AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER STUDIES AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

 

Course Syllabus:  COSC 1315 – Fundamentals of Programming

Synonym 16541 – Fall 2010

 

Lecture:          RGC    017      Tuesday, Thursday                  1:25 pm –   2:40 pm

Lab:                RGC   116       Tuesday                                   2:50 pm –  3:40 pm

 

Instructor:  Ron Bass

Office Telephone:  223-3180

Office:  Rio Grande Campus 217 and NRG CS Open Lab

Office Hours:  Monday        3-7 pm

                         Tuesday          6-7 pm

                         Wednesday   3-7 pm

                         Thursday        6-7 pm

E-mail:  rbass@austincc.edu

Home page: http://www.austincc.edu/RonBass/

 

Course Description:  An introduction to computer concepts, logic, and computer programming.  Includes designing, coding, debugging, testing, and documenting programs using a high-level programming language.

 

Pre-requisite:  B-Reading and Math.

 

Approved Text and Teaching Materials:

An Introduction to Programming with C++, 6th edition, Diane Zak, Course Technology, 2011.  (ISBN-13: 978-0-538-46652-3, ISBN-10: 0-538-46652-9)

 

Instructional Methodology:  This course will have both lecture and lab each week.  If the students are unable to finish the assigned lab work within the lab time, they will need to visit the CIS open labs. 

 

Course Rationale:  This is an entry level programming course designed to teach students the basics of programming.  The course will include designing, coding, debugging, testing, and documenting programs using a high level programming language.  This course is included in the following degree plans:

  • Associate of Applied Science – Computer Programming
  • Associate of Applied Science – Local Area Network Administration
  • Associate of Applied Science – Microcomputer Application Support

 

 

Course Objectives / Learning Outcomes:

1.      Recognize basic computer hardware architecture constructs such as instructions sets, memory, CPU, external devices, and data representation.

2.      Use programming software tools including compilers, linkers, editors, and integrated development environments to create and test programs.

3.      Demonstrate problem solving skills by developing algorithms to solve problems incorporating the concept of variables and constants of basic data types in a computer program.

4.      Utilize programming constructs which uses input and output devices for acquiring and displaying data including sequential files.

5.      Create programming designs which includes step-by-step algorithms and desk checking to validate problem solutions.

6.      Incorporate the use of sequential, selection and repetition control structures into the algorithms implemented as computer programs.

7.      Demonstrate an understanding of structured design by implementing programs with functions and passing of parameters to solve more complex problems and to promote the concept of efficient use of code.

8.      Design and implement programs using arrays.

9.      Design and write programs which use data consisting of words and sentences using the string object.

 

SCANS Competencies: 

Competencies have been identified that are relevant to the level of instruction in the community college environment.  These competencies reflect the knowledge and skills employees need to succeed in any occupation.  This course will expose the student to the concepts and application of the following competencies:

  • Students select relevant goal-related activities, rank them in order of importance, allocate time to these activities, and understand, prepare and follow schedules.
  • Students acquire and evaluate information.
  • Students organize and maintain information.
  • Students interpret and communicate information.
  • Students use computers to process information.
  • Students know how social, organizational and technological systems work and operate effectively with them.
  • Students suggest modification to existing systems and develop new or alternative systems to improve performance.
  • Students understand overall intent and proper procedure for setup and operation of equipment.
  • Students locate, understand, and interpret written information in prose and in documents such as manuals, graphs, and schedules.
  • Students communicate thoughts, ideas, information, and messages in writing; create documents such as letters, directions, manuals, reports, graphs, and flow charts.
  • Students perform basic computations; use basic numerical concepts such as whole numbers, etc.
  • Students approach practical problems by choosing appropriately from a variety of mathematical techniques.
  • Students receive, attend to, interpret, and respond to verbal messages and other cues.
  • Students specify goals and constraints, generate alternatives, consider risks, and evaluate and chooses best alternative.
  • Students recognize problems and devise and implement plan of action.
  • Students organize and process symbols, pictures, graphs, objects, and other information.
  • Students use efficient learning techniques to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills.
  • Students discover a rule or principle underlying the relationship between two or more objects and apply it when solving a problem.
  • Students exert a high level of effort and persevere towards goal attainment.
  • Students believe in own self-worth and maintain a positive view of self.
  • Students demonstrate understanding, friendliness, adaptability, empathy, and politeness in group settings.
  • Students assess self accurately, set personal goals, monitor progress, and exhibit self-control.
  • Students choose ethical courses of action.

