NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE

COURSE SYLLABUS

 

 

 

 

Course Title:	Programming Fundamentals I
Course Prefix & Number:		COSC 1436 Section 0390	Lecture Hours:	48	Lab Hours:	32
Semester Credit Hours:		4.0	Class Meeting: Online
Course Description (NCTC Catalog): This course introduces the fundamental concepts of structured programming and provides a comprehensive introduction to programming for computer science and technology majors. 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 is included in the Field of Study Curriculum for Computer Science.
Course Prerequisite(s): Demonstration of Computer Literacy

 

 

 

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

 

Name of Instructor:	Dr. Steven Smith
Campus/Office Location:	Denton Campus, FSB Exchange, room 214 by appointment
Telephone Number:	https://nctclions.webex.com/meet/swsmith  (WebEx)
E-mail Address:	swsmith@nctc.edu

            

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TEXTBOOK INFORMATION

 

 The textbook listed below is required for this course.

 

“Starting Out with C++ from Control Structures to Objects” by T. Gaddis 9th Edition is the current text; however, earlier editions will work equally well, e.g.: You may use a seventh or eighth edition from Half-Price Books (or such) if you so choose.  Alternatively, you may rent an e-book from the publisher.

 

the NCTC Bookstore sells the text included in a package that contains the text as well as an access code to MyProgrammingLab; this is a Computer Assisted Leaning tool for computer programming. Please visit http://myprogramminglab.com for instructions on how to register on MyProgrammingLab. When registering you need (1) an access code and (2) our section Course ID. Your access code comes with the textbook you purchased as stated above and will be different for each student. Our Course ID is:

SMSD-49493-AUMP-50

If you buy a used book, it won't have MPL.

 

Alternatively, you may rent the text only for about $40 here: https://www.pearson.com/store/en-us/pearsonplus/p/9780137477241.html

 

Also try:

       Recycled Books                           (Used book store)

       200 N Locust St, Denton, TX     (On the square)

       http://recycledbooks.com/           (Cool place!)

 

If you get a used text, you will have to get the MyProgrammingLab from the bookstore.

 

  STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

 

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Describe how data are represented, manipulated, and stored in a computer
• Categorize different programming languages and their uses
• Understand and use the fundamental concepts of data types, structured programming, algorithmic design, and user interface design
• Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of software development methodologies, including modular design, pseudo code, flowcharting, structure charts, data types, control structures, functions, and arrays
• Develop projects that utilize logical algorithms from specifications and requirements statements
• Demonstrate appropriate design, coding, testing, and documenting of computer programs that implement project specifications and requirements
• Apply computer programming concepts to new problems or situations

 

GRADING CRITERIA

 

Programming Assignments    20%

Quizzes                                     30%

Midterm Exam                        25%

Final Exam                              25%

 

COURSE OUTLINE (Tentative)

 

            This course breaks into three major parts; these are:

• Basic Control Structures (Chapters one through five)
• Subroutines and Parameter Linkage (Chapters six and seven)
• Introduction to Data Structures, Arrays, and Records, called structs in  C++ (Chapters eight through 10)

 

Weeks One and Two:  Introduction to C++, basic program design; data types and operations thereon; Text: Chapters one, two and three; programming assignment one due.

 

Week Three:  Selection (if/then/else) logic; Text: Chapter four; programming assignment two and three due.

 

Week Four:  Looping logic; Text: Chapter five; programming assignment four due.

 

Week Five:  Continue looping logic. Text: Chapter five.

 

Week Six:  Review and Test One

 

Weeks Seven and Eight:  Introduction to Subroutines and Parameters; Text: Chapter Six; Programming assignment five given.

 

Weeks Nine and 10:  Continue to develop parameter passing; introduce the idea of passing parameters by value and by reference; Text: Chapter seven.

 

I see that the author of our Canvas module ends here.

 

Week 11:  Review and practice subroutines and parameters; Text: Chapters six and seven.  Programming assignment five due.

