Syllabus
Programming Fundamentals I

Programming Fundamentals I

COSC-1336

Credit Spring 2021
01/19/2021 - 05/16/2021

Course Information

Section 022
Distance Learning
ONL DIL
Kriston Carson

Office Hours

  • M T
    10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    Virtual Appointments
  • W
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    Virtual Appointments
  • Th
    10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    Virtual Appointments
    Must schedule 24 hours in advance via email.

Course description/rationale

Course Description: Introduces the fundamental concepts of structured programming.  Topics include software development methodology, data types, control structures, functions, arrays, and the mechanics of running, testing, and debugging.  This course assumes computer literacy.

Pre-requisite:  This course requires the same math skills necessary for College Algebra.  Students should either have taken or be currently enrolled in College Algebra or a course that requires College Algebra and be  TSI complete in reading.

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 (based on availability). 

Course Rationale:  This is an entry level programming course designed to teach students the basic concepts of computer programming.  The course will include designing, coding, debugging, testing, and documenting programs using a high level programming language.  This course is intended to prepare students for a programming-oriented academic path.  The course is included in several degree plans including:
 

  • Associate of Applied Science – Computer Programming
  • Associate of Applied Science – Web Programming
  • Associate of Applied Science – Game and Visualization Programming
  • Associate of Applied Science – Information Technology Application
  • Associate of Applied Science – Software Testing
  • Associate of Science – Computer Science

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes:

  1. Demonstrate problem solving skills by developing and implementing algorithms to solve problems.
  2. Derive problem specifications from problem statements.
  3. Develop algorithms using modular design principles to meet stated specifications.
  4. Create code to provide a solution to problem statements ranging from simple to complex.
  5. Test and debug programs and program modules to meet specifications and standards.
  6. Create programs that contain clear and concise program documentation.
  7. Implement programs that use data types and demonstrate an understanding of numbering systems.
  8. Incorporate both basic and advanced control structures appropriately into algorithms.
  9. Demonstrate an understanding of structured design by implementing programs with functions, including parameter passing and value returning.
  10. Implement programs using classes, including strings and files.
  11. Implement algorithms using one-dimensional and indexed data structures.
  12. Demonstrate an understanding of array searching and sorting algorithms by desk-checking and/or modifying algorithm implementations.
  13. Design and implement simple classes.

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:

RESOURCES

1.1 Manages Time

INTERPERSONAL

2.3 Serves Clients/Customers

INFORMATION

3.1 Acquires and Evaluates Information

3.2 Organizes and Maintains Information

3.3 Uses Computers to Process Information

SYSTEMS

4.1 Understands Systems

4.2 Monitors and Corrects Performance

4.3 Improves and Designs Systems

TECHNOLOGY

5.1 Selects Technology

5.2 Applies Technology to Task

5.3 Maintains and Troubleshoots Technology

BASIC SKILLS

6.1 Reading

6.2 Writing

6.3 Arithmetic

6.4 Mathematics

6.5 Listening

THINKING SKILLS

7.1 Creative Thinking

7.2 Decision Making

7.3 Problem Solving

7.4 Mental Visualization

7.5 Knowing How to Learn

7.6 Reasoning

PERSONAL SKILLS

8.1 Responsibility

8.2 Self-Esteem

8.3 Sociability

8.4 Self-Management

8.5 Integrity/Honesty

 

Readings

Approved Course Text:  Revel Starting out with Python, 4th edition, Gaddis

Course Requirements

Grade Policy:

Grade will be assigned based both on concepts and practical application. Exams, quizzes, homework and lab projects will be a part of the grade.  An overall grade will be assigned on the following grading scale:


90% - 100%         A

80% -  89%          B

70% -  79%          C

60% -  69%          D

0%   -  59%          F

Each student’s grade for this course consists of exams, homework assignments, lab assignments, quizzes and extra credit on exams. Absolutely under no circumstances will assignments be accepted via email; all assignments will be submitted via either Blackboard or the Revel tool. All assignments including exams for this course are completed online.

ALL homework assignments are due on or before the date and time outlined on Blackboard and or the REVEL tool. Assignments will not be accepted after the date and time outlined on Blackboard and or the Revel Tool.  Late assignments that are accepted are graded with a 20% deduction in points from the grade received. Scheduling of computer time is the student’s responsibility. Availability of computers and or technical issues is NOT an excuse for being late with any assignment. There will be no exceptions.

Absolutely under no circumstances are assignments accepted via email.

Assignment

Percentage of Grade

Labs/Homework

15%

Exam 1

25%

Exam 2

25%

Final Exam

35%

TOTAL

100%

 

The instructor may receive over 200 homework assignments per class. To keep these organized; the instructor has adopted a file naming convention that can be found within the instructions for each assignment. If a file name has not been designated; logically name the file and include your last name in the file name.