 

Grade Policy:

 

Grade will be assigned based both on concepts and practical application. Exams, quizzes, and lab projects will be a part of the grade.  An overall grade will be assigned on the following grading scale:

 

90%  - 100%         A

80%  -  89%          B

70%  -  79%          C

60%  -  69%          D

0%    -  59%          F

 

Each student’s grade for this course consists of 3 comprehensive exams (45%), a departmental exam (15%), 12 homework assignments (20%), and 10 laboratory exercises (20%). 

 

EXAM 1

150 points

150 points total

EXAM 2

150 points

150 points total

EXAM 3

175 points

175 points total

Departmental Exam

150 points

150 points total

14 Homework Assignments

Points vary

225 points total

10 Laboratory Exercises

15 points each

150 points total

TOTAL

 

1000 points

 

ALL homework assignments are due at the start of class on the date(s) indicated in the schedule.  Homework assignments may be turned in up to one week after the due date with a late penalty of 20%.  Lab assignments are due no later than the start of the next scheduled lab period.  Scheduling of computer time outside of regular lab time is the student’s responsibility.  Availability of computers is NOT an excuse for being late with any assignment.  The last date to submit assignments for consideration this semester is December 3, 2010.

 

Exams 1, 2 and 3 consist of both a written exam (80%) and a lab exam (20%).  There are NO makeup exams given in this course. If a student misses an exam, the next exam will count double.  Only one exam may be missed and there will be NO make up for EXAM 3 or the departmental exam.

 

 

Course/Class Policies:

 

Academic Integrity

 

A student is expected to complete his or her own projects and tests.  Students are responsible for observing the policy on academic integrity as described in the current ACC Student Handbook, under “Student Discipline Policy, Section C”.

 

The penalty accessed will be in accordance with the current ACC Student Handbook policy.  See http://www.austincc.edu/handbook/policies4.php for more information.

 

For this course, the penalty for scholastic dishonesty is a grade of ‘F’ for the course.


Incomplete

 

A student may receive a temporary grade of “I” (Incomplete) at the end of the semester only if ALL of the following conditions are satisfied:

 

1.      The student is unable to complete the course during the semester due to circumstances beyond their control.

2.      The student must have earned at least half of the grade points needed for a “C” by the end of the semester.

3.      The request for the grade must be made in person at the instructor’s office and necessary documents completed.

4.      To remove an “I”, the student must complete the course by two weeks before the end of the following semester.  Failure to do so will result in the grade automatically reverting to an “F”.

Freedom of Expression Policy

 

It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.

 

Tutoring

 

Free tutoring is provided for this course both on line and face-to-face.  For online schedules and details please refer to http:://www.austincc.edu/cit

Attendance / Withdrawal

 

Students are expected to attend classes and will be held responsible for all material covered in class.  Regular attendance helps ensure satisfactorily progression towards completion of the course.  

 

It is the student’s responsibility to complete a Withdrawal Form in the Admissions Office if they wish to withdraw from this class.  The instructor may withdraw students from this class if their absences exceed 10% of the total number of class meetings or if the student fails to attempt 4 graded assignments by the last date to receive credit.  The last date to withdraw for this semester is November 18, 2010.  It is not the responsibility of the instructor to withdraw the students from their class even though the instructor has the prerogative to do so under the above listed circumstances.

 

ALERT:  New state law for new students. No more than six course withdrawals throughout your undergraduate education, regardless of how many colleges you attend.  Students who entered college before fall 2007 are not affected.  Ask a counselor for details.

 

Student Files – Privacy

 

The information that a student stores in his/her student volume in the Computer Studies Labs may be viewed by their instructor for educational and academic reasons.

 

Students with Disabilities

 

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities.  Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes.  Students are encouraged to make this request three weeks before the start of the semester.  (Refer to the current ACC Student Handbook).

 

Communication

 

The ACC online Blackboard system http://acconline.austincc.edu and the ACCmail accounts will be used as the official communication system during this semester.  Lecture notes, handouts, changes to course schedule or assignments and your grades will be posted on Blackboard and all email communication will be via the ACCmail accounts.  All students are expected to check both Blackboard and their ACCmail accounts on a regular basis.  For information on how to log onto Blackboard 8.0 and ACCmail please visit the following sites: http://irt.austincc.edu/blackboard/stlogin.html http://www.austincc.edu/google/.

