Chabot College
December, 1995
Replaced Fall 2006
Course Outline for Computer Science 10
INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING USING VISUAL BASIC
Catalog Description:
10 - Introduction to Programming Using Visual BASIC
4 units
Introduction to problem solving using the computer language Visual BASIC for Windows.
Includes algorithm development, introduction to personal computer systems, windows, controls,
event procedures, input/output, looping techniques, decision making, numeric, string and
subscripted variables, functions, subroutines and text file manipulation. Intended for a general
audience with no prior programming experience. Strongly recommended: Mathematics 65 or 65B
(completed with a grade of C or higher). 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory.
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
recognize basic computer vocabulary terms;
identify personal computer system components and computer operating systems;
navigate in the windows environment;
specify and design the user interface for a program using VISUAL BASIC Controls;
develop algorithms for solution of programming problems;
write VISUAL BASIC code using structured programming constructs, arrays, subroutines,
functions and sequential text files;
enter, edit, test and debug VISUAL BASIC programs;
produce well documented, user friendly, easy-to-read programs with well designed output.
Course Content:
1.
Components of a personal computer system and software
a.
Functions of the Central Processing Unit
b.
How computers use memory
c.
Auxiliary storage
d.
Input/output devices
e.
Types of software
2.
Windows environment
a.
The computer-human interface
b.
Screen menus
c.
Dialog boxes
d.
Input techniques
e.
Designing screen output
3. User interface and algorithm design
a.
Specifying VISUAL Controls for the user interface
b.
Design menus
Chabot College
Course Outline for Computer Science 10, Page 2
December, 1995
4.
5.
6.
7.
c.
Use common dialog boxes
d.
Understand Event Driven programming
Algorithm Design and Elements of Program Style
a.
Definition of algorithm and role in problem solution
b.
Expressing algorithms in pseudocode or flowchart form
Coding programs in VISUAL BASIC
a.
String and numeric variables and constants
b.
Evaluation of expressions and assignment statements
d.
Setting and changing VISUAL Control properties
e.
Object methods
f.
Logical operators and decision statements
g.
Looping structures
h.
Use of elementary VISUAL BASIC functions: numeric and string
i.
Subroutines and programmer created functions, including elementary parameter
passing
j
Creation and use of Control arrays
k.
Declaration and use of arrays including a simple bubble type sort
l.
Sequential file input and output operations
Elements of program testing and debugging
a.
Saving, retrieving and running VISUAL BASIC programs
b.
Choosing good test data
c.
Hand tracing and using an online debugger
d.
Checking the program's results
Structure and documentation of programs
a.
The structured constructs, sequence, selection, repetition
b.
Using subroutines to modularize programs
c.
How to improve readability of a program by use of remarks, indentation, and
spacing and well chosen variable names
Methods of Presentation:
1.
2.
Lecture, discussion and classroom demonstrations
Student use of appropriate computer laboratory
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1.
2.
3.
Exams which, according to instructor preference, may include quizzes, midterms and a
required final examination. Each instructor may choose their own examination modality
but is expected to test during the term. All instructors are expected to write tests which
relate to the lecture/discussion/assignments/textbook being presented in the course.
Students will be asked to write and implement various and multiple assigned programs and
other assignments which utilize all topics included above in the course of study.
Grading based upon a combination of exam scores and assignments.
Chabot College
Course Outline for Computer Science 10, Page 3
December, 1995
Textbook(s) (Typical):
The Visual Basic Coursebook, Forest Lin, Scott/Jones Publishers
Using Visual Basic 4.0, Michael McKelvy, Que Publishers
Special Student Materials:
Computer Access Diskette
CC/hps
b:\CourseOutlines\CS\10\9512.07