PRINCE GEORGE'S COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Syllabus for CIS 1030
Computer Programming in Visual Basic
Fall 2009
INSTRUCTOR: Prof. Jim Chaires Computer Information Systems Department
OFFICE: CAT229F
PHONE NUMBERS: 301-322-0772 Department Secretary 301 322-0752 (to leave me
a message, when all else fails)
EMAIL ADDRESS: chairejw@pgcc.edu or jwchaires@hotmail.com
OFFICE HRS: MW 1:30-2:30pm. W 9-10pm. TTh 4:15-5:15pm.
TEXTBOOK: Microsoft Visual Basic 2008 for Windows, Mobile, Web, Office, and Database Applications;
COMPREHENSIVE. By Shelly, Cashman, and Hoisington. (Course Technology, 2007).
[NOTE: This text is used for both CIS 1030 and CIS 2030.]
COURSE DESCRIPTION: 4 credits. Students program in Visual Basic 2008 to create business applications
featuring a graphical interface. Such programs incorporate multiple simultaneous windows, graphical images,
pull-down menus, dialog boxes, and similar objects, as well as event-driven modules and procedures. This
Course emphasizes structured, object-oriented programming. Prerequisite or co-requisite: CIS 101.
(3 class/3 lab hours)
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, a student will be able to





Design and build complete applications using the Visual Basic 2005 language.
Use and adapt the Visual Studio Integrated Development Environment (IDE).
Use Visual Basic 2008 objects (forms and controls, and .NET Framework classes), properties, events,
methods, functions, interfaces, and procedures.
Code individual logic modules (procedures) using the elements of the programming language
(statements and functions).
Explain the nature of object-oriented programming, software reuse, information hiding, and the
incorporation of database tables into VB projects.
GRADING CRITERIA
Quizes Exam 1 –
Exam 2 –
Final Exam –
Projects –
50 points
50 points
50 points
50 points
50 points
Exams
Each of the three exams consists of a computer programming assignment, which you must complete within two
hours. The following policies apply:
 50 points Exams 1 and 2 are each worth.
 The Final Exam is worth 50 points
 If you miss Exam 1, the grade on Exam 2 will be counted twice.
 If you miss Exam 2, your final grade on the Final Exam will be substituted for your Exam 2 grade.
 If you miss both Exams 1 and 2, you cannot pass the course.
 If you miss the Final Exam, you cannot pass the course.
1
Projects
Each project will consist of a computer program written in Visual Basic 2008. Each computer program is
graded on a 5 point scale:
5=
perfect and on-time
4=
perfect but late (within 1 week of due date)
3=
perfect but really late (within 2 weeks of due date)
1=
incorrect or incomplete, including any design error (whether large or small) or incomplete
documentation. A project which receives a grade of 1 may be resubmitted after you have fixed it; when
the project is finally perfect, the grade will be changed to 4.
0=
not turned in
Occasionally, I may assign one of the practice tests from the author’s Website. When these are assigned, they
will be graded according to the same scheme as a programming project.
All projects (Visual Basic 2008 computer programs) must be submitted through
Blackboard and are due at 1:30pm on the due date. Expect at least 1 or 2 projects per week.
Your project must be zipped into a single, compressed file. This zip file must be named as follows: your initials
+ a hyphen, Ch + the chapter number, p + the page number + a hyphen, and ex + the exercise number or the
case name. In the following table, John Smith is assigned exercise 7 in chapter 4 on page 160, and Kathy
Branch is assigned the J.R. Bubble Gum Factory Case Project from Chapter 8 on page 278. They would name
their compressed files as follows:
Initials+JSKB-
Ch+chapter
Ch4
Ch8
P+page+ P160P278-
Ex+ex#, or case, + - Complete filename
Ex7
JS-Ch4p160-ex7.zip
BubbleGum
KB-Ch7p278-BubbleGum.zip
You will be given instructions on how to compress the 20 or so files that make up a typical Visual Basic 2008
project into one zip file.
The Assignments area will contain a list of your assigned projects each week:


Some of your projects (and all of your exams) will be submitted by responding to an assignment in the
Assignments area of Blackboard.
Most of your projects will be submitted through the Discussion Board (within the Communications area)
in Blackboard. In this way, you will be able to view and comment on each other’s programs.
At the end of the course, your grades on all projects will be averaged, and the average will be multiplied by 10,
to constitute 50% of your course grade.
2
Final grade
When computing your grade for the course, a bonus of up to 5% can be earned for class participation, that is,
commenting on, debugging, and improving the projects submitted by other students.
The final grade is based on the traditional scale:
90%+
=A
80% to <90% = B
70% to <80% = C
60% to <70% = D
<60%
=F
Schedule
This is a tentative schedule, subject to change due to class pace, unexpected class cancellations, and other
factors.
Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Starting Monday
Aug. 31
Sept. 9
Sept. 14
Sept 21
Sept 28
Oct. 5
Oct. 12
Oct. 19
Oct. 26
Nov. 2
Nov. 9
Nov. 16
Nov. 23
Nov. 30
Dec.7
Topics
Chapter 1 and 2
Chapter 2
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Test1
Chapter 4
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 5
Test 2
Chapter 6
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 7
Final Exam 11 Dec. at 11am.
Weekly Activity
In each chapter, everyone will create the main chapter application and perhaps one common project; and then
each student will also create one or two unique projects, where you are the only student assigned to a particular
problem. Sometimes you will also be asked to review/debug/improve a project submitted by a classmate.
Several times during the semester, you will be assigned a partnership project, where you will tackle a
programming problem in conjunction with a classmate. Specific procedures for all of these assignments will be
given in the Assignments area in Blackboard.
Visual Basic 2008 Editions
Microsoft Visual Basic 2008 is offered in several editions, of increasing complexity, functionality, and cost.
The simplest edition is called Visual Basic 2009 Express Edition, available as a free download from
http://msdn.com. The Express Edition is essentially a starter kit for novice programmers, useful for
programming Windows applications for a standalone desktop or laptop computer. Next is Visual Studio 2008
Standard Edition, which includes several Microsoft programming languages, including Visual Basic, Visual
C++, Visual C#, and Visual J#. The Visual Studio 2008 Standard Edition supports Windows, mobile, Web, and
Database applications: Windows applications that run on standalone or networked computers, mobile
applications that run on a cell phone or handheld PC, Web applications that run on an Internet server and are
3
viewed as Web pages on client machines, and database applications that use a database such as Microsoft
Access to store and retrieve information. The Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition, Visual Studio 2008
Team Edition, and Visual Studio 2009 Tools for Office Edition provide specialized features for advanced
programming applications.
To create all of the programs needed for CIS 1030, you need to have at least Visual Studio 2009 Standard
Edition. You could use the free Visual Basic 2008 Express Edition for most of the course, but you will need the
Standard Edition for the mobile applications in Chapter 5 and the Web applications in Chapter 7. (By the way,
the Visual Studio 2008 Standard Edition will also get you through CIS 1130, Introduction to Programming
using C++, and CIS 203, Advanced Programming in Visual Basic. So it may be worth your while to purchase
and install Visual Studio 2008 Standard Edition.)
You can do the programming projects on any computer equipped with the requisite software. Most students find
it most convenient to work at home; however, some of you may prefer or will find it necessary to work on
campus. The requisite software is installed in all of the student labs on campus.
1. OFFICE VISITS:
You are welcome to come to my office when you need help with the course.
2. ATTENDANCE:
Please attend every class. Regular attendance is important for learning the material.
3. CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR:
Please pay attention. Talking with others during class time is not proper behavior.
4. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
A word about cheating. DON'T! Cheating will result in a score of ZERO on the item
involved, with no retest or makeup possible. A report must be filed with the Vice President
for Student Services.
5. CHILDREN OR VISITORS:
Only registered students are permitted in the classroom.
6. PHONES, BEEPERS, ETC.:
Devices that make sounds must be turned OFF during class.
7. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:
Inform the instructor promptly of any required accommodations.
DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES
Students requesting academic accommodations are required to contact the Disability Support Services Office (M-1042)
or call (301) 322-0838 (voice) or (301) 322-0122 (TTY) to establish eligibility for services and accommodations.
Students with documented disabilities should discuss the matter privately with their instructors at the beginning of the semester and
provide a copy of their Student/Faculty Accommodation Form.
4
CODE OF CONDUCT
The Prince George's Community College Code of Conduct defines the rights and responsibilities of students and establishes a system
of procedures for dealing with students charged with violations of the code and other rules and regulations of the college. A student
enrolling in the college assumes an obligation to conduct himself/herself in a manner compatible with the college's function as an
educational institution. Refer to the 2005-2006 Student Handbook, beginning on page 41, for a complete explanation of the code of
conduct, including the Code of Academic Integrity and the procedure for dealing with disruptive student behavior.
CODE OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
The college is an institution of higher learning that holds academic integrity as its highest principle. In the pursuit of knowledge, the
college community expects that all students, faculty, and staff will share responsibility for adhering to the values of honesty and
unquestionable integrity. To support a community committed to academic achievement and scholarship, the Code of Academic
Integrity advances the principle of honest representation in the work that is produced by students seeking to engage fully in the
learning process. The complete text of the Code of Academic Integrity is in the 2005-2006 Student Handbook (pages 42-45) and
posted on the college's website.
