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Computer Science
Introduction to Programming
MCO 141
MCO 104
3
Debra Morgulis
August 19, 2003
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course introduces students to problem solving techniques used in programming. In order to
reinforce these concepts in a concrete manner, students will develop numerous programs using
the C++ programming language. They will implement programs using input, output and
variables and utilize programming control structures such as loops, selection structures,
functions, and arrays.
COURSE/DEPARTMENTAL OBJECTIVES
The students will be able to:
 Develop algorithms, pseudocode, and/or flowcharts to define solutions that solve simple
problems such as
 Calculating the average, sum or max/min of a group of numbers
 Calculating net pay for a varying number of employees given each employee’s gross pay,
tax rate and other deductions
 Calculating total interest received given principal, interest rate, and time
 Calculating account balance given a series of deposits and withdrawals
 Code, trace, test and debug programs, written in standard C++, that solve simple problems,
and include one or more of the following:
 assignment statements
 variables
 arithmetic, logical, relational, conditional operators
 input/output statements
 if/else statements
 switch statement
 while loops
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 for loops
 do while loops
 functions and function calls
 arrays
 Define what is meant by common C++ programming terminology such as
 comments
 compiler directives
 data types
 operators and operator precedence
 compiling , linking, running, and testing a program
 library functions
 interactive input /output
 constants
 formatting input / output
 function parameters
 pass by value vs. pass by reference
 function prototypes and type checking
 header files
 local variables vs. global variables
 Differentiate between high-level, assembly languages and machine code
COURSE/INSTITUTIONAL OBJECTIVES
COURSE CONTENT
Introduction to Programming
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Parts of a C++ Program
cout
Variables
Arithmetic Operators
Expressions and Interactivity
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cin
Mathematical Expressions
Named Constants
Multiple and Combined Assignment
Formatting I/O
Introduction to File I/O
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Making Decisions
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Relational Operators
The if Statement
The if/else Statement
The if/else if Statement
Nested if Statements
Logical Operators
Comparing Strings
The Conditional Operator
The switch Statement
Testing for File Open Errors
Looping
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The Increment and Decrement Operators
The while Loop
The do-while Loop
The for Loop
Nested Loops
The continue Statement
Functions
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Defining and Calling Functions
Function Prototypes
Sending Data into a Function
Pass by Value
Returning a Value from a Function
Local and Global Variables
Static Local Variables
Default Arguments
Using Reference Variables as Parameters
Overloading Functions
The exit( ) Function
Arrays
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One-dimensional Arrays
Parallel Arrays
Arrays as Function Arguments
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HARDWARE/SOFTWARE/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS
Software
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Microsoft Visual C++ Ver. 6.0 Compiler
Student data files on network drive
Hardware
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Large Screen Monitor
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Approximately 15-20 programming assignments
Several written homework exercises
Two written exams
A cumulative departmental final exam
GRADING GUIDELINES
A.
B.
C.
D.
Students should expect to spend extensive lab time on their own to complete the
programming assignments.
Students must complete programming assignments in a timely manner or their grades will
be lowered.
A student who completes all exams, but does not complete all programming assignments,
should get at most a TