Overview:
This is the introductory course into computer programming using the BASIC
language. The version of BASIC being taught is called QBASIC, (short for Quick
BASIC), though at the end of the course work will be done with Microsoft’s
Visual Basic programming tools as well.
BASIC is probably the most commonly known computer
programming languages. Many major applications are written using Visual BASIC.
As well, each of the products that make up the Microsoft Office Suite (Word,
Excel, and Access) include a version of BASIC called VBA (Visual BASIC for
Applications) Note: CS211 must be completed with a grade of C+ or better before
other programming courses may be taken
Outcomes:
- Working knowledge of programming in BASIC;
- The ability to used Microsoft Windows 95, a DOS Command Prompt, and QBASIC;
- Skills in developing programs, structured programming techniques, and problem
solving techniques;
- An understanding of interpreters, compilers, and editors;
- Improved computer usage skills.
Methodology:
We will always meet in the lab, you will always be at the machines, generally
working along with the course instructor. Much of our time will be spent
discussing the class topic for the day, showing techniques by example. I will be
putting some concepts, etc., on the blackboard, and you will be taking some
notes. We will work very closely with the textbook, so you must always have your copy with you in class. You will have to spend
time outside of class reading the text, thinking through problems, and working
on your projects and assignments.
Project
Assignments:
You will be working on projects/assignments in this course. This effort is very
important—it will account for a substantial portion of your grade. You will
work on these assignments partly in class in a lab setting; but you must also
work on them out of class on your own. At least 75-90% of the time you spend on
projects will have to be spent out of class. Please be aware of this and plan
your semester accordingly.
Sometimes the project assignments will take the form of quick assignments and
sometimes they will take the form of ‘homework’ to be handed in and graded.
Assignments will usually be quickly graded at the machine (with a system of +,
check, - (zap), and absent), whereas "homework handed in" means that
you will print out your project and it will be graded according to the usual
scheme of A, B, etc. Late homework will never be accepted, under
any circumstances
Reading Assignments:
You cannot just bang away at the machine and expect it to work. You have to read
about programming as well as doing it, and it is a very good idea to read about
programming away from the machine, before and after trying actually to do it.
Reading assignments are given below, by chapter number, and other reading
assignments will be announced in class; they should all be finished before the
completion date given. Care has been taken to assign only those sections of the
approximately 600-page textbook that you really need to read - so really read
them! Your knowledge will be assumed.
Attendance:
In the most important sense, all absences, for whatever reason, are equal: you
have missed valuable course material, which is always difficult to make up. If
you do miss class, for whatever reason, making up the work is your
responsibility. All absences, with rare exceptions, will be recorded. It is your
responsibility to sign in at the beginning of the class. A phone call explaining
why you are absent will not change this. Most everyone has a problem or two
during the semester that causes absence. Therefore, avoid frivolous reasons for
absences, because real reasons will be coming along.
It is clearly very important for you to come to class. An excessive number of
absences will result in lowering your final grade. If your number of absences
becomes serious enough, you will be given warning in writing, and if the problem
persists, you will be withdrawn from the course with a grade of 'WF' (withdraw
fail.)
No requests for withdraw fail will be allowed after December 9.
Final Exam:
You are obligated to take the final exam at the specified time. Exceptions to
this rule will be very rare; they will usually be given only to students who
have done exceptionally well, and each will be granted on a case-by-case basis,
precipitating no 'you-do-it-for-one-you-do-it-for-all' avalanche.
Best idea - put the exam dates on your calendar now.
Final Grade:
Your final grade is based on homework and assignments (30%), quizzes (30%), the
final project & and final exam (30%), and attendance, participation, etc.
(10%).
Prerequisite:
CS101 with a C or better.
Text: QBASIC
with an Introduction to Visual Basic 5.0, David I Schneider,
Prentice Hall, 1999 (Fourth Edition).
Comment: This
book contains many questions and projects at the end of each chapter, working on
these questions and projects will enhance your performance in this class.
Classes
Tuesday/Thursday
* Complete reading assignments
before the class!
Sat., Sun., Mon., Tues., Wed.
Dec. 18 - 22 - Final exams
If you need course adaptations
or accommodations because of a disability, please make an appointment to see me
as soon as possible. If possible, requests for accommodations should be made
through Academic Services at least one week prior to when you will need them.
The above schedule and procedures are subject to change
in the event of extenuating circumstances.
The version of this syllabus that appears on the
Internet is the final word.
Plagiarism… is the unauthorized use by you of the
ideas or works of another. This includes copying from others without their
permission or consent, using other’s work without crediting the source, or
submitting work that is not your original work. This applies for assignments,
projects and exams.
Cheating… including plagiarism, and other unethical
acts, will not be condoned.