DELAYED COLLEGE OPENINGS
When the College announces a delayed opening, all classes with at least 45 minutes of class time remaining at
the time of the opening will be held. For example, in the event of a 10 a.m. opening, a 9:30-10:45 a.m. class
will be held. This procedure applies to all credit classes.
COLLEGE RESOURCES AND SERVICES
Campus Bookstore
301-322-0912
Largo Student Center, Room 116
www.pgcc.edu/pgweb/pgdocs/bookstore.html
Library Accokeek Hall
General information: 301-322-0105 Circulation services: 301-322-0475 Reference services: 301-322-0476
www.pgcc.edu/library
The Library provides a range of library and media services. Refer to the web site for hours and more
information about the services.
Student Assessment Services Center (Testing Center)
301-322-0090
Bladen Hall, Room 100
www.pgcc.edu/pgweb/pgdocs/student_services/student_assessment_services.htm
Check the web site for hours, policies, and procedures.
Student Development Services
301-322-0886
www.pgcc.edu/pgweb/pgdocs/student_services/index-sds.htm
Student Development Services has various programs that provide students with mentoring, advising, and
individual counseling. Call or check the website for more information.
Tutoring and Writing Centers
301-322-0886
Bladen Hall, Room 107
Stop by or call to make an appointment.
www.pgcc.edu/students/tutoring_writing_grammar/
The Tutoring Center can help you in many courses with free one-on-one or group tutoring. The Writing
Center offers one-on-one tutoring for all students who are working on a writing assignment in any course.
5
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS:
Center for Work-Based Learning 301-322-0136
Marlboro Hall, Room 2102
http://academic.pgcc.edu/cwbl/index.shtml
The Center for Work-Based Learning assists students with combining work experience and academic
study. Students are placed in jobs or internships where they may apply classroom learning to the real
world. Faculty and on-site supervisors monitor the training to assure that it is relevant to the student’s
major. College credit is earned for this work-based learning. Work sites are located throughout the
Washington, D.C. area as well as in Europe and Africa.
Collegian Centers:
http://academic.pgcc.edu/collegiancenters/
The College’s five Collegian Centers provide a “place to belong” outside of the classroom. They bring
students in particular disciplines together for co-curricular activities and opportunities:
Administration of Justice –Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, 301-386-7553
Paralegal/Pre-Law 301-322-0757
Bernard Center – Business Management and Accounting 301-322-0990 ext. 4810
Humanities – Art, Communication and Theatre, English, Language Studies, Music, and
Philosophy 301-583-5209
PSE – Psychology, Sociology, Early Childhood Education, and Teacher Education
301-386-7587
STEM – Sciences, Technology (Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, and
Engineering Technology), Engineering and Mathematics 301-341-3086
Hillman Entrepreneurs Program 301-322-0700 Marlboro Hall, Room 2051
http://www.hillmanentrepreneurs.com/
Students in any major, who have a passionate desire to start, run, or own a business, may apply for
admission to the Hillman Entrepreneurs Program. Admission is competitive. The program builds
entrepreneurial skills, pays up to 64 percent of tuition, provides a $500 stipend, and allows qualified
students to transfer to the University of Maryland College Park as Hillman Entrepreneurs where they
have up to 64 percent of their tuition paid and receive a $1,000 stipend.
6
Honors Academy/Program 301-322-0433 Marlboro Hall, Room 1087
http://academic.pgcc.edu/honorsprogram/
The Honors Academy admits academically outstanding honors students who are interested in a rigorous
program of academic excellence, intellectual development, leadership and community service. Prince
George's Community College Honors Program promotes students’ intellectual growth and enrichment.
International Education Center 301-322-0177
Lanham Hall, Room 117
http://academic.pgcc.edu/internationalcenterThe International Education Center provides academic
support and assistance to students who need help with courses or with understanding the American
higher education system. The Center brings international and American students together for learning
enrichment activities, including a variety of discussion forums that foster awareness and understanding
of cultural issues.
Program Mentoring 301-386-7587 Marlboro Hall, Room 2038
The Program Mentoring Model provides first-time, full-time students with program mentors who will
guide and assist students with planning academic and career goals.
Service Learning 301-322-0713
The Service Learning Program encourages the development of civic responsibility through students’
participation in service projects within the community that support their academic objectives. Through
Service Learning, students learn actively by applying principles learned in the classroom while
developing critical reflective thinking as well as personal and civic responsibility.
CAMPUS RESOURCES AND SERVICES:
Student Development Services
Student Development Services offers programs that provide students with advising, individual
counseling, and mentoring. For more information, call 301-322-0886 or check the website:
www.pgcc.edu/pgweb/pgdocs/student_services/index-sds.htm.
