Syllabus ITSE 1331

Course
Catalog
Description:

Introduction to computer programming using Visual BASIC. Emphasis on the fundamentals of structured design, development, testing, implementation, and documentation. Includes language syntax, data and file structures, input/output devices, and files. Fee: $12

Required
Text:

Programming in Visual Basic .NET by Julia Bradley and Anita Millspaugh 2005 edition, McGraw-Hill Irwin ISBN 978-0-07-226215-5
In Fall 2008, the 2008 edition of this text will be used in ITSE 2305. Unfortunately, the 2008 version will not be ready for a few more weeks. I'm guessing there are few major changes other than the compiler versions and you will not be able to resell the 2005 version.

Alternate Textbook: Beginning Fall 2008, the textbook for this course will switch to Starting Out with Visual Basic 2008, 4/E. Gaddis, Irvine. Addison-Wesley. ISBN-13: 9780321531353. This book gives a better explanation of how to use the Visual Basic interface. If you prefer to use this text, you may. I will post assignments and write exams for both books. You will have to order this text as it will not be in the bookstore.
In fact, you may even use the older edition if you wish. Starting Out w/VB 2005, 3/E. Gaddis, Irvine. Addison-Wesley. ISBN: 0-321-39399-6. Keep in mind that you won't be able to resell the 2005 edition.

Software required: Visual Basic.NET at home or workplace. The software is available in ACC's Computer Information Technology Department's Computer Labs and VB express 2008 is available at msdn.microsoft.com/express. All assignments in the texts will work with either VB.net 2005 or VB.net 2008

Bookstores

Course
Rationale:

This course is an introduction to Visual Basic. The course assumes no previous programming experience.

Course
Objectives/
Outcomes:

To understand the techniques of structured programming
To understand the techniques of designing and programming an interactive Windows application using Visual Basic.NET.
To understand the techniques of testing and debugging an interactive Windows application using Visual Basic.NET.

Testing Center
Policy:

Exams for the open campus section are taken in the testing center. Policy found at http://www.austincc.edu/testctr/.

Requirements:

This course is graded on a total point system. Total points earned divided by the total possible points will give you your letter grade. The total possible points will be calculated from the four (4) ACC Testing Center Tests (each 100 points) and Programming Assignments (350 points). Letter grades are assigned as follows:
- A = (900-1000 points/1000 points) 90-100%
- B = (800-899 points/1000 points) 80-89%
- C = (700-799 points/1000 points) 70-79%
- D = (600-699 points/1000 points) 60-69%
- F = (599 points and below/1000 points) 59% and below
Seek assistance and ask questions about course material or course requirements from the instructor as necessary. You are responsible for all material presented in the text and through the course web pages.
You will upload all assignments to your Blackboard site (uploading to Blackboard) and notify Dr. Scholl through email when you are ready for grading.

Homework
Assignments:

This course has a hands-on approach to learning Visual Basic.NET. To do well in this course, you must schedule your work time to include anywhere from 5 to 16 hours weekly, depending on previous computer experience. Do not try to put in all the hours in one sitting.
Schedule yourself for several different sessions at the computer. If you wait to complete the step-by-step instructions in each chapter, and your Programming Assignment on the due date, you will not gain the skills, experience, and understanding that is expected from completing this class.
Read each chapter as assigned, completing the hands-on exercises as you read. Or you may choose to read the chapter first, and complete the hands-on exercises after reading the chapter. Then you are ready for the Programming Assignment for the chapter.
The practice hands-on programming exercises in each chapter are not included in the calculation of the final grade. The eight Programming Assignments provided in the table below are submitted for grading and are included in the calculation of the final grade.

Assignment	Due	Bradley/Millspaugh		Gaddis	Points
Number 1	6/02	Ex 1.1 Page 56	ScreenShot Examples	Challenge 2.2 Page 93 (2005 text) Page 94 (2008 text)	50
Number 2	6/05	Ex 2.2 Page 90	ScreenShot Examples	Challenge 2.3 Page 93 (2005 text) Page 94-95 (2008 text)	50
Number 3	6/12	Ex 3.3 Page 140	ScreenShot Examples	Challenge 3.1 Page 182 (2005 text) Page 183 (2008 text)	50
Number 4	6/16	Ex 4.1 Page 194	ScreenShot Examples	Challenge 4.3 Page 264	50
Number 5	6/23	Ex 5.3 Page 239	ScreenShot Examples	Challenge 5.2 Page 345 (2005 text) Page 343 (2008 text)	100
Number 6	6/26	Ex 6.2 Page 274	ScreenShot Examples	Challenge 6.4 Page 404 (2005 text) Page 402 (2008 text)	100
Number 7	7/07	Ex 7.1 Page 316 Please use print preview	ScreenShot Examples	Challenge 7.3 Page 480 (2005 text) Page 478 (2008 text)	100
Number 8	7/14	Ex 8.4 Page 349	ScreenShot Examples	Challenge 8.2 Page 549 (2005 text) Page 550 (2008 text)	100

Examinations:

Four exams over the chapters covered since the last exam. Each exam is weighted as 100 points. When you go to the testing center, be sure to indicate the correct exam. Form A for Bradley/Millspaugh, Form B for Gaddis textbook. You are welcome to take both exams and keep the higher of the two grades.

Exam Due Date Chapters Points

1 6/09 1 and 2 100

2 6/19 3 and 4 100

3 6/30 5 and 6 100

4 7/21 7 and 8 100