Chabot College
Fall 2004
Replaced Fall 2006
Course Outline for Computer Science 7
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER PROGRAMMING CONCEPTS
Catalog Description:
7 – Introduction to Computer Programming Concepts
3 units
Introduction to computer programming for nonscience majors and for students requiring additional
preparation before taking Computer Science 10 or Computer Science 14. Hardware, system
software basics, the history of computing, basic computer operations, number systems, design of
algorithms, and programming constructs such as variables, expressions, input/output, decisionmaking, loops, functions, and parameters. 3 hours lecture. 1 hour laboratory.
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
1.
identify the various parts of modern computational systems and their use;
2.
identify the differences between system software and application software;
3.
perform basic computer operations using features of Windows and desktop;
4.
use different number systems and convert numbers from one base to another;
5.
diagram the history of computation and programming languages;
6.
describe the concept of programming;
7.
explain the notion of an algorithm;
8.
list and develop steps that are involved in program development;
9.
design correct and efficient algorithms to solve programming problems;
10. construct small programs using various elements, such as variables, I/O, if-else, loops, functions,
expressions, and parameters;
Course Content:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Computer Systems
a. System overview
b. Distinction between hardware and software.
Hardware
a. Overview of the 5 major components including input devices, output devices, central
processing unit, primary memory, and secondary storages.
b. Input devices: How to efficiently use the keyboard and mouse
c. Output devices: How to obtain hard-copies using the printer
d. CPU: control unit, ALU, registers, and buses
e. Memory: RAM vs. ROM
f. Storage: Use and care of diskettes, zip disk, jump drives and other storage devices.
Software
a. Distinction between system and applications software.
b. System software basics
c. Microsoft Windows: logging in; shutting down; use of start button, taskbar, Help menus, and
Window Explorer; create directories and files; delete, rename and move files and directories.
Number Systems
a. Overview of base systems
b. Base 10, 2, 8 and 16
c. Conversion from one base to another
Programming Concepts
a. History of Computation and programming languages.
b. Types and purposes of programming languages.
Chabot College
Course Outline for Computer Science 7
Fall 2004
Page 2
Course Content: continued
6.
Program Development
a. The Notion of an Algorithm
b. Top-Down design
c. Design of correct, concise, and effective algorithms
d. Control flow, basic logic, and boolean expressions
e. Usage of data types, arithmetic expressions, input/output, functions and arguments.
f. Effective methods for checking and debugging programs.
g. Programming in an integrated development environment (IDE).
Method of Presentation:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Lecture
Discussion
Demonstration
Hands-on exercises in the laboratory
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1.
Typical Assignments
a. Convert a series of decimal numbers into their binary, octal and hexadecimal equivalents.
b. Using pseudocode and flow charts, create the programming logic that will allow a user to
enter a starting and ending value and display the even integer values (display the odd
integer values).
c. Using pseudocode and flow charts, create the logic that will read in records from a
sequential data file and process the records (emphasize that the file has an “unknown”
number of records and what type of loop would you use).
2.
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a. Written work
b. Hands-on programming exercises
c. Quizzes, midterm and final examinations
Textbook(s) (Typical):
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Short Prelude to Programming Concepts and Designs, Stewart Venit, Delmar Learning Publishing,
2001
Computer Algorithms: Introduction to Design & Analysis, Sara Baase & Allen Van Gelder,
3rd Edition, Addison-Wesley Publishing, 1999
Computer Science Illuminated, Nell Dale & John Lewis, Jones & Bartlett Publishing, 2002
Programming Logic & Design: Comprehensive, Joyce Farrell, 2nd Edition, Course Technology,
2004
Using Information Technology, Sawyer & Williams, 5th Edition, McGraw-Hill/Irwin, 2002
Special Student Materials:
Portable storage device
Wanda Wong
New September 2003
Effective Fall 2004