Spring 1999 Syllabus
CIS 2043 - Visual Basic Programming
Lecture Section 3864
Wed 5:40 - 7:20 PM RVS Bldg G Room 9116
Wed 7:30 - 9:20 PM RVS Bldg G Room 9138
Bob Comer, Associate Professor, CIS/CSC
phone: 512-223-6256 email: comer@austin.cc.tx.us web: www.austin.cc.tx.us/comer/
Office hours and location are posted on my web page

This course covers the concepts, design, and programming techniques for graphical user interfaces (GUI's) using Visual Basic. Advanced techniques and problem solving, programming algorithms, and sequential and random access files are also covered. A review of elementary Basic is included.

CIS 1033 Fundamentals of Programming or CIS 1023 Visual Programming or departmental approval.

1. Develop an appreciation for and understanding of Graphical User Interfaces.
2. Develop an appreciation for and understanding of random and sequential file handling in a Windows environment.
3. Develop an appreciation for and understanding of the use of Visual Basic as a front end for database programming.
4. Design, code, debug, test, and document programs using a professional programming style.
5. Write programs using Visual Basic which illustrate the following topics: event-driven procedures, design-time and run-time specification of control properties, dialog boxes, menus, multiple forms, and file handling.

Instructional Materials

Textbook: Programming in Visual Basic Version 5.0, by Bradley and Millspaugh, 1996, Irwin Press.

Materials: Two or three 3.5" High Density diskette and 9"x12" manilla envelopes.

Class progress: Students are expected to keep up with the schedule of the class. In this course, each new concept builds on previous concepts so that regular progress through the material is crucial to success on tests and assignments.

Withdrawal: A student who does not participate and does not officially drop the course will be given an F for the course. THE INSTRUCTOR WILL NOT AUTOMATICALLY WITHDRAW STUDENTS FROM THIS COURSE! According to the College calendar, the last day to withdraw (initiated by instructor or student) is Friday, April 16, 1999.

Incomplete: A grade of Incomplete will not be given a student unless there is sufficient justification. An Incomplete is rarely to the advantage of the student since most Incomplete grades are not completed successfully. The instructor encourages students to avoid situations requiring Incomplete Grades if at all possible. A student who is not current in the course will not be considered for an Incomplete grade.

Participation: Students are expected to participate in classroom discussions. Students are encouraged to ask questions. Remember, there are no "dumb" questions! The instructor knows that the material is difficult to grasp at times and will be glad to give additional examples or one-to-one assistance when asked. Students are also encouraged to use the class Listserve for questions and comments.

Academic dishonesty: All assignments and tests submitted for this course must be the product of the student's own independent effort. The instructor expects that students will discuss programming assignments and assist each other with problems; however, copying someone else's work is not allowed. If the instructor determines that work has been copied, disciplinary action will result which could include referral to the College Dean.

The course grade will be based on two semester exams, a final exam, and 6 programming assignments.

Students must score 60 % or more and complete 4 programs to pass the course.

Success in this course depends on the ability to successfully complete the assigned homework. Students are expected to do the assignments, which are designed to provide experience and practice with the concepts and techniques covered in the course.

Submitting Assignments: Turn in a copy of your program source code on a 3.5" PC-type disk in class or in my mail slot in room 9141 at the Riverside Campus.

Assignment Grading: Assignments will be graded on the following basis:

• 20 % - Documentation - proper use of variable names, indention, comments, etc.
• 80 % - Program operates correctly with instructor input data and performs all required functions.

Program documentation involves the use of proper variable names, indention, comments, etc. These conventions are described in the textbook. It is very important to make the programs as readable as possible and the instructor will enforce the documentation guidelines for this course.

The material covered in each chapter of the textbook builds on material covered in previous chapters. For this reason, the second and third exams will focus on the chapters covered since the previous exam, but will include previous material. If a mistake is made related to material covered on a previous exam, points will still be deducted.

All exams will be given in class. Make-up exams will be given for excused absences only. If you must miss an exam, please contact me as soon as possible, preferrably before the exam.