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.

Pre-requisite:  B Course Type: T.

Instructional Methodology This course will have both lecture and lab each week. All graded assignments, quizzes and exams will take place in class only. Course materials are located on Blackboard, and include but are not limited to PowerPoints, practice tests, in-class assignments, quizzes and exams. The CIS open labs are available for students for work outside of scheduled class time.

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

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 Course Texts/Readings:

Starting Out with Python – 6th Edition, Tony Gaddis, Pearson, 2023.     ISBN 13: 8220135698763

FIRST DAY Access – The textbook will be provided online within the Revel product.  The cost is covered by the student’s tuition

Grade Policy:

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

Course Requirements:

Each student’s grade for this course consists of:

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.

Software

You should have the latest version of Python application installed on your Win or Mac computer. In addition, the Computer Science & Information Technology Department has an agreement with Microsoft Corporation called the Microsoft Academic Alliance. This agreement allows students to obtain compilers and certain other software at a greatly reduced cost. Contact your instructor for more information.

Orientation

Orientation is required. Students who do not complete orientation during the first week of class and do not contact the instructor will be dropped from the class.

Attendance/Class Participation: 

Regular and timely class participation in discussions 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.

In the event the college or campus closes due to unforeseen circumstances (for example, severe weather or other emergency), the student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignment or other activities designated by their professor because of class sessions being missed.

Since this class will be entirely online, you are expected to check your ACC email messages regularly and check Blackboard regularly.

Programming Assignments

Success in this course depends on the ability to successfully complete the assigned homework on time. Students are expected to do the assignments, which are designed to provide experience and practice with the concepts and techniques covered in the course.

All submitted programs must compile and run on the latest or same version of Python application as installed in in the CIS Labs.

Submitting Assignments: Programming assignments are all in Blackboard. Assignments must be submitted by clicking the assignment link in Blackboard and attaching the program source code to the assignment. Do not submit executable files. Do not post program code to the class discussion board.

Due Dates: Programming assignment due dates will be posted on the course schedule. You should try to have assignments completed by the due date. In general, you should avoid turning in incomplete assignments - it is not a problem to take a few extra days to complete the assignment.

A portion of your grade on every assignment will be based on your program style and documentation. Program documentation involves the proper use of variable names, indention, comments, etc. It is important to make the programs as readable as possible and style requirements will be included with each assignment. 0 credit will be given to assignments that are not correctly built as Python programs and/or have compiler errors on the ACC CIS workstations.

For details lease refer to grading guidelines posted on Blackboard.

Only assignments submitted to Blackboard will be considered for grading. Never email the instructor your programming assignment.

All programming assignments are due on Sunday before 11:59 pm on the date posted in the Blackboard/Course Schedule as timestamped by Blackboard. Most programming assignments may be submitted late (grace period) up to one day with a late penalty of 20%. A zero grade will be automatically assigned after the grace period. - i.e. after Monday 11:59 pm. Grading feedback may not be provided promptly for work submitted late.  The grace period is not a substitute for the due date, and it is the instructor’s prerogative to end the practice of or change the conditions of the grace period as necessary. Some assignments do not have a grace period and are noted in the Course Schedule.

Program documentation involves the proper use of 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.

Correct build and testing of Python programs are part of the requirements.

Please contact me if you have questions about the assignment expectations or grading process.

Exams

Exams will cover material from the textbook, lab assignments and instructor’s slides and may include supplemental material from the class Blackboard site. Topics for each exam will be listed on the Exam Review web pages.

All exams will be administered in Blackboard and will be proctored by the ACC Distance Education (DE) Proctoring team. More testing information will be provided on the class Blackboard site. Each exam will have a 1 hour and 30 minutes’ time limit (max allowed by DE), but DE Proctoring will likely ask you to arrive 30 minutes early to get checked in.

You may use  one page (of size 8.5 x 11" maximum) of note for each exam. You may print or write on both sides of the page. A student wishing to discuss the test with the instructor may do so by scheduling an appointment with the instructor (normally this would be an online appointment). After you have submitted an exam, you will not be able to review your answers again.

Due dates and Deadlines: Since this is a Synchronous Online class, all students will need to take the exams on the same day and at the same time, just like in person class. Tentative exam dates are set as Oct 3 (Thurs), Nov  7 (Thurs) and Dec 12  (Thurs). Instructor will share the DE proctoring information for students to sign up in advance. Students should sign up as soon as the information is available. Failure to sign up or no shows on the exam dates will automatically result in a zero grade.

There will be no makeup exams in this course. Under extreme circumstances or ACC allowed scenarios (Example: hospitalization) if a student has appropriate documentation an exam may be rescheduled in advance. This is at the sole discretion of the instructor, and you must obtain the consent of your instructor no later than 10 days in advance of the regularly scheduled exam during office hours.

Under no circumstances will a rescheduled exam, makeup exam, or replacement grade be given to a student who does not maintain regular and punctual attendance in lecture and lab, has unsatisfactory grades, or whose compliance with other course and grade policies is unsatisfactory.

