Miami University
School of Engineering and Applied Science
Department of Computer and Information Technology
COURSE SYLLABUS
CSE163 – Introduction to Computer Concepts and Programming
Catalog Description:
Introduction to computers in data processing, survey of various hardware and software concepts, and
analysis and solution of problems by computer programming. Lecture/laboratory, project-oriented
course to provide numerous opportunities to analyze problems, formulate alternative solutions,
implement solutions, and assess their effectiveness. No prior knowledge of computer concepts or
programming assumed.
Prerequisite:
You must have successfully completed MTH102 (or the equivalent of high school algebra) before
taking this course.
Texts:
Shelly & Hoisington. Visual Basic 2008 Comprehensive for Windows, Mobile, Web, Office, and
Database Applications, Thompson Course Technology, Boston, MA.
Lecture Notes. (located on Blackboard website)
Learning Outcomes
The following table contains the learning outcomes for this course. Miami Plan foundation courses
and thematic sequence courses address some or all of the Four Principles of Liberal Education:
Thinking Critically, Understanding Contexts, Engaging with Other Learners, and Reflecting and
Acting. These principles are not simply additional "topics" that are covered during the course. Rather,
they are perspectives and ways of reasoning that are essential to all the content of the course. Learning
outcomes that address these principles are indicated in the table.
Key: T=Thinking Critically, U=Understanding Contexts
E=Engaging with Other Learners, R=Reflecting and Acting
Liberal
Education
Principles
Learning Outcome
CSE163.1: To be able to gain an understanding of fundamental concepts in programming
CSE163.1.1. The student can describe fundamental computer hardware and software concepts
CSE163.1.2. The student can differentiate among various data elements, and structures, and their
associated data types.
CSE163.1.3. The student can correlate program requirements with event-driven programming
constructs, such as classes, objects, methods, and events.
U
CSE163.2: To be able to write programs in Visual Basic
CSE163.2.1. The student can write programs in Visual Basic employing sequence, selection, and
repetition structures
CSE163.2.2. The student can implement modular design/decomposition in solving complex
problems
CSE163.2.3. The student can develop formulas and algorithms that are well structured, robust,
reliable, and amenable to implementation in a Visual Basic computer program.
T,U
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Liberal
Education
Principles
Learning Outcome
CSE163.2.4. The student can demonstrate the use of String processing methods
CSE163.2.5.
The student can write sequential file processing programs
CSE163.2.6. The student can select appropriate data types and structures to represent the realworld context of a programming problem
CSE163.2.7. In designing a program, the student can implement design specifications including
usability, scalability, speed, and efficiency issues
CSE163.3: To be able to be able to apply problem solving in programming
CSE163.3.1. The student can use program design tools in problem solving
CSE163.3.2. The student can identify and resolve syntax, logic, and run-time errors
T
CSE163.4: To be able to develop user-friendly programs
CSE163.4.1. The student can write menu-driven programs
CSE163.4.2. The student can implement multimedia features in a program
CSE163.5: To work cooperatively with other programmers
CSE163.5.1. The student can work as part of a team to analyze a given problem, propose and
compare potential software solutions to the problem, and implement the chosen solution
CSE163.6: To use and design computer programs in real-world contexts
CSE163.6.1. The student can explain ways in which computer software is or may be used to solve
a problem related to your major field of study.
CSE163.6.2. The student can use feedback collected from users of a program to make
improvements to that program.
CSE163.6.3. The student can describe ethical standards associated with software development.
CSE163.6.4. The student can write documentation that explains to others how to use a program.
E
U,R
Class Structure:
The class sessions will take a variety of forms, including lecture, discussion, laboratory experience,
working with other students in groups, and taking tests. Your participation in the form of questions
and discussion is necessary in order to provide effective class sessions.
Assignments:
Programming Assignments
There will be approximately 6 programming assignments. These assignments are essential to your
learning. You will complete some programming assignments independently. For some
programming assignments, you will be working in pairs and using the concept of “pairprogramming.” I will clearly indicate whether a specific programming assignment is an
independent assignment or a pair programming assignment.
