 and perhaps IPv6
Professional Skills - Show adequate professional skills in a pre-structured well-guided and stable project
Topics:
- Teamwork, Professional way of working and Communication
- Decision making
Case/project - The authentic learning environment is about working in a team on an Equipment Loan Systems.
Analyse - Analyse the data requirements of a given simple case
Topics:
- Data modeling using ER diagrams, UML Domain model
- Use cases and use case diagram, use case descriptions
- Test scenario's
- GDPR
Design - Design a database for this case and validate it
Topics:
- Database design using relational models and normalisation
- Layered software architecture: separating user interface and business logic
- DBMS catagorisation, NoSQL introduction
- Prototyping, Hashing
Realise - Implement and test the database and make it accessible via a user interface
Topics:
- Databases (incl SQL DDL, SQL DML, Constraints, Stored procedures (PL/SQL), transactions, DBMS components
- OO-Programming (incl. inheritance, interfaces, abstract classes, ploymorphism, collections and iterators, exceptions
- UML package, component and deployment diagrams, Model-driven devolopment
- Unit testing basics
- REST API, Database Access, HTTP(s), OSI-model
Manage and Control - Deploy and manage a database application in an agile manner
Topics:
- Interactive devolpment, HitHub collaboration
- Docker, Deployment of end product
Professional Skills - Show adequate professional skills in a pre-structured well-guided and stable project
Topics:
- Teamwork and Communication
- Reflection and Critical thinking
Case/project - To be defined
.
Admission requirements
For this exchange programme we have the following admission requirements:
- English level: equivalent to IELTS 6.0;
- Prior knowledge in IT, more specifically some knowledge of Java & OO.
How will your course programme be recognised by your home university?
Fontys will provide you with a so-called ‘Transcript of Records’, which will clarify the results that you have achieved. Depending on your results, you will receive a maximum of 30 ECTS credits. ECTS credits are recognised throughout Europe. The agreement between your home university and Fontys University of Applied Sciences will usually include a condition whereby the credits that you obtain will be recognised and transferred into the records kept by your home university.
Practical information
- Start moment(s)
- September
- Location
- Venlo
- ECTs
- 30
- Language
- English
- Duration
- 1 semester
Applications should always be submitted via the International Exchange (or Erasmus) Officer at the home university. This officer will send your application request (nomination) to Fontys. Once Fontys has received the nomination, your Fontys study department will send you a link to a web application called Mobility Online. Please take a look here to see how it works.
If you want to come as a freemover, we also need your university to send us a nomination e-mail. Once we have received this we will send you our application information.
As a freemover the fees are €75 per ECTS. If you are not sure if your university is a partner of Fontys Venlo University of Applied Sciences, the international office of your home university can tell you more about this.
Deadlines
Spring semester:
Nomination deadline November 1st
Application deadline November 15th
Fall semester:
Nomination deadline May 1st
Application deadline May 15th
For more information concerning the start date, please get in touch with the contact person of the study department of the concerned exchange programme.
English language requirements
For most English taught exchange programmes a minimum level of English language proficiency of CEFR* B2 or an equivalent of IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80 is required. However there might be programmes where a higher level is required and submitting evidence might be necessary.
For more detailed information about practical matters, such as financial matters, residence permit, health insurance and accommodation, please click on the button below.
More information on practical mattersDoing a study abroad most certainly means a lot of excitement and perhaps also a bit of anxiety. Getting used to everything may be a challenge at times. You may have language difficulties or be unfamiliar with certain aspects of life in the Netherlands and at the university.
We receive around 100 international exchange students each semester. To give them a warm welcome into Dutch culture and at our campus, the International Office has set up a buddy programme. A buddy is a Fontys bachelor student who is familiar with the campus and who can give practical help with administrative systems, timetables etc. They know their way around the city of Venlo and can also help students to better understand Dutch traditions and habits and feel at home real soon!
What else can students expect from a buddy? A buddy will:
- meet you at the Venlo train station and accompany you to your room.
- help you get settled during the first weeks by answering practical questions related to living in Venlo and by showing you around town.
- help you with questions about campus life, teaching styles, campus set-up, how to prepare for exams, etc.
- help you with practical questions such as how to print documents, how to get connected to Wi-Fi, get acquainted with the Fontys portal, etc.
- introduce you to Dutch culture.
- be able to join you during social activities.
The programme seeks to give students the best possible start to their study abroad in Venlo and at our campus!