Conceptual Modelling and Programming
290059 VU · Summer Semester 2026 · University of Vienna
Course Description
This course introduces fundamental concepts of object-oriented programming through Java, using geospatial concepts as a unifying theme — progressing from abstract modelling to real-world geographic applications. Students will learn to model real-world phenomena as computational abstractions, understand how GIS software works under the hood, and develop collaborative programming skills.
Instructor
Logistics
- Class meetings: Mondays, 11:30 – 14:30, Multimedia Mapping-Labor, NIG 1.Stock C0110
- Course platform: We will be using Moodle for announcements, materials, and assignment submissions.
- Textbooks:
- A Practical Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis
- Introduction to Programming Using Java
- Think Java: How to Think Like a Computer Scientist
Grading Policy
Midterm 40%
Final 40%
Participation 10%
Assignment 10%
- Both exams are paper-based — you will write source code on paper.
- No make-up exams are offered.
- There is one mandatory individual assignment (Week 8, 10%).
- Optional weekly assignments are offered throughout the semester for practice.
Schedule
Subject to change as the semester progresses.
| Date | Week | Topic | Materials | Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 — Foundations | ||||
| 13.04.2026 | W1 | Intro, Data Types, Operators, and Control Statements | Slides Code | |
| 20.04.2026 | W2 | Methods and Object Orientation I | W1 Assignment (optional) | |
| 27.04.2026 | W3 | Methods and Object Orientation II | W2 Assignment (optional) | |
| Phase 2 — Inheritance & Polymorphism | ||||
| 04.05.2026 | W4 | Inheritance and Polymorphism I | W3 Assignment (optional) | |
| 11.05.2026 | W5 | Inheritance and Polymorphism II | W4 Assignment (optional) | |
| Midterm | ||||
| 18.05.2026 | W6 | MIDTERM EXAM — Covers Weeks 1–5 | Exam (40%) | |
| Phase 3 — GUI & Applications | ||||
| 01.06.2026 | W7 | GUI I and Action Listeners | W5 Assignment (optional) | |
| 08.06.2026 | W8 | GUI, File Readers, and MVC | Mandatory Assignment issued | |
| Phase 4 — Advanced Topics | ||||
| 15.06.2026 | W9 | Ripley’s K Worked Example | ||
| 22.06.2026 | W10 | External Libraries and Exceptions | Mandatory Assignment due | |
| Final | ||||
| 29.06.2026 | W11 | FINAL EXAM — Covers all weeks | Exam (40%) | |
Attendance Policy
Attendance is at your discretion.