Computer and Learning Labs
Office
Learning Lab
Location
Marlboro Hall
Room 2129
Phone
301-322-0503
Hours of Operation
Mon.-Thurs.: 8 am – 8:45 pm
Fri.: 8 am – 3:45 pm
Sat.: 8:30 am – 3 pm
Open Computer Lab
CAT Bldg.
301-322-0999
Sun.: 10 am – 1 pm
Mon.-Thurs.: 8 am – 10 pm
Fri.: 8 am – 5 pm
Sat.: 9 am – 5 pm
7
Math Learning Center
Marlboro Hall
Sun.: Closed
301-583-5257 or 5272 Mon.: 9 am – 9 pm
Tues.: 8 am – 8 pm
Room 3104
Wed.: 9 am – 8 pm
Thurs.: 9 am – 9 pm
Fri.: 9 am – 6 pm
Sat.: (as posted)
Sun.: Closed
Bookstore
Largo Student
Ctr. Room 116
301-322-0912
www.pgcc.edu/pgweb/pgdocs/bookstore.html
College Life Services
Largo Student 301-322-0853
Ctr. Room 149
Office
Distance Learning
Location
Accokeek Hall Room 313
Hours vary at beginning and end of
the semester. Please call or check
website to confirm.
Mon.-Fri.: 8:30 am – 5 pm
Phone
301-322-0463
Hours of Operation
Mon.-Thurs.: 8:30 am to 8 pm
Fri.: 8:30 am to 6 pm
www.pgcconline.com
Phone support available M-F:
8:30 am to 9 pm
Library
Accokeek
Hall
301-3220105
Mon-Thurs.: 8 am – 8 pm
Fri.: 8 am – 5 pm
www.pgcc.edu/library
Sat.: 10 am – 3 pm
Police (Campus)
Bladen Hall 301-3220666
First Floor
Sun.: Closed
24 Hours
8
Testing Center
Bladen Hall 301-3220147
Room 100
Mon-Thurs.: 8:30 am – 8:30 pm
Fri.: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Sat.: 9 am – 3:30 pm
No additional students will be admitted for testing 30
minutes prior to the posted closing time.
On the first Friday of every month during the Fall
semester, the Center closes at 2:30 pm with no
admittance after 2:00 pm.
http://academic.pgcc.edu/sas/sas-academic.shtml
Bladen Hall 301-322-0748 Mon-Thurs.: 8:30 am – 8:30 pm
Room 107
Fri.: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Sat.: 9 am – 3:30 pm
www.pgcc.edu/students/tutoring_writing_grammar
Tutoring and Writing
Centers
Fall 2009 Calendar
August 31
Monday Classes begin for fall 2009
Aug. 31–Sept. 4 Mon.–Fri. Late registration and schedule adjustment period
September 5–7 Saturday–Monday COLLEGE CLOSED—Labor Day vacation
September 9
Wednesday Refund deadline for full semester classes
September 12
Saturday Late registration for Saturday and Sunday classes, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
September 15
Tuesday Last day to apply for fall graduation
September 25
Friday Last day to change from “credit to audit” or “audit to credit” for full semester classes
October 21
Wednesday Midterm/ End of first half-semester classes
October 22
Thursday Beginning of second half-semester classes
October 26
Monday Begin registration for Intersession 2010
October 27
Tuesday College Enrichment Day— No Classes
November 20
Friday Last day to withdraw from full-semester classes
November 23
Monday Advance registration for Spring 2010 begins
November 25
Wednesday Beginning of Holiday. College open/ No Classes
November 26–29 Thursday–Sunday COLLEGE CLOSED—Thanksgiving Vacation
November 30
Monday College re-opens and classes resume
Last day to withdraw from second half-semester classes
Nov. 30–Dec. 2 Monday–Wednesday Advance registration for spring 2010
December 3
Thursday Begin open registration for spring 2010
December 10
Thursday Last day of regular classes for fall semester
December 11–17 Friday–Thursday Final examination period/Last week of classes
December 18
Friday End of Intersession registration
Spring in-person registration closes until Monday, January 4
Dec. 19–Jan. 3 Saturday–Sunday COLLEGE CLOSED— Winter break
January 25
Monday Spring 2010 classes begin
Monday April 27 Reserved for spring 2009 or fall 2008 students who have earned 36 or more credits at PGCC
(counting any credit courses in progress)
Tuesday April 28 Reserved for spring 2009 or fall 2008 students who have earned 24 or more credits at PGCC
(counting any credit courses in progress)
Wednesday April 29 Reserved for spring 2009 or fall 2008 students who have earned 12 or more credits at PGCC
(counting any credit courses in progress)
Thursday–Friday April 30–May 1 Open to all students enrolled in either spring 2009 or fall 2008
Monday May 4 Registration open to everyone
9