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

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. Recognize basic computer hardware architecture constructs such as instructions sets, memory, CPU, external devices, and data representation.
2. Use programming software tools including compilers, linkers, editors, and integrated development environments to create and test programs.
3. Demonstrate problem solving skills by developing algorithms to solve problems incorporating the concept of variables and constants of basic data types in a computer program.
4. Utilize programming constructs which uses input and output devices for acquiring and displaying data including sequential files.
5. Create programming designs which includes step-by-step algorithms and desk checking to validate problem solutions.
6. Incorporate the use of sequential, selection and repetition control structures into the algorithms implemented as computer programs.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of structured design by implementing programs with functions and passing of parameters to solve more complex problems and to promote the concept of efficient use of code.
8. Design and implement programs using arrays.
9. Design and write programs which use data consisting of words and sentences using the string object.

SCANS (Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills):

Refer to http://www.austincc.edu/cit/courses/scans.pdf for a complete definition and explanation of SCANS.  The following list summarizes the SCANS competencies addressed in this particular course:

Approved Text and Teaching Materials:

An Introduction to Programming with C++,6^th edition, Diane Zak, Course Technology, 2011.  (ISBN-13: 978-0-538-46652-3, ISBN-10: 0-538-46652-9) 

Examinations

Three major exams will be given during the semester.  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.

 Semester Grades

 A.   The semester grade has five parts:

         Semester Exams (2 @ 20% each)      40%

          Final Exam (Comprehensive)              25%

         Programming Assignments                  25%

         Homework Assignments                       10%

         Total                                                           100%

 B.   Letter grade

            A - 90% to 100%

            B - 80% to  89%

            C - 70% to  79%

            D - 60% to  69%

            F  - Below   60%

       You must score 60% or higher and complete at least 10 programs to pass this course.

Class Attendance

Students are expected to attend all classes.   If the student misses a class or is tardy, it is the student's responsibility to get assignments and missed material.  Absence is no excuse for late assignments, including when deadlines have been changed.
 

Programming assignments

Programming assignments must be the product of the student's independent effort.  Each assignment is due at the beginning of the next scheduled class following the lab.   Programming assignments may be turned in up to two weeks after the due date with a late penalty of 25% per week.  Scheduling of computer time outside of regular lab time is the student’s responsibility.

Homework assignments

All homework assignments are due at the beginning of class on the due dateindicated in the homework schedule.  No late homework assignment will be accepted.

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.phpfor 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 July 17, 2012.  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).

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.