Faculty Syllabus

COSC-1336 Programming Fundamentals I


Rudy Martinez


Credit Spring 2026


Section(s)

COSC-1336-040 (28651)
LEC DIL ONL DIL

COSC1336 Syllabus


Getting Started

  1. Set a timer for one hour to read the Syllabus (including links), Schedule (see link below), and Blackboard (Bb) content.

  2. In Bb, select the Beginning section on the left. View the Orientation Video

  3. In Bb, select the Beginning section on the left. Complete the Orientation Exam

  4. Begin work on the first assignment.

  5. Maintain a daily commitment to studying and coding.


Course Description and Rationale

Course Description:  Introduces the fundamental concepts of structured programming. Topics include software development methodology, data types, control structures, functions, 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. Texas Success Initiative (TSI) complete in reading.

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

  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.

 


Readings

The textbook is part of the First Day Access program and will be available by the first day of class. The price is included with tuition.

Access the textbook in Bb | Resources | "First Day Course Materials" link.

Starting Out with Python, 6th edition

Published by Pearson (January 16, 2023) © 2024

  • Tony Gaddis Haywood Community College

 


Course Requirements

*** Schedule ***

Course Requirements and Grading Rubric:

Tutoring Services (generally intended for entry-level subject material)

 



Course Subjects

Introduction to Computers and Programming

Input, Processing, and Output

Decision Structures and Boolean Logic

Repetition Structures

Functions

Files and Exceptions

Lists and Tuples

More About Strings

Dictionaries and Sets

Classes and Object Oriented Programming

 


Blackboard (Bb) Access

Blackboard (Bb) course access 1st week of class:

Students must access the course in Bb during the 1st week of class to be counted as "Attending".  If a student does not access the course in Bb during the 1st week of class s/he will be classified as "Never Attended" and will be ineligible for financial aid and automatically dropped from the course.


Office Hours

M T W Th F 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Google Meet Audio

NOTE Email to confirm appointment.

Published: 01/19/2026 10:11:24