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CISP 1010 Syllabus

Course Syllabus

CISP 1010 - Computer Science I

4 Credit Hours

Course Information

Course Description:

This course is an introduction to all aspects of the programming and problem-solving process and the elements of effective programming style. A high-level language will be used as a vehicle for introducing these concepts. Laboratory use of the computer in designing, coding, debugging, and executing programs is an integral part of the course.

Course Outcomes:

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

  • Use variables, control structures, methods and arrays to create programs.
  • Implement the problem-solving process, and design algorithms using pseudo code and UML diagrams.
  • Design and create classes using fields, methods and constructors.
  • Implement data validation, error handling and file I/O.
  • Troubleshoot and debug programs.
Prerequisites & Co-requisites:

The student should have some background and understanding of computing and the use of information systems in society. A prior course in a programming language is not required.  MATH 1010 is  prerequisite

Course Topics:
  • Overview of Programming and Problem Solving (Chapter 1)
  • C++ Syntax and Semantics, and the Program Development Process (Chapter 2)
  • Numeric Types, Expressions, and Output (Chapter 3)
  • Program Input and the Software Design Process (Chapter 4)
  • Conditions, Logical Expressions, and Selection Control Structures (Chapter 5)
  • Looping (Chapter 6)
  • Additional Control Structures (Chapter 7)
  • Functions (Chapter 8)
  • Scope, Lifetime, and More on Functions (Chapter 9)
  • User-Defined Data Types (Chapter 10)
  • Arrays (Chapter 11)
  • Classes and Abstraction (Chapter 12)
Specific Course Requirements:

You should be comfortable with basic computing concepts. Although not required, some experience in another computer language such as Visual Basic or Java is helpful. You should be competent in the use of Internet browsers, search engines, and Microsoft Office products.

Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware and Software Requirements

Required Textbooks:

Please visit the Virtual Bookstore to obtain textbook information for this course. Move your cursor over the "Books" link in the navigation bar and select "Textbooks & Course Materials." Select your Program, Term, Department, and Course; then select "Submit."

Supplementary Materials:

None

Hardware and Software Requirements:

Minimum hardware requirements can be found here.

Minimum software requirements can be found here.

Common applications you might need:

Web Resources:

Purdue OWL Online Writing Lab (for APA, MLA, or Chicago style)

The Writing Center Online Writer's Handbook

Student Resources:
  • Technical support information can be found on the TN eCampus Help Desk page.
  • Smarthinking virtual tutoring is available FREE of charge. to access Smarthinking, visit the course homepage and select Smarthinking under Course Resources. You also view sample sessions to see what Smarthinking offers and how it works.
  • Information on other student issues or concerns can be located on the TN eCampus Student Resources page.

Instructor Information

Please see "Instructor Information" in the Getting Started Module for instructor contact information, virtual office hours, and other communication information. You can expect to receive a response from the instructor within 24-48 hours unless notified of extenuating circumstances.

Participation, Assessments, & Grading

Grading Procedures:
Grading Scale:

Letter grades for this course will be assigned based on the following scale.

Point Range Assigned Grade
90 - 100 PointsA
80 - 89 PointsB
70 - 79 PointsC
60 - 69 PointsD
under 60 PointsF

Graded Items

DescriptionPoints
Individual unit assignments (12 total)40%
Midterm exam20%
Final exam40%
Total Points100%

 

Assignments and Projects:

Check the Dropbox component in the course Home Page or the vertical navigation bar for specific instructions. The vast majority of assignments require you to produce a small C++ program that satisfies the problem requirements. You should submit a ".cpp" file to me via the Assignments components. (Chapter 1 requires the submission of a .doc file, but this is the exception.) DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SEND ME THE ENTIRE PROJECT ENVIRONMENT! I only want the .cpp file. When we get to classes (chapter 12) you will also send the .h or header file as part of the Assignment. The extension of .cpp refers to a c plus plus file.) I will take the .cpp (called the source program) and compile it and then run (execute) the program to see if it meets the problem specifications. I will grade the Assignments and when appropriate make corrections to your code and return the revised program to you for you to compare my revisions to your original code. I will make comments (hopefully constructive) on your efforts when I grade the exercises. Again, the lowest individual Assignment grade is dropped when your final grade is calculated.

