Object-oriented Java programming
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This module teaches the fundamental ideas behind the object-oriented approach to programming through the widely used Java programming language. Concentrating on aspects of Java that best demonstrate object-oriented principles and good practice, you’ll gain a solid basis for further study of the Java language and object-oriented software development. Some experience in writing computer programs is essential.
What you will study
In the object-oriented view of software, programs are considered collections of objects that interact using each other’s methods and results. These ideas are at the forefront of modern software development.
Throughout the module, you’ll use BlueJ, an integrated development environment (IDE) specifically developed for teaching and learning object-oriented programming. BlueJ is used worldwide and is easy to use. It emphasises visualisation and interaction techniques that encourage experimentation and exploration.
The module takes an ‘objects first’ approach to teaching; you start seeing and interacting with objects from the beginning, supported by BlueJ features that allow you to learn the principles of object construction and method calling.
You’ll soon start using Java code and syntax to edit provided practical examples, such as a ticket machine, a digital clock, and a program that draws simple graphics. Initially, you’ll add minor functionality to the provided projects and experiment with their facilities.
The module continues the teaching about fundamental object-oriented ideas by investigating:
- how to control the initial state of newly created objects
- different kinds of variables and methods in Java
- different kinds of data, including primitive and object types
- inheritance hierarchies and their impact on code reuse
- overriding methods and polymorphism
- abstract classes and interfaces
- file input and output.
Along the way, you’ll learn about Java structures for selection and iteration and more about some of the core Java library classes. We introduce you to ideas about writing Java code in a good style and using appropriate design, as well as about different kinds of errors you will encounter and how to deal with them.
As you go on, you’ll develop increasingly complex object-oriented projects from scratch, using the BlueJ IDE, and better understand the more complex examples in the textbook. The skill of appropriately utilising a provided library of classes (searching for a useful class and method, for example) is explicitly developed in this context.
The last part of the module begins by investigating how data is written to and from files in Java and how objects can be made persistent by writing them to file. Both of these techniques are useful in larger-scale programs.
Entry requirements
You need to be familiar with basic programming concepts – check if you’re ready for M250, with our .
You’d normally be prepared by completing OU level 1 study as part of one of our computing and IT qualifications. For this module, we recommend that you’ve passed Introduction to computing and technology 1 (TM111) and Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112); or their predecessor TU100. Alternatively, you should be familiar with two other programming languages such as Scratch and Python.
What's included
The module uses a text book (Objects First with BlueJ, by Barnes and K枚lling), which will be provided in print and ebook versions. This is supplemented by a range of online materials provided on the module website including OU produced Chapter Companions, supplements, software, programming activities, student forums and a study planner.
Computing requirements
- Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
- Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
- Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
- Operating systems – Windows 11 or latest supported macOS. Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 as of 14 October 2025.
- Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
- Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended. Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.