ICSC101: Elements of Computing

Spring 2008 Course Description

Course Title:

ICSI101: Elements of Computing

Credit Hours:

3

Prerequisites:

None, but should be able to type and be familiar with a Windows Operating System environment

Instructor for Fall 2007

Michael Kolta

Outcomes Objectives:

This course is designed to introduce the student to the ever changing world of computers. The student will also develop the ability to write and process computer programs using Visual Basic to solve technical problems.

Text (required):

Starting Out with Visual Basic 2005; 3rd Edition:
by Tony Gaddis & Kip Irvine

make sure CD-ROM with VB express edition is included

Materials:

Required: i-Clicker, available from the school bookstore or Mary Jane's
Strongly recommended: pen drive (aka thumb drive or jump drive) or floppy disk

Software:

required: Visual Basic 2005
MAKE SURE YOUR TEXTBOOK COMES WITH VB2005 EXPRESS EDITION!!!;
We have been having a problem with some books coming with the wrong software
Visual Basic 2005 Express Edition is included with textbooks, PC only
Visual Basic 2005 Professional Edition is also availble for use in the main Library in the computer lab

Supplemental Resources:

Internet access

Attendance Policy:

Students are expected to attend all classes and it is the responsibility of the student to make up any material due to absence.

Classroom Policies:

Use of the Internet will be a key component of this course. The Course Outline, Syllabus, and homework assignments will all be posted on the web via SUNY Albany's Web CT system at http://webct.albany.edu:8900/. Paper versions will not be distributed during class and it is the student's responsibility to obtain these resources from the web.

Labs and homeworks will be a major part of this course. All assignments will be due at precisely 11:00PM on the due date. Homework deadlines are strict. ABSOLUTELY NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED!!! The only exception is if you have a note from the Dean's Office, which includes all family and medical emergencies. If you have a question about a homework grade, FIRST contact the TA that graded that homework. Then if you are still not satisified, contact the instructor.

Students are encouraged to ask questions and participate in class discussions. Students are also encouraged to participate via the use of e-mail, chat rooms, and discussion groups in Web CT outside of class. Class participation will make up a small part of the final grade.

A word on cheating - DON'T DO IT! If caught, you will recieve a 0 on that assignment or test, possibly an F in the class, and perhaps even expelled from school.
On homeworks assignments, you are allowed to work together, but you must TURN IN YOUR OWN WORK!
Handing in the same code as someone else is cheating.

1) 1 in class mid term

25%

2) 1 in class cummulative final exam

25%

4) homeworks

40%

5) Class participation

10%

Total

100%

Note: The instructor reserves the right to give a pop quiz at any time.