Communication Assignments
Communication is an important component of this course and a career in the computing field. In
the past, I often associated communication with writing alone. I have learned that communication
includes not only writing but also speaking, listening, working in groups, and understanding
differences.
You will be required to write papers covering various topics. Specific requirements for these
papers will be given as the semester progresses. The papers must be typed using complete
sentences, correct sentence structure, and be grammatically correct to receive full credit.
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During the semester, you will participate in many group exercises to create solutions to problems.
You will also explore the ideas of different personality types and ways of learning and how these
differences affect the types of programs you create. At the end of the semester, you will
demonstrate a final project to the class so that you may have the experience of running a program in
front of an audience.
Computer Concepts Short Papers:
Rather than having you listen to (boring!) lectures on various computer concepts, you will write
short papers (1-2 paragraphs) on the assigned topics.
Laboratories:
This course includes a very important lab component. Approximately 25-30% of class time
will be spent on lab experiences. Labs will be graded according to the following criteria:
Points
0
1
2-3
4-5
Performance
nothing accomplished or did not attend lab (F)
minimal accomplishments and responses (D)
acceptable accomplishments and responses (B/C)
excellent accomplishments and responses (A)
Laboratories are always due at the beginning of class on the first class meeting following the
laboratory. Lab exercises do not need to be placed in a folder.
Exams:
There will be a total of two exams and a comprehensive final. Any exam missed will count as a
zero unless arrangements have been made prior to the day of exams. No make up exams will
be offered. Instead, in the case of university approved absences, the final exam grade will be
substituted for the missed exam.
Grading:
A combination of exams, programming assignments, communication assignments, quizzes,
labs, and a comprehensive final exam will determine the grade in this class. You can earn a
total of 1000 points in this class. The number of points (and the percentage of the final grade)
are included in the following table:
Exam 1
Exam 2
Programming Assignments
Communication Assignments
Computer Concepts Short Papers
Labs
Final Exam
Percentage of Grade
12.5%
12.5%
25%
10%
10%
5%
25%
Number of Points
125
125
250
100
100
50
250
In determining the final grade, the following grading scale is used:
FINAL GRADE
FINAL GRADE
A+ 970-1000 pts
A 920-970 pts
A- 900-920 pts
C+ 770-800 pts
C 720-770 pts
C- 700-720 pts
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B+ 870-900 pts
B 820-870 pts
B- 800-820 pts
D+ 670-700 pts
D 620-670 pts
D- 600-620 pts
F 0-600 pts
Tentative Class Schedule:
Week
1
Topic
Intro to Course, Computers, and VB 2008
Intro to VB 2008, Designing VB Interfaces
VB 2008 Text
Chapter 1
Chapter 1, 2
2
Designing VB Interfaces, Program Design
and Coding
Program Design and Coding
Chapter 2, 3
3
Variables, Types, and Arithmetic
Variables, Types, and Arithmetic
Chapter 4
Chapter 4
4
Variables, Types, and Arithmetic
Variables, Types, and Arithmetic
Variables, Types, and Arithmetic
Making Decisions
Chapter 4
Chapter 4
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
6
Making Decisions
Exam 1
Chapter 5
7
Making Decisions
Making Decisions
Chapter 5
Chapter 5
8
Making Decisions
Loops
Loops
Loops
Loops
Loops
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 6
Chapter 6
Chapter 6
Chapter 6
11
Sub Procedures and Functions
Parts of Chapter 8
12
Sub Procedures and Functions
Sub Procedures and Functions
Sub Procedures and Functions
Parts of Chapter 8
Parts of Chapter 8
Parts of Chapter 8
Arrays and Procedures
Exam 2
Arrays and Procedures
Arrays and Procedures
Parts of Chapter 9
Arrays and Procedures
Arrays and Procedures
Final Projects
Final Projects
Parts of Chapter 9
Parts of Chapter 9
5
9
10
13
14
15
16
17
Chapter 3
Parts of Chapter 9
Parts of Chapter 9
Final Exam
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