CMPT 1010

Course code CMPT 1010

Credit 3.0

Length 60.0 hours

Course outline View

This course provides students an introduction to computing science and computer programming, using a systems oriented language, such as C or C++. This course introduces basic computing science concepts. Topics will include: elementary data types, control structures, functions, arrays and strings, fundamental algorithms, computer organization and memory management.

Prerequisites

Pre-calculus 12 or MATH 1020 Precalculus or MATH 0983/0993 Math Parts 1 & 2 or VCC Math Pre-calculus Assessment Test with a minimum grade of '72%' or equivalent.

Missing prerequisites?

Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.

What you will learn

  • Introduction to computing systems and programming (programming languages, compilers, and interpreters; software development cycle; algorithm design and programming process; programming errors and code debugging; Integrated Development Environments)
  • Programming Fundamentals (primitive data types; variables, literals, constants; identifier naming conventions; assignment operator; basic I/O and output formatting; expressions and arithmetic operators; type casting; comments and code documentation)
  • Conditional structures and loops (decision-making structures; relational operators; logical operators; repetition structures and loop design strategies; nested constructs)
  • Functions (defining and calling a function; local, global and static local variables; passing parameters by value and by reference; default arguments; function overloading; mathematical library functions)
  • Recursion (problem solving using recursion; recursive vs iterative implementations)
  • Arrays and C-strings (array basics; passing and returning arrays to/from functions; range-based for loop; multi-dimensional arrays; arrays of characters and c-strings; c-string and character manipulation library functions)
  • Searching and sorting algorithms (basic searching algorithms; introduction to sorting algorithms)
  • Pointers and dynamic memory allocation (pointer variables; pointers as function parameters and return values; dynamic memory allocation)
  • Introduction to object-oriented programming (structures; classes and objects; member variables and functions; private vs private class members; class constructors, destructors and constructing objects; accessors and mutators; arrays of objects)
  • File input/output (text files vs binary files; basic file operations)
  • Program style standards (readable programs; documentation; software maintenance)

How to register

Please contact the School of Instructor Education at 604.871.7488 or 604.871.7499 or by email at sie@vcc.ca to apply.
For more information, please see the PIDP Program Content Guide.

Course schedules

Select your program to see the available course schedules.

CRN# Duration Delivery Location
41662 January 5, 2026
to April 22, 2026
Lecture
Online
VCC Broadway Building B - Room 2213
Online
VCC Broadway Building B
See full schedule

Online courses listed without scheduled meeting times can be completed on your own schedule.

Contact us

If you have any question, please email at sie@vcc.ca.

† This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.

Indigenous Territory Acknowledgment

VCC is located on the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, and we acknowledge our privilege to be here.