AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER STUDIES AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

 

Course Syllabus:  COSC 1315 – Fundamentals of Programming

Synonym 41413 – Fall 2009

 

Lecture:          RGC 111         Monday                                   9-9:50

RGC 111         Wednesday                             9-9:50

                        RGC 109         Monday                                   10-10:50

 

Lab:                RGC 109         Wednesday                             10-10:50

 

Instructor:  Ron Bass

Office Telephone:  223-3180

Office:  Rio Grande Campus 217

Office Hours:  Monday/Wednesday        7:30 – 9 am and 4 – 7 pm

                         Thursday        12:25 – 1:25 pm and 2:40 – 4:10 pm

E-mail:  rbass@austincc.edu

Home page: http://www2.austincc.edu/RBass

 

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++, Custom fifth edition, Diane Zak, Course Technology, 2009.  (ISBN-13: 978-1-4240-7921-6, ISBN-10: 1-4240-7921-7)

 

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.      Demonstrate problem solving skills by developing algorithms to solve problems incorporating the concept of data abstraction in a computer program.

  1. Design a simple program using the specifications provided by creating structure charts, modules and pseudocode.
  2. Implement a simple program by writing the code, performing unit testing and debugging the program.
  3. Incorporate the use of sequential, selection and repetition control structures into a program.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of the design and implementation of functions and the passing of parameters to simplify the solution of large problems and to promote the concept of code reuse.
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of array processing by using them successfully in a programming assignment.
  6. Understand the basic principles and concepts of object-oriented programming.

 

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 exams (45%), 13 Practice Quizzes (26%), 13 laboratory exercises (26%), and 3 special assignments (3%).

Tests                                       45% (15% each)

Labs                                       26% (2% each)

Quizzes                                 26% (2% each)

Special Assignments          3% (1% each)

ALL assignments are due on the date indicated in the course in the course schedule.  Lab assignments may be turned in up to one week after the due date with a late penalty of 20%.  Lab assignments are due by 10 pm on the indicated dates.  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. 

 

Exams 1, 2 and 3 consist of both a written exam (50%) and an objective exam (50%).  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 23, 2009.  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/.

 

COURSE SCHEDULE This schedule may be subject to minor corrections and modifications during the semester

 (16-Week M/W)  

 

Topics

Chapter

Readings

Homework and Study Activities

Programming Assignments

Tests/Exams

Week 1:

Introduction to Programming

Introduction to Control Structures

Chapter 1

Chapter 1 Self Directed Study -Application Lesson Labs 1.1 and 1.2

Login to student account in the lab

Chapter 1, Exercise 3, 4 and 5 on Page 17 (Due: 9/2)

 Blackboard - Chapter 1 Quiz Part A and Part B (Due: 8/31)

Week 2:

Beginning the Problem-Solving Process

Chapter 2

Chapter 2 Self Directed Study -Application Lesson Labs 2.1 through 2.5

Chapter 2, Exercise 4, Page 79 and Exercise 7 Pages 80-81. (Due: 9/9)

 Blackboard – Chapter 2 Quiz Part A and Part B (Due: 9/9)

Week 3:

Completing the Problem-Solving Process and Getting Started with C++

Chapter 3

Chapter 3 Self Directed Study -Application Lesson Labs 3.1 through 3.5

Chapter 3 Exercise 4, Page 149 and Exercise 5 Pages 149-150 (Due: 9/16)

 Blackboard – Chapter 3 Quiz Part A and Part B (Due: 9/14)

Week 4:

Variables, Constants, and Arithmetic Operators

Chapter 4

Chapter 4 Self Directed Study -Application Lesson Labs 4.1 through 4.5

Chapter 4  Exercise 6, Page 217 and Exercise 9 Page 219 (Due: 9/23)

 Blackboard – Chapter 4 Quiz Part A and Part B (Due: 9/21)

Week 5:

