Diploma in Programming (IITM BS): Courses and Projects

The Diploma in Programming is one of the two diplomas at the diploma level of the IITM BS in Data Science. It has 6 theory courses worth 23 credits and 2 project courses worth 4 credits, so 27 credits in total. You can start it only after you pass all 8 foundation courses.

Courses in the Diploma in Programming

The 6 theory courses carry 23 credits together and the 2 projects carry 4 credits together. The DS handbook does not list a course code or a credit value for each of these courses on its own. If you need them, check the official course pages. The handbook itself uses the short names MAD1 and MAD2 for the app development courses and their projects.

The System Commands course is taught mainly on Ubuntu 20.04, so your laptop should be able to run it (dual boot or a virtual machine). The laptop requirements post has the details.

How the two projects are graded

The MAD1 and MAD2 projects are graded mainly through viva rounds.

• Your submitted app must first pass the app development check. Only then is your L1 viva scheduled.
• Each term there are two cutoffs for the L1 viva score. Below the lower cutoff, you resubmit. Between the two cutoffs, you get a D or E grade, which is a pass. Above the higher cutoff, you go to an L2 viva for a better grade.

The full process, with project improvement rules, is in how IITM BS projects are graded.

Order and prerequisites

• All 8 foundation courses must be done before any diploma course.
• The handbook suggests the same order of courses whether you take only this diploma or both diplomas.
• The handbook does not give a course by course prerequisite list for diploma courses. Confirm on the course page or with support before you register.

How long it takes

The handbook's suggested pace is written for the full diploma level (both diplomas):

The maximum allowed for the whole diploma level is 12 terms. If you started the diploma level from May 2024, checkpoints also apply. If you have not finished 3 courses and 1 project in your first 3 terms, you get a warning. If you have not finished 6 courses and 2 projects in 6 terms (and so on up to 12 terms), you are removed. See diploma level checkpoints.

What the diploma gives you as an exit

• You can leave the programme with the Diploma in Programming alone. The handbook lists it as one of the exit awards.
• If you quit after it, your status is shown as "DP certified". You do not get alumnus status, which is only for students who complete the BSc or higher.
• This diploma alone does not let you enter the degree level. For that you need all 12 diploma courses and 4 projects, which means both diplomas. Read can you do both diplomas.

Common questions

Can I do only the Diploma in Programming and skip the Data Science diploma?

Yes, you can exit with just this diploma. But you cannot move to the BSc level without also finishing the Diploma in Data Science, since the degree level needs all 12 diploma courses and 4 projects.

What happens if my app scores low in the L1 viva twice?

If your L1 score is below the lower cutoff, you get a few days to resubmit in the same term. If the second attempt is also below it, you have to redo the project in the next term.

Does this diploma help with any degree level course?

Yes. The Application Development Lab (BSCS4010), a 4 credit degree level elective, lists the Diploma in Programming as its prerequisite.

Can I join the Diploma in Programming directly without the foundation level?

Data Science has a separate direct admission qualifier for each diploma. Students who enter the programming diploma this way first study Computational Thinking and Introduction to Python. See direct entry to the diploma level.