Programming Fundamentals Part 2 (Java)

Programming Fundamentals Part 2 (Java) at British Columbia Institute of Technology builds on foundational Python knowledge and advances students’ programming expertise through applied problem-solving and best practices. As the second course in a three-part programming fundamentals series, COMP 2501 introduces application programming interfaces (APIs) and guides learners through the transition from Python to Java. While not a dedicated Java development course, it emphasizes core object-oriented programming concepts, including encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and exception handling.

Through hands-on labs and exercises, students practice designing solutions before implementation, writing automated tests, and developing structured, maintainable code. With a strong focus on participation and consistent engagement, the course prepares learners to write robust programs and continue into advanced studies such as procedural programming in C or object-oriented programming. COMP 2501 is a required course for BCIT’s Applied Software Development and Computer Systems Certificate programs, supporting pathways into technical and software development careers.

Admission Requirements

• Successful completion of Programming Fundamentals Part 1 (Python).

What You’ll Learn

• Describe and apply core OOP concepts including classes, objects, inheritance, encapsulation, and polymorphism.
• Design solutions using class diagrams and implement well-structured object-oriented programs.
• Validate data and handle standard exceptions to build robust, reliable applications.
• Write, debug, refactor, and test programs using automated testing practices.
• Work with primitive and reference types, collections, iterators, and data sources/sinks.
• Apply OOP best practices, use APIs effectively, and participate in small-team code walkthroughs.