Fall 1999 Syllabus
CIS 1033 - Fundamentals of Programming Section 3808
Lecture Tu Th 11:00 am -12:50 pm RVS room 9111
Lab Th 12:00 pm - 12:50 pm RVS room 9142
Bob Comer, Associate Professor, CIS/CSC
phone: 512-223-6256 email: comer@austin.cc.tx.us web: www2.austin.cc.tx.us/comer/
Office hours and location are posted on my web page

This course is an introduction to computer concepts, logic, and computer programming. Includes designing, coding, debugging, testing, and documenting programs using a high-level programming language.

B - Reading and Math

1. Discuss and demonstrate an appreciation of the field of Computer Science from a historical point of view.
2. Discuss the evolution of computer hardware and software technology.
3. Discuss how data is represented in the computer.
4. Design, code, debug, test, and document programs using a professional programming style.
5. Write elementary programs using a high-level programming language.
6. Discuss the differences between traditional structured programming and object-oriented programming.

Instructional Materials

Required Textbook: An Introduction to Programming with C++ by Diane Zak, 1998, Course Technology.

Materials: Two 3 1/2" high density floppy diskettes (IBM format), two manilla
envelopes 8 1/2" by 11" or larger, and a loose-leaf notebook for handouts.

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 Tuesday, November 23, 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 discussions and are encouraged to ask questions. 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.

Academic dishonesty: Except for assignments that are explicitly designated as group assignments, 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 three semester exams, approximately 8 programming assignments, and other in-class and homework assignments.

Students must score 60 % or more to pass the course.

The material covered in each chapter of the textbook builds on material covered in previous chapters. For this reason, exams 2 and 3 will include material from previous exams. 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.

Graded exams will be reviewed in class. Graded exams are kept on file by the instructor. The student may review her/his exam during lab time or during the instructor's office hours by request. The examination must be returned to the instructor before leaving the lab or office.

Success in this course depends on the ability to successfully complete assignments. 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 Programs: Turn in (1) a printed copy of your program source code and (2) a copy of the source code file on a 3.5" PC-type disk. You may turn in programs in class or in my mail slot in room 9141. Alternatively, you may turn in programs by e-mail to comer@austin.cc.tx.us. E-mail instructions: Copy the source code and paste it into the message - DO NOT USE THE ATTACHMENT FEATURE. Please include the program number in the Subject field of the e-mail.

Deadlines: Programming assignment must be turned in by 5:00 pm on the due date. See my policy for late assignments below. In addition, the last program must be turned in by 5:00 pm on Dec. 14. All other programs must be turned in by 5:00 pm on Dec. 10.

Program 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.

All programs must follow the guidelines in the Program Documentation and Style handout. Program documentation involves the use of proper variable names, indention, comments, etc. It is very important to make the programs as readable as possible and the instructor will strictly enforce the documentation guidelines for this course. Please ask if you have questions about the assignment expectations or grading process.

Lab assignments and homework assignments are due at 5:00 pm on the due date. See my policy for late assignments below. In addition, the last two lab assignment and the last two homework must be turned in by 5:00 pm on Dec. 14. All other lab and homework assignments must be turned by 5:00 pm on Dec. 10.

All assignments will have a clearly marked due date, except for lab assignments which are due the day they are assigned. All assignments will have a one week grace period during which they may be turned in for full credit. Assignments turned in after the grace period will be assessed a 10% penalty. An additional 10% penalty will accrue each week thereafter.

For example, a lab assignment turned in by 5:00 PM on the due date or up to 1 week later will earn full credit. During the first week after that, the maximum credit is 90%; during the second week, the maximum credit is 80%; etc. Important: all assignments are subject to the absolute deadlines posted above.