CSCI 110 – Beginning Programming: Visual Basic
Course Info
Instructor:
Mr. John Dobbs
Office Phone: 248-1579
Email:
jddobbs@coloradomesa.edu
Web Page:
http://myhome.coloradomesa.edu/~jddobbs/Default.htm
Office Hours: Tues 1:00 – 1:50 in WS 120 or by request in my office in WS 136
Text:
Starting Out With Visual Basic 2010 – 5th edition; Gaddis & Irvine
Software:
Visual Studio 2010; purchased in class
Course Meets: MWF 1:00 – 1:50 WS 205 (CSCI 110L in WS 120 on Tues, 12:00 – 1:50 recommended)
Course Objectives
This course is an introduction to computer programming. At the completion of this course students will be able to:



Design and implement solutions to basic programming problems
Write, compile, debug, and test Visual Basic language programs
Demonstrate the ability to use Visual Basic to:
 Create usable graphical user interfaces (GUI)
 Handle user interface events
 Use variables, data types, and structures
 Use arrays
 Write simple calculations
 Write simple logic decisions
 Use loops
 Design and use procedures and functions
 Read and write files
This course also includes an introduction to database and web applications.
Grading
Grading based on ~35 questions of the day (1 pt each), 7 quizzes (25 pts each), 8 projects (50 pts each), a mid-term
test (75 pts), and a final exam (100 pts). A >= 90%, B >= 80%, C >= 70%, D >= 60%.
Missing classes will decrease your chance for a good grade. If you know you can’t make a class, let me know in
advance to schedule make-up quizzes, projects, or exams – no notice, no make-up.
Assignments must be turned in on time – again, let me know in advance if you need to reschedule. It’s better to
turn in something, rather than turning in nothing (any points is infinitely better than zero points).
Expectations in the Classroom
I expect participation. I also expect that everyone will act with respect to others in the class. This includes no
phone use or texting in the classroom.
As to cheating: instructor philosophy - just don’t – severe penalty. I will announce that some projects can be done
as group projects – if I have not announced it as a group project it is not a group project.
CMU philosophy: see Student Conduct in Colorado Mesa University: 2011 – 2012 Catalog, pg 44 and
http://www.coloradomesa.edu/shared/documents/2010-2011_Academic_Policies_Guide.pdf.
Software Details
You will need to install Visual Studio on the computer you will be using outside of class. If you don’t have a
computer available, there are computer available in the library and several of the CS classrooms for your use. You
will need to purchase the DVD for Visual Studio 2010 during class for $30 and install it on your computer. Do not
use the software that comes with the text.
Turning in Assignments
To turn in projects - you will need to upload to the K drive in your folder under Class/Section/Students/YourLogin
(ex: CSCI110/001/Students/jstudent). There will be more on this in a later handout. If, for some reason, this is
not practical, projects can be emailed to me.
Tutoring
If you have questions or would like some help, talk to me first. If you would like some additional help the Tutorial
Learning Center TLC is there to help. See http://www.coloradomesa.edu/tutoring/
Educational Access Services
In coordination with Educational Access Services, reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified
students with disabilities. Please meet with the instructor the first week of class to make arrangements. Nancy
Conklin, the Coordinator of Educational Access Services, can be contacted at 248-1826,
naconkli@coloradomesa.edu, or in person in Houston Hall, Suite 108.
Tentative Weekly Schedule
Weekly Objectives
Introduction to
computers, programming,
and Visual Studio 2010;
program design and
1/16/2012 psuedocode
Program design; creating
1/23/2012 applications
Creating applications;
problem solving
techniques - primitive
1/30/2012 objects, events
Events; input/output;
variables & constants;
Arrays; exception
2/6/2011 handling
Selection structures - if
blocks and select case
2/13/2012 blocks
2/20/2012 Validation and strings
2/27/2012 Repetition
Sub procedures and
3/5/2012 functions
3/12/2012
Sub procedures and
3/19/2012 functions;
3/26/2012 Multiple forms
3/30/2012 Modules
4/2/2012 More Arrays
4/9/2012 Files
4/16/2012 Structures
Structures; Database
4/23/2012 applications
Web applications; final
4/30/2012 exam review
5/7/2012 Final exam
Text
Chaps
Mon
Tues (Lab)
Weds
1
1, 2
Quiz 1
2
Project 1
3, 8
Quiz 2
4
4
5
Project 2
Quiz 3
Project 3
6
Midterm
Spring Break
6
7
7
8
9
9
Project 4
Quiz 4
Project 5
Quiz 5
Project 6
Quiz 6
QuizProject
10
11
Project 7
Final
Thurs
Fri