The assignments are intended to demonstrate the chapter topics. For example, if a chapter is on looping, then use loops in your solution. A solution can get the desired outcome but points will be deducted if you do not incorporate the primary chapter emphasis. Please make absolutely sure your solution will compile. (Use the Microsoft Visual C++ compiler for your assignments.

Class Participation:

Students are expected to communicate using email and the course bulletin board with other students in the course. Students are expected to communicate with the instructor as a learning resource and you are expected to check the course discussion board frequently for announcements and other pertinent material.

Late Policy:

You are expected to submit your work in a timely fashion. Refer to the course calendar for assignment milestones.

Course Ground Rules

The following two statements (1., 2.) were derived from the TBR System-wide Student Rules document, released January 2012:

RULES OF THE TENNESSEE BOARD OF REGENTS STATE UNIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM OF TENNESSEE SYSTEMWIDE STUDENT RULES CHAPTER 0240-02-03 STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS

Read the document in its entirety here.

1. Standards of Conduct:

  • Students are required to adhere to the same professional, legal and ethical standards of conduct online as on campus. In addition, students should conform to generally accepted standards of "netiquette" while sending e-mail, posting comments to the discussion board, and while participating in other means of communicating online. Specifically, students should refrain from inappropriate and/or offensive language, comments and actions.

2. Review the TN eCampus Academic Integrity/Academic Honesty Policy:

  • In their academic activities, students are expected to maintain high standards of honesty and integrity. Academic dishonesty is prohibited.

Such conduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • an attempt by one or more students to use unauthorized information in the taking of an exam
  • to submit as one's own work, themes, reports, drawings, laboratory notes, computer programs, or other products prepared by another person,
  • or to knowingly assist another student in obtaining or using unauthorized materials.

Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited.

Students guilty of academic misconduct, either directly or indirectly through participation or assistance, are subject to disciplinary action through the regular procedures of the student’s home institution.  Refer to the student handbook provided by your home institution to review the student conduct policy.

In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions that may be imposed, the instructor has the authority to assign an "F" or zero for an activity or to assign an "F" for the course.

Other Course Rules:

Students are expected to:

  • Participate in all aspects of the course
  • Communicate with other students
  • Learn how to navigate in Brightspace
  • Keep abreast of course announcements
  • Use the assigned course management (Brightspace) email address rather than a personal email address
  • Address technical problems immediately:
  • Observe course netiquette at all times.

Guidelines for Communications

Email:

  • Always include a subject line.
  • Remember without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording your emails. Use of emoticons might be helpful in some cases.
  • Use standard fonts.
  • Do not send large attachments without permission.
  • Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.
  • Respect the privacy of other class members

Discussions:

  • Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion. Be a lurker then a discussant.
  • Try to maintain threads by using the "Reply" button rather starting a new topic.
  • Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group. Be respectful of other’s ideas.
  • Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.
  • Be cooperative with group leaders in completing assigned tasks.
  • Be positive and constructive in group discussions.
  • Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner.

Library

The Tennessee Virtual Library is available to all students enrolled in TN eCampus programs and courses. Links to library materials (such as electronic journals, databases, interlibrary loans, digital reserves, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, and librarian support) and Internet resources needed by learners to complete online assignments and as background reading will be included within the course modules. To access the Virtual Library, go to the course homepage and select the Virtual Library link under Course Resources.

Students with Disabilities

Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic accommodations if determined eligible by the appropriate disability services staff at their home institution. Prior to granting disability accommodations in this course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student's eligibility for specific accommodations from the disability services staff at the home institution. It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with their home institution's disability services staff and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor.

Syllabus Changes

The instructor reserves the right to make changes as necessary to this syllabus. If changes are necessitated during the term of the course, the instructor will immediately notify students of such changes both by individual email communication and posting both notification and nature of change(s) on the course bulletin board.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this syllabus is for general information purposes only. While we endeavor to keep this information up-to-date and accurate, there may be some discrepancies between this syllabus and the one found in your online course. The syllabus of record is the one found in your online course. Please make sure you read the syllabus in your course at the beginning of the semester. Questions regarding course content should be directed to your instructor.


Last Revised on February 28, 2022