 

Week 12: Review and Test Two, Text: Chapters one through seven.

 

Weeks 13 and 14:  Arrays and array Processing; Text: Chapters nine and 10 (We shall skip over chapter eight for now.)  Nov 1, 2021 is the last day to drop a fall semester class.

 

Week 15: Introduce the idea of the structured data type; Text: Chapter 12.  Programming assignments six and seven developed.  Review for final exam.

 

The schedule given above is tentative and submitted as a general plan; I reserve the right to perturb the schedule as needed during the class.  I shall make every attempt to keep the exam dates firm.

 

 

DUE DATES AND LATE WORK

All assignments will have a published due date; I will try to have my grading done shortly after that date, usually within 72 hours.  If I send your program back with a grade of zero and a note to resubmit, please don't panic... fix it quickly and resubmit it.  I do deduct points; however, my goal is to get you passed, not failed.

I do not assess a penalty for assignments that are turned in after the due date.  That said, students who fall behind usually tend to either drop the class or fail.  To this end, the cut-off will be two weeks after the due date; for example: Assignment four is due Monday of week four; you may submit until Monday of week six.  Caution: the cut-off also applies to programs sent back for correction!

I typically will open Canvas in early December for a day of grace to allow each student to turn in *ONE* assignment each past the cut-off date.  The "soft" due dates and grace day do not apply to exams; exam due dates are strict!

  

ATTENDANCE POLICY

• A student in an on-line course is required to successfully complete the on-line course orientation and actively participate in the course as described in the Syllabus.
• Approved college sponsored activities are the only absences for which a student should not be held liable and only when provided by a college official ahead of the absence. Valid reasons for absence, however, do not relieve the student of the responsibility for making up required work.
• Persistent, unjustified absences from classes or laboratories will be considered enough cause for college officials to drop a student from the rolls of the college. From Board Policy FC (LOCAL)
• Check the NCTC calendar for the last day to withdraw from a course with a “W.

 

 

DISABILITY SERVICES (Office for Students with Disabilities)

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides support services for students with disabilities, students enrolled in technical areas of study, and students who are classified as special populations (i.e. single parents).

Support services for students with disabilities might include appropriate and reasonable accommodations, or they may be in the form of personal counseling, academic counseling, career counseling, etc.

Furthermore, OSD Counselors work with students to encourage self-advocacy and promote empowerment. The Counselors also provides resource information, disability-related information, and adaptive technology for students who qualify.

If you feel you have needs for services that the institution provides, please reach out to either Wayne Smith (940) 498-6207 or Yvonne Sandman (940) 668-4321. Alternative students may stop by Room 170 in Corinth or Room 110 in Gainesville.

 

COURSE TYPE

 

•  
  • ACGM

 

STUDENT HANDBOOK

 

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook and published online.

 

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

 

Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, academic falsification, intellectual property dishonesty, academic dishonesty facilitation and collusion. Faculty members may document and bring charges against a student who is engaged in or is suspected to be engaged in academic dishonesty. See Student Handbook, “Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct ([FLB(LOCAL)]”.

 

OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION

 

• E-mail will be the primary means of communication in the course.
• All e-mail from the instructor will be sent to the students NCTC e-mail account. A student should have an additional e-mail account via some other means for course communication in case Canvas is down. The instructor is not responsible for any e-mail that has been missed due to a bad forwarding address.
• Any student problems with Canvas or sending/receiving email it is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor ASAP.
• The instructor will check e-mail daily except on Saturdays/Sundays and will respond within 24 hours. This means you can NOT wait until the last minute to ask a question regarding an assignment.
• It is important that you commit to checking your email daily, so you don't miss important information. However, changes occasionally may need to be made and you will be made aware of them via e-mail (Canvas).
• Check Canvas often. You are responsible for any changes that will be made to the class dates and/or assignments. Announcements will be posted on a regular basis of upcoming due dates. Students should keep up with their own grades throughout the semester.
• All course information, grades, and feedback from the instructor will be through the Canvas email portal. Submission assignment comments in Canvas will be ignored.
• Unless otherwise noted, you are on your honor to complete all work on an individual basis. Any form of cheating in this course will result in a grade of zero on the assignment for all students involved.
• Proper notice will be given to any adjustments to the Syllabus.
• If you have difficulties or complaints related to this course, your first action should be to discuss them with your instructor. If such a discussion would be uncomfortable for you or fails to resolve your difficulties, contact the divisional dean information listed below.