The Selection Structure

Chapter 5

Chapter 5 Self Directed Study - Application Lesson Labs 5.1 through 5.5

Chapter 5 Exercise 5, Page 287 (Due: 9/30)

 Blackboard -  Chapter 5 Quiz Part A and Part B (Due:  9/28)

 Week 6:

 

Test 1 Review (9/30)

 

Test #1 covering Overview and Chapters 1-5 (10/5)

Week 7:

More on the Selection Structure

Chapter 6

Chapter 6 Self Directed Study - Application Lesson Labs 6.1 through 6.5

Chapter 6 Exercise  6, Page 355 (Due: 10/14)

 

 Blackboard – Chapter 6 Quiz Part A and Part B  (Due: 10/12)

Week 8:

The Repetition Structure

 

Chapter 7

 

Chapter 7 Self Directed Study - Application Lesson Labs 7.1 through 7.5

Chapter 7 Exercise 4 , Page 423 (Due: 10/21)

 

 Blackboard – Chapter 7 Quiz Part A and Part B (Due: 10/19 )

 Week 9:

More on the Repetition Structure

 Chapter 8

Chapter 8 Self Directed Study - Application Lesson Labs 8.1 through 8.5

Chapter 8 Exercise 5 , Page 471 (Due: 10/28)

 Blackboard Chapter 8 Quiz Part A and Part B (Due: 10/26)

Week 10:

Value-Returning Functions

Chapter 9

Chapter 9 Self Directed Study - Application Lesson Labs 9.1 through 9.5

 

Chapter 9 Exercise 1 , Pages 541-542 (Due: 11/4)

 Blackboard – Chapter 9 Quiz Part A and Part B (Due: 11/2)

 

Week 11:

Review and Test 2

 

Text 2 Review (11/4)

 

Test #2 covering Chapters 6-9 (11/9)

Week 12:

Void Functions

Chapter 10

Chapter 10 Self Directed Study - Application Lesson Labs 10.1 through 10.5

Chapter 10 Exercise 1, Pages 598-600 (Due: 11/18)

 Blackboard – Chapter 10 Quiz  Part A and Part B (Due: 11/16)

Week 13:

Arrays

Chapter 11

Chapter 11 Self Directed Study - Application Lesson Labs 11.1 through 11.5

Chapter 11 Exercises 6 and 7, Pages 680-681 458 (Due: 11/25)

 Blackboard – Chapter 11 Quiz  Part A and Part B (Due: 11/23 )

Week 14:

String Manipulation

Chapter 12

Chapter 12 Self Directed Study - Application Lesson Labs 12.1 through 12.5 

Chapter 12 Exercise 2, Page 734 (Due: 12/2)

 Blackboard – Chapter 12 Quiz Part A and Part B (Due: 11/30)

Week 15:

Sequential Access Files

Classes and Objects

Chapter 13

Chapter 13 Self Directed Study - Application Lesson Labs 13.1 through 13.5

Chapter 13 Exercise 1, Page 806-807 (Due: 12/7 See Note Below*)

 Blackboard – Chapter 13 Quiz Part A and Part B (Due: 12/7)

 

Week 16:

Review & Text 3

 

Test 3 Review (12/7

 

Test #3 covering Chapters 10-13 (12/09)

Note* During the last week of the semester, the lab will be on Monday 11/7 (instead of Wednesday)

All programming assignments must have a cover sheet similar to the example attached to the syllabus.  If the assignment involves writing and testing a C++ program, you must attach the source file, the programs output, and hard copies of any data files.  All assignments are submitted as hard copy.  Application Lessons Labs for each chapter are for self study and are not graded.  You may ask your instructor to review them during lab if you like.  The answer to all application labs are in the textbook.

 

COSC 1315

 

Fundamentals of Programming

 

 

Student Name

 

Chapter 1

 

Exercise 3, Pages 23-24

 

Date Due:  September 11, 2009

 

Date Submitted: September 11, 2009