Orientation: Orientation is required. The Orientation instructions are on the Blackboard site for this class. Students who do not complete orientation during the first week of class will be dropped from the class.
 

Class progress: 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.  Students should check grades in Blackboard regularly to ensure that they are not getting behind.

Assignments: Grade will be assigned based both on concepts and practical application. Exams, exercises, and programming assignments will be a part of the grade.  Lab assignments have a grace period of two days after they are due for a penalty of 20%.  

Exams. Exams will be taken during the dates assigned in the course schedule.  Classroom sections will take exams in the classroom.   Online sections will take exams on the student’s home computer.   Exams must be taken by the due date posted in the Course Schedule. 

Grading Percentages: The following represents the breakout of assignments by percentage:

For online courses, the camera must be on and the user must use their real name in order to be counted for attendance.  If there are reasons for no picture (must be approved by the instructor or by Student Services), exceptions to this rule will be waived.  Attendees must be in class for at least 80% of the class for attendance to be recorded.

Exams are 100 points each.  Labs will vary in points, but will add up to 200 points.  Points will be apportioned by assignment as follows:

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. 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.

Prerequisite:  B Course Type: T.

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.  The course is intended to prepare students for a programming-oriented academic path.  This course in include 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

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 structure 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): 

The following list summarizes the SCANS competencies addressed in this particular course:

Approved Text and Teaching Materials:

Starting out with Python – Fourth Edition, Tony Gaddis.  ISBN-13: 978-0134543666

FIRST DAY Access – The textbook will be provided online as a First Day Text.  The cost is covered by the student’s tuition.

Instructional Methodology:  This course will have 50% lecture and 50% laboratory.   The CIS open labs are available for students for work outside of scheduled lab time.

Grade Policy:

Grade will be assigned based both on concepts and practical application. 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