A brief orientation will be provided during the first class laboratory period.

 

 

Use of Electronic Devices

 

The use of cell phones, pagers and personal electronic devices are not allowed at any time in the class or lab.  The use of a laptop computer in class or lab is restricted to instructor approved activities.

 

 

 

User ID and Passwords

 

Lab:

ID_____________________ Password______________________________

 

 

Blackboard: http://acconline.austincc.edu

 

Use your ACCeID and password for Blackboard.

 

 

ACCmail: For information on how to activate and manage your ACC mail please refer to http://www.austincc.edu/google/.

 

Fundamentals of Programming

Course Schedule

Tuesday Lab

 

Week Num

Date

Lec/

Lab

Topic

Assignment

1

8/24

 

8/26

Lec

 

Course Introduction

Overview of a Computer System

Chapter 1: An Introduction to Programming

 

 

Zak, pgs 1-15

 

8/24

Lab

Lab Orientation

 

2

8/31

 

9/2

Lec

Chapter 2: Beginning the Problem Solving Process

Chapter 3: Variables and Constants

Zak, pgs 22-46

HW – Chap 1

Zak, pgs 51-72

8/31

Lab

Problem Solving - Concepts

IPO Charts

3

9/7

9/9

Lec

Chapter 3: (Continued)

Chapter 4: Completing the Problem Solving Process

HW – Chap 2

Zak, pgs 77-108

9/7

Lab

Introduction to Dev C++ Compiler

Demonstration

4

9/14

 

9/16

Lec

Chapter 4 (continued)

 

Review for EXAM I

Zak, pgs 153-201

HW – Chap 3

(Chapters 1 - 4)

9/14

Lab

 

Lab 4-2

5

9/21

9/23

Lec

EXAM 1

Chapter 5: The Selection Structure

HW – Chap 4 Zak, pgs 119-154

9/21

Lab

EXAM 1

 

6

9/28

9/30

Lec

Chapter 5 (continued)

Chapter 6: More on the Selection Structure

HW – Chap 5

Zak, pgs 163-199

9/30

Lab

 

Lab 5-2

7

10/5

 

10/7

Lec

Chapter 7: The Repetition Structure

 

Chapter 7: (continued)

Zak, pgs 213-254

HW – Chap 6

 

10/5

Lab

 

Lab 6-2

8

10/12

 

10/14

Lec

Chapter 8: More on the Repetition Structure

Review for EXAM 2

Zak, pgs 264-300

HW – Chap 7

(Chapters 5 - 8)

10/12

Lab

 

Lab 7-2

9

10/19

10/21

Lec

EXAM 2

Chapter 9: Value-Returning Functions

HW – Chap 8

Zak, pgs 308-362

10/19

Lab

EXAM 2

 

10

10/26

10/28

Lec

Chapter 9 (continued)

Chapter 10: Void Functions

HW – Chap 9

Zak, pgs 370-405

10/26

Lab

 

Lab 9-2

11

11/2

 

11/4

Lec

Chapter 10 (continued)

 

Chapter 11: One-Dimensional Arrays

Zak, pgs 547-576

HW – Chap 10

Zak, 419-477

11/2

Lab

 

Lab 10-2

12

11/9

 

11/11

Lec

Chapter 11 (continued)

 

Chapter 12: Two-Dimensional Arrays

Zak, pgs 607-659

HW – Chap 11

 

11/9

Lab

 

Lab 11-2

13

11/16

 

11/18

Lec

Chapter 13: String Manipulation

 

Chapter 14: Sequential Access Files

Zak, pgs 687-711

HW – Chap 12

Zak, pgs 759-772

11/16

Lab

 

Lab 12-2

14

11/23

11/25

Lec

 

HOLIDAY – NO CLASS

HW – Chap 13

 

11/23

Lab

 

Lab 13-2

15

11/30

12/2

Lec

Review for Final Exams

Review for Final Exams

HW – Chap 14

Chapters 1 - 13

11/30

Lab

 

Lab 14-2

16

12/7

12/9

Lec

EXAM 3

Departmental EXAM

 

12/7

Lab

EXAM 3

 

 

Note:  The instructor has the prerogative to change the course schedule as required. 

Students are expected to read and study the assigned material, per the course schedule, BEFORE each class, this includes the lab assignments!!