Faculty

COSC-1336 Programming Fundamentals I

K Carson

Credit Spring 2026

Section(s)

COSC-1336-006 (15952)
LEC TuTh 1:00pm - 1:55pm RRC RRC2 2214.00

LAB TuTh 1:55pm - 2:45pm RRC RRC2 2214.00

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. 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 fundamentals of 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:

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

Starting out with Python – Sixth Edition, Tony Gaddis. ISBN-13: 978-013787120-9

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

Course Requirements

Grade Policy:

Grade will be assigned based on both concepts and practical application. Exams, quizzes, homework, and lab projects will count toward 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 in this course is based on exams, homework, labs, and quizzes. Absolutely under no circumstances will assignments be accepted via email; all assignments will be submitted via either Blackboard or otherwise designated by the instructor.

ALL homework assignments are due on or before the date and time outlined on Blackboard. Assignments will not be accepted after the date and time outlined on Blackboard. Scheduling of computer time is the student’s responsibility. The availability of computers and/or technical issues is NOT an excuse for being late with any assignment. There will be no exceptions. There are no make-up exams or labs for this course; if you miss an exam or lab, you will receive a grade of zero.

Absolutely not; assignments are not accepted via email.

Assignment	Percentage of Grade
Attendance and Participation	5%
Quizzes	5%
Labs	20%
Exam 1	20%
Exam 2	20%
Exam 3 (Final)	30%
TOTAL	100%

Course/Class Policy

Course/Class Policies:

The instructor may receive over 200 homework assignments per class. To keep these organized, the instructor has adopted a file-naming convention that is outlined in the instructions for each assignment. There are no make-up exams for this course.

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

Students are responsible for comprehension of the schedule and syllabus content. Please check the syllabus and Blackboard before emailing questions to ensure the topic has not already been addressed. Questions already addressed by the course material are considered rhetorical, and the student will likely be referred back to those resources to answer those questions. Instructors have multiple courses with multiple students; therefore, it is important that you carefully use the course material to your advantage.

Students can expect feedback at least 1 week after the assignment due date. 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 24-48 hours, Monday through Thursday. In addition, students can expect the instructor to respond to voice mail messages within 24-48 hours (when face-to-face courses resume), Monday through Thursday. Please be reminded that email is the most expedient method of contact. Keep in mind that, from time to time, 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 addressed the following week.

Reading Assignments:

All assigned chapters will be used as a basis for class discussions. Students are expected to study the assigned readings before each class meeting and may be called upon at random to participate in discussions.

Class Participation: Attendance is required for all days the campus is open. unless otherwise communicated.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) Policy Statement:

In this course, the use of generative AI (GAI) technologies is strictly prohibited to preserve academic integrity and ensure the development of student competencies.
The prohibition is in place to encourage original thought, manual problem-solving skills, and to maintain equity in educational opportunities and assessments.
Definition of GAI: Generative AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that can generate text, images, or other content based on minimal input. This includes chatbots, image generation tools, and code assistants.
Usage Permissions: Prohibited: Students are not allowed to use GAI for completing assignments, projects, tests, or any form of assessment in this course.
Penalties: Any violation of this policy will result in academic penalties, including a failing grade for the activity, reporting to academic affairs, and further disciplinary action.

Plagiarism: Labs, projects, and reports may be checked for plagiarism. Any assignment with 25% or higher rating may incur an automatic 50% deduction on the final score; this also applies to any student’s assignments found to be similar when compared.

Course Subjects

Concepts Lecture	Reading
Course Introduction Input, output variables and data storage	Chapter 1, 2
Input, output and variables, data storage cont. Operators, design tools and doc.; output	Chapter 2
Operators, design tools and doc.; output cont. Decision Structures (Selection) and Boolean Logic	Chapter 2, 3
Decision Structures (Selection) and Boolean Logic Comparing Strings, Nested Decision (Selection)	Chapter 3
Logical Operators, Boolean Variables Repetition Structures, While and For loops	Chapter 3, 4
Running Totals, Sentinels, Input Val., Nested Loops and Input Validation	Chapter 4
Input Validation, Nested Loops and Functions Review Exam 1 (1-4)	Chapter 4, 5
Exams 1 and Lab	Ch. 1 - 4
Functions cont., Value Returning	Chapter 5
Functions cont., Value Returning cont. Modules and Files, Introduction to Lists	Chapter 5, 6
Modules and Files, Introduction to Lists cont. Two Dimensional Lists and Tuples	Chapter 6, 7
Two Dim. Lists and Tuples cont. and Strings Exam 2 Review (5-7)	Chapter 7
Exam 2 and Lab	Ch. 5-7
Strings cont. and Simple Classes	Chapter 8
Classes cont. and Objects Classes and Objects cont. and Inheritance	Chapter 9, 10
Final Exam and Lab	Ch. 1-9, 10

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