 

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS

Name of Chair/Coordinator:	Susan Svane
Office Location:	Corinth Campus Suite 170 - Office 174
Telephone Number:	940-498-6292
E-mail Address:	ssvane@nctc.edu
Name of Instructional Dean:	Debbie Huffman
Office Location:	Gainesville Campus Rm 2106
Telephone Number:	940-668-3357
E-mail Address:	dhuffman@nctc.edu

 

COVID-19 Specific Syllabi Statements Fall 2021

 

Syllabi statement regarding potential Conversion of Onsite Classes to Online/Remote Format: North Central Texas College students should be aware that in the event of a college closure due to COVID-19 or other health related crisis, onsite classes will be converted to an online/remote format. Students should plan ahead to ensure they have access to the computer equipment (either PC, MAC, or tablet), webcam, and internet connectivity to continue their classes in an online/remote format. Please read all your official North Central Texas College student emails as the transition from onsite to online/remote might require a reorganization in your personal situation. Students will be granted a 72-hour transition and grace period. Online classes will continue as scheduled without disruption. Contact your Instructor as the situation arises. These policies and procedures were updated on July 27, 2021 and are subject to change as conditions change.

 

Syllabi Statement Regarding Face Coverings: Per the North Central Texas College guidance on face coverings on campus, in the instructional setting, faculty and students are not required to wear face coverings, such as masks or face shields. In May, Texas Governor Gregg Abbott released an Executive Order prohibiting Government entities from mandating the use of masks. As a political subdivision of the State of Texas, NCTC will follow the Governor’s Executive Order for Government entities and effective immediately NCTC is no longer mandating the use of masks while on campus. This order does not mean that you cannot choose to wear a mask, rather it is no longer allowed to be mandated. These policies and procedures were updated on May 19, 2021 and are subject to change.

 

Return to Standard Attendance Protocol for Face-to-Face Meetings: In spring 2020, we faced an unprecedented situation in which all of us had to be flexible and make prudent decisions in the best interest of our families, our campus, and our community. In light of this, North Central Texas College is temporarily establishing the requirement that faculty keep records of student attendance for face-to-face course meetings as well as a documented seating chart. In addition, students who are sick or need to quarantine should not attend classes. Students will not be required to provide formal documentation from a health care provider and will not be penalized for COVID-19 related absences when proper notification to campus health officials is made in accordance with the guidelines stated below.

 

Faculty will:

 

• Notify students about important course information and delivery changes through Canvas and campus email.

 

Students should:

• Provide notification to campus officials if they have tested positive for COVID-19 or must quarantine so we can confirm reported absence with instructors, monitor, and assist the campus community.
• Notify instructors in advance of the absence.
• Connect with that class through Webex if the class session is being transmitted in a hybrid fashion.
• Keep up with and/or make up missed classwork or assignments.
• Submit assignments digitally through Canvas or other means as announced by your instructor.
• Work with their instructors to reschedule exams, labs, and other critical academic activities described in the course syllabus.
• Check Canvas and campus email daily to receive important announcements pertaining to the course.

During the fall 2021 semester, faculty with face-to-face meetings will establish assigned seating/workstations to facilitate roll-taking, and, if necessary, contact tracing. Additionally, we ask all members of the College community to be attentive to their health, and safeguard others, by following the CDC’s guideline to “stay home when you are sick.” You should stay home if you have symptoms. More information on what to do if you are sick is available at the CDC’s website.

Additional NCTC information is available at http://www.nctc.edu/coronavirus/index.html