Technology Support Services

In response to COVID-19-related campus closures, Austin Community College now provides free, secure drive-up WiFi to students and employees in the parking lots of all campus locations. WiFi can be accessed seven days a week, 7 am to 11 pm. Additional details are available at https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/drive-up-wifi

Students who submit the Student Technology Access Form and indicate they need help accessing their online learning environment to successfully complete their courses are eligible to check out an ACC iPad for use during the semester. You must be registered for a credit course, Adult Education, or Continuing Education course.

Illness

Any ACC student or employee with symptoms or exposure to the COVID-19 virus should inform their professor(s) or supervisor and complete the college’s self reporting form:

https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?AustinCC&layout_id=124

Posting of Assignment Grades

Assignments (e.g. programs) are typically graded within one week after the assignment due date. Grades are recorded in Blackboard and may be accessed via the My Grades.

Attendance/Class Participation

Regular and punctual class and laboratory attendance is expected of all students. If attendance or compliance with other course policies are unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class. For online classes, “Regular and timely class participation in discussions and completion of work is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies are unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.”

“In the event the college or campus closes due to unforeseen circumstances (for example, severe weather or other emergency), the student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor as a result of class sessions being missed.”

Computer Time

Scheduling of computer time outside of regular lab time is the student’s responsibility. Availability of computers is NOT an excuse for being late with a lab project assignment.

Withdrawal Policy

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or she decides to withdraw from the class. The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary. If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date. The last date to withdraw for this semester is Thursday November 21, 2024. The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records.

If the withdrawal is not completed by 5 PM on the last day to withdrawal, the student will receive a performance grade (A, B, C, D, or F) that they have earned.  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 are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a W) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.”

Incompletes

“An incomplete (grade of "I") will only be given due to extenuating circumstances. What constitutes “extenuating circumstances” is left to the instructor’s discretion. If a grade of I is given, the remaining course work must be completed by a date set by the student and professor.

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”.

Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process.  Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources.  Further information is available at https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process

See the Student Standards of Conduct and Disciplinary Process.

For this course, the penalty for scholastic dishonesty is a grade of ‘F’ for the course.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Academic freedom is a foundation and hallmark of higher education.  In the context of college-level courses, it specifically refers to the rights of free expression and respect for others with differing opinions.  Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. This concept is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student.  Just as you are expected to exercise these rights with respect for state and federal law in the larger world, you are expected to exercise these rights as a student with respect for the college’s standards of conduct.  These rights carry with them the responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process.  Students and faculty alike should enable a climate of mutual respect and civility while fostering the freedom to debate and discuss the merits of competing ideas.

Enrollment in the college indicates acceptance of the rules set forth in the student standards of conduct policy, which is administered through the office of the campus dean of student services. Due process, through an investigation and appeal process, is assured to any student involved in disciplinary action.

Student Complaints

A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. You are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, students should first address their concerns through informal conferences with those immediately involved; formal due process is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved.

Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability.

Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to submit complaints, is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-complaint-procedures

Statement on Privacy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student.

Safety Statement

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies.  Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester.  All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. 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

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an illness outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

Statement on Students with Disabilities

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through the office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS). Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be delayed. Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Arrangements for academic accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from the student. Students with approved accommodations are encouraged to submit the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ to the instructor at the beginning of the semester because a reasonable amount of time may be needed to prepare and arrange for the accommodation.

Testing Center Policy [Online Sections Only]

Under certain circumstances, examinations may have to be taken in a testing center. The ACC Testing Centers follow standard procedures, so students know what to expect when they arrive to take their tests. Students should familiarize themselves with the student guidelines.

Students must present an ACC student ID card or government issued ID and know their ACC ID number before they can test.

It is necessary to check in at the Testing Center kiosk before taking a test. To check in, one must know the following information:

• Student ID number
• Course prefix and number
• Course synonym
• Course section number
• Test number
• Instructor’s name

Personal belongings such as backpacks, books, and electronic devices (including, but not limited to, cell phones and smart watches) are not allowed in the Testing Center. Possession of prohibited items or accessing unapproved resources in the testing room will result in the immediate termination of the exam and possible disciplinary action.

For additional information on using the Testing Center, please go to: http://www.austincc.edu/students/testing-services/instructional-testing

Freedom of Expression Policy

It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.

Student Files – Privacy

Their instructor for educational and academic reasons may view the information that a student stores in his/her student volume in the Computer Studies Labs.

Campus Carry

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.  In addition, concealed weapons are not allowed on ACC-sponsored field trips where the school owns or has chartered or leased vehicles for transportation.

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.   Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at http://austincc.edu/campuscarry

Discrimination Prohibited

The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Faculty at the College are required to report concerns regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms of sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance.  Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students.

Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o55xINAWNvTYgI-fs-JbDyuaMFDNvAjz/view

Senate Bill 212 and Title IX Reporting Requirements

Under Senate Bill 212 (SB 212), the faculty and all College employees are required to report any information concerning incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking committed by or against an ACC student or employee. Federal Title IX law and College policy also require reporting incidents of sex- and gender-based discrimination and sexual misconduct. This means faculty and non-clinical counseling staff cannot keep confidential information about any such incidents that you share with them.

