Course Description:    BCIS 1305 BUSINESS COMPUTER APPLICATIONS (3-3-1). Computer terminology, hardware, software, operating systems, and information systems relating to the business environment will be covered. The main focus of this course is on business applications of software, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation graphics, and business-oriented utilization of the Internet.

 

Pre-requisite:  Reading and writing skills as determined through ACC policy and demonstrated by a passing score on an ACC assessment test or TASP test or TASP equivalent.

 

Approved Course Text:

            Course Text:    Information Systems Essentials, 1^st Edition

                                    by Stephen Haag and Maeve Cummings

                                    McGraw-Hill Irwin (ISBN 0-07-310581-3)

            Lab Text:         Microsoft Office 2003Brief Edition

                                    by Nita Rutkosky and Denise Seguin

                                    EMC Paradigm Publishing (ISBN 0-7638-2078-4)

 

Instructional Methodology: The course will have both lab and lecture.

Course Rationale:  
This course is designed to teach students the theoretical approach to information technology and management information systems within a business/computer science environment. Practical business computer applications will emphasize word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, and electronic commerce of the Internet. Since this course is designed to transfer into a bachelor degree program, check with your degree plan as to what computer science course your college requires.

 

Course Objectives/ Learning Outcomes:

1.                Gain familiarity with the concepts and terminology used in the development, implementation and operation of business computer applications.

2.               Explore various methods that Information Technology can be used to support existing businesses and strategies.

3.               Investigate emerging technology in shaping new processes, strategies and business models.

4.               Achieve hands-on experience with productivity/application software to enhance business activities.

5.               Accomplish projects utilizing business theories, team work, Internet resources and computer technology.

6.         Work with simple design and development tasks for the main types of business systems.

 

Grading Criteria:

                                    60%     Tests (3)

                                    15%     Lab Assignments

                                      5%     In-Class Break-Out Sessions/Attendance

                                    20%     Real HOT (Hands-On Technology) Group Projects (2)

 

Tests:

Three tests will be administered during the semester (see schedule for dates and exact coverage of each).  These exams will be a combination of multiple choice and true/false and will consist of about 50 questions.  You will need to provide #2 pencils.

 

Projects:

A variety of projects will be assigned during the semester.  Many of these projects will be conducted or planned during class time and will additionally demand individual work and team participation.  Detailed assignments will be provided.

 

Attendance:

Regular attendance is vital to the successful completion of this course.  A majority of the final grade depends on your attendance and participation.  Lab assignments are designed to be finished during the regularly scheduled laboratory times.  Also, team projects and break-out sessions will be conducted or initiated during class time.  Class lectures are developed to prepare you for the exams.

 

Resources:

Web Site, an invaluable resource at http://www.mhhe.com/haag

 coverage of new technology advancements over 1,000 great links for completing the Real HOT E-Commerce projects.  All the files needed in downloadable format for the Real HOT Group projects

 

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 described in the Current ACC Student Handbook, under  Student Discipline Policy, Section C.

Acts prohibited by the college for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work.  Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their own thought, research or self-expression.  Academic work is defined as, but not limited to tests, quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either individual or group; classroom presentations, and homework. 

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. 

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 instructors 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.

Attendance / Withdrawal Policy:

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

It is the students 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.  The last date to withdraw for this semester is November 27, 2006.  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.

Students with Disabilities Policy:

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)

Grade Policy: Grade will be based both on concepts and practical application.

Grade Scale:

         90%  - 100%       A

                        80%  -  89%          B

                        70%  -  79%          C

                        60%  -  69%          D

                        0%    -  59%          F

                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.

BCIS 1305  BUSINESS COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

Course Schedule

Text Coverage	Laboratory Activities	Tentative  Date
Course Overview/ Chapter 1	LOGON
Chapter 1/ Appendix A	Lab 1
Chapter 2 / Appendix A	Lab 2
Chapter 2 / Appendix A	Lab 3
Exam 1 : Chapters 1-2, Appendix A
	Lab 4
	Lab 5
Group Project 1
	Lab 6
	Lab 7
Exam 2 : Chapters 3-5 Appendix B
	Lab 8
Group Project 2
Exam 3 : Chapters 6-9

Group project instructions will be assigned during week 4

Lab due dates will be a class effort.

WITHDRAWAL DEADLINE:  April 21, 2008