ECM2433 | 2025/6 | University of Exeter

MODULE TITLE	The C Family	CREDIT VALUE	15
MODULE CODE	ECM2433	MODULE CONVENER	Prof Richard Everson (Coordinator)

DURATION: TERM	1	2	3
DURATION: WEEKS	0	11	0

Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated)	200

DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

The family of C languages includes some of the most widely-used programming languages in science and commerce today. From embedded systems to scientific modelling and from mobile apps to web services, many of the systems around us have been developed in a C family language. Although writing in these compiled languages can be more complex and exacting than some more recent languages, they offer greater performance and direct access to operating system services. In this module you will be introduced to a number of the C family languages, their history and relationships, and the computer systems that they are most commonly used to develop.

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module aims to develop skills in the C family languages including the syntax of each language and its predominant application area. The module also aims to highlight the similarities and differences between each of the languages, to explain their shared history and to describe the relationship between these languages, principally C, C++ and Rust, and languages such as Java and Python.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

1. Read and write computer programs in C, C++ and Rust;

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of relevant languages;

3. Describe the similarities and differences between these languages and explain their shared history and relationships with other languages.

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

4. Identify common programming structures amongst separate languages;

5. Choose appropriate languages for specific applications;

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

6. Use C languages for the development of a variety of programming tasks.

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

• History of C languages and relationship with other current languages;

• C syntax and applications;

• Interaction with system services via the standard C library;

• C++ syntax and standard library;

• Rust syntax and surrounding programming environment;

• Summary of languages highlighting feature comparison.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities	36	Guided Independent Study	114	Placement / Study Abroad	0

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled learning & teaching	3	Lectures
Scheduled learning & teaching	33	Computer-based workshops
Guided independent study	40	Independent assignments
Guided independent study	77	Private Study

ASSESSMENT

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade

Form of Assessment	Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)	ILOs Assessed	Feedback Method
Programming exercises	In weekly programming workshops	1,2,4,5, 6	Verbal feedback and automated code analysis

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)

Coursework	25	Written Exams	50	Practical Exams	25

DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Form of Assessment	% of Credit	Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)	ILOs Assessed	Feedback Method
Weekly programming exercises	25	10 hours	1-2, 4-6	Written and automated code analysis
In-class programming exercise	10	2 hours	1-2, 4-6	Written
In-class programming exercise	15	2 hours	1-2, 4-6	Written
Examination	50	2 hours	1-6	Individual marksheet

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)

Original Form of Assessment	Form of Re-assessment	ILOs Re-assessed	Time Scale for Re-assessment
In-class programming tests	In-class programming test (50%)	1-2, 4-6	Referral/deferral period
Examination	Examination (50%)	1-6	Referral/deferral period

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Reassessment will be by coursework in the failed or deferred element only. For referred candidates, the module mark will be capped at 40%. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.

RESOURCES

INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

• Brian Kernighan and Dennis Ritchie. The C Programming Language (2nd edition), Addison-Wesley, 1988.

• Bjarne Stroustrup. The C++ Programming Language (4th Edition). Addison-Wesley, 2013.

• Stanley Lippman, Josée Lajoie, Barbara Moo. C++ Primer. Addison-Wesley, 2012.

• Brian Ward. How LINUX Works; what every superuser should know (3rd edition). No Starch Press. 2021.

• Steve Klabnik, Carol Nichols. The Rust Programming Language (2nd edition). No Starch Press. 2023.

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE	15	ECTS VALUE	7.5

PRE-REQUISITE MODULES	ECM1410, ECM1400
CO-REQUISITE MODULES

NQF LEVEL (FHEQ)	5	AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING	No
ORIGIN DATE	Thursday 14th March 2024	LAST REVISION DATE	Wednesday 11th June 2025

KEY WORDS SEARCH	C language, programming

The C Family - 2025 entry