If you would like to talk with someone confidentiality, please contact the District Clinical Counseling Team who can connect you with a clinical counselor on any ACC campus: (512) 223-2616, or to schedule online: https://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling .

While students are not required to report, they are encouraged to contact the Compliance Office for resources and options: Charlene Buckley, District Title IX Officer, (512) 223-7964;

 compliance@austincc.edu .

If a student makes a report to a faculty member, the faculty member will contact the District Title IX Officer for follow-up.

Recording Policy

To ensure compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), student recording of class lectures or other activities is generally prohibited without the explicit written permission of the instructor and notification of other students enrolled in the class section. Exceptions are made for approved accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Recording of lectures and other class activities may be made by faculty to facilitate instruction, especially for classes taught remotely through BlackBoard Collaborate or another platform. Participation in such activities implies consent for the student to be recorded during the instructional activity. Such recordings are intended for educational and academic purposes only.

Use of ACC email

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify students of any college- related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Information about ACC email accounts, including instructions for accessing it, are available at:  http://www.austincc.edu/help/accmail/questions-and-answers

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The success of our students is paramount, and ACC offers a variety of support services to help, as well as providing numerous opportunities for community engagement and personal growth.

Student Support

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these campus services and resources is available at  http://www.austincc.edu/students.

Student Accessibility Services

Students with documented disabilities who need classroom, academic, or other accommodations must request them through the office Student Accessibility Services (SAS).   SAS offices are located at each major campus.  Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester; otherwise, the provision of accommodations may be delayed.  Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Accommodations will not be provided retroactively.  Arrangements by the instructor for academic accommodations can only be made after he or she receives the “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from the student.

Additional information about Student Accessibility Services is available at https://www.austincc.edu/offices/student-accessibility-services-and-assistive-technology

Academic Support

ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services, which include face-to-face and online tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction, are free to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects ranging from accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these services on both a drop-in and referral basis. Tutoring schedules can be found at:  https://www.austincc.edu/students/tutoring/tutoring-schedules

Library Services

ACC has a full-service library at each of its campuses to support ACC courses and programs and to provide students with research and assignment assistance from expert faculty librarians, computers, course reserves, laptop and tablet check out, study spaces, and copying, printing, and scanning services.  In addition, ACC students have full rights and privileges to access Library Services online 24/7 via the ACC Library website and students can use their ACCeID logins to access all online materials, including ebooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos.   ACC Libraries also provide an “Ask a Librarian” service, which allows  students to reach a librarian 24/7 through online chat.  Faculty librarians are also available via email, phone, and in person seven days a week during the hours of operation. Visit:

• Library Website: http://library.austincc.edu
• Ask a Librarian: https://library.austincc.edu/help/ask.php
• Library Hours of Operation by Location: https://library.austincc.edu/loc/
• Email: library@austincc.edu

In partnership with ACC’s Student Support Center, ACC Libraries also maintain a limited collection of textbooks for students to borrow. Priority access to the textbook collection is given to students receiving assistance. More information is available on the ACC website by searching “Student Support Center Textbook Collection.”

Student Organizations

ACC has over seventy student organizations, offering a variety of cultural, academic, vocational, and social opportunities.  They provide a chance to meet with other students who have the same interests, engage in service-learning, participate in intramural sports, gain valuable field experience related to career goals, and much else.  Student Life coordinates many of these activities, and additional information is available at http://sites.austincc.edu/sl/.

Personal Support

Resources to support students are available at every campus. To learn more, ask your professor or visit the campus Support Center. All resources and services are free and confidential. Some examples include, among others:

• Food pantries are located in all campus Student Life offices: https://sites.austincc.edu/sl/programs/foodpantry/.  
• Assistance with childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support Center: http://www.austincc.edu/students/support-center.
• The Student Emergency Fund can help with unexpected expenses that may cause you to withdraw from one or more classes: http://www.austincc.edu/SEF.
• Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the Student Money Management Office: http://sites.austincc.edu/money/. 
• Drop-in child care is available at Highland Campus: http://www.austincc.edu/students/child-care/child-watch-drop-in-center

Clinical Counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to address personal and or mental health concerns: http://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling .

If an emergency occurs during operational hours, please come to the Student Services Office and let the front intake staff know that you are experiencing a crisis. They will alert appropriate personnel. You may also contact the ACC District Police at 222 (on campus) or 223-7999 (off campus or cell phone).

After Hours:

If you are struggling with a mental health or personal crisis, call one of the following numbers to connect with resources for help. However, if you are afraid that you might hurt yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately.

Free Crisis Hotline Numbers:

• Austin / Travis County 24 hour Crisis & Suicide hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357)
• The Williamson County 24 hour Crisis hotline: 1-800-841-1255
• Bastrop County Family Crisis Center hotline: 1-888-311-7755
• Hays County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-877-466-0660
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Crisis Text Line: Text “home” to 741741
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline:   1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

COSC 1336 – Programming Fundamentals I

Course Schedule

 Fall 2024  

Note:  The instructor has the prerogative to change the course schedule as required.   

Students are expected to read and study the assigned material, per the course schedule, BEFORE each class, this includes the laboratory assignments!!