Failure to follow the naming convention may result in your file being misplaced, not graded and/or reduced points. It is the student‘s responsibility to submit files with the correct file name.

There are no make-up exams for this course, if you miss an exam a grade of zero will be recorded.

Students can expect to have feedback a minimum of a week after the submission of an assignment. This does not include resubmitted or late assignments. Grades are recorded in Blackboard and may be accessed via the Grades link.

Under normal operating conditions, ACC students can expect the instructor to view and respond to email messages within 24 hours, Monday through Thursday. In addition, students can expect the instructor to respond to voice mail messages within the same timeframe, within 24 hours, Monday through Thursday. Keep in mind from time to time, that normal operating conditions may be affected by weather, technology-related interruptions or some other unforeseen circumstance. Do not wait until the last minute to ask questions or complete your assignments. Failure to plan on your part does not and will not constitute an emergency on my part. Please note that emails received during the weekend and outside of the above mentioned timeframe will be answered or responded to on the following Monday.

course/class policy

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.php for more information.

For this course, the penalty for scholastic dishonesty is a grade of ‘F’ in 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 and or Blackboard discussions.

Tutoring:

Free tutoring is provided for this course.  For schedules and details please refer to http:://www.austincc.edu/cit.

Attendance / Withdrawal:

Regular and punctual class and laboratory attendance is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class. 

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 Monday April 26, 2021.  It is not the responsibility of the instructor to withdraw the student 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.

Attendance/ Late Arrivals: The final course grade may be reduced for students who are repeatedly late or not present to class. It is disrespectful to self, other students, the professor, and the institution to disregard class start times.

Student Files – Privacy:

The information that a student stores in his/her student volume in the Computer Studies Labs may be viewed, but not changed by his/her instructor for educational and academic reasons. Instructors have read-only access to the students’ files.

Students Accessibility Service & Assistive Technology:

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 Accessibility & Assistive Technology 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).

Communication:

Instructors will only use the ACC online Blackboard system http://acconline.austincc.edu  or equivalent and the ACCmail accounts as the official communication system during this semester. Instructors can post lecture notes, handouts, changes to course schedule or assignments and your grades on Blackboard and can send all email communication via the ACCmail accounts. Instructors will expect all students to check both Blackboard and their ACCmail accounts on a regular basis. Instructors/Lab Technicians will conduct a brief lab orientation during the first lab visit.

For information on how to log onto Blackboard and ACC mail please visit the following sites: http://irt.austincc.edu/blackboard/StudentSupport.php and http://www.austincc.edu/google/

Use of Electronic Devices:

The use of cell phones and personal electronic devices (recording. Google glasses etc.) 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. Please turn off ALL phones, i.e. put them on vibate, upon entry into the class; failure to do so will result in a deduction of points from your overall grade.

Classroom Discipline:

Students who listen to the lectures tend to score highest on the exams.  Therefore, all students are asked to respect the right of others to listen to the lecture.  Also, please model business professional conduct in speech and behavior. Refer to the current ACC Student Handbook under “Student Discipline Policy, Section A” for student responsibilities.

Safety Statement:

Each student is expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies.  Emergency posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency-notifications.

Please note you are expected to conduct yourself professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and or barred from attending future activities.

Concealed Handgun Policy:

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy.

It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times. Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.

Course Subjects

Tentative 16 Week Schedule:


NOTE:  The instructor has the prerogative to change the course schedule as required.   Students are expected to read and study the assigned material BEFORE class.
 

Concepts Lecture

Reading

Assign Due

Course Orientation, Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Orientation
Lab 1

Input, output and variables, data storage

Chapter 2

 

Input, output and variables, data storage cont.

Chapter 2

Lab 2

Decision Structures (Selection) and Boolean Logic

Chapter 3

 

Decision Structures (Selection) and Boolean Logic cont.

 Chapter 3

Lab 3

Repetition Structures

Chapter 4

 

Repetition Structures cont.

Chapter 4

Lab 4

Functions cont., Value Returning
Exam Review 1(1-4)

Chapter 5

Lab 5

Exam 1 (1-4)

 

Exam 1

Functions cont., Value Returning cont.

Chapter 5

Lab 6

Files and Exceptions

Chapter 6

Lab 7

Lists and Tuples
Exam Review 2(5-7)

Chapter 7

Lab 8

Exam 2 

Ch. 5 - 7

Exam 2

Strings

Chapter 8

Lab 9

Classes and Objects
Exam Review 3 (1-8,10)

Chapter 10

 

Exam 3

Ch. 1-8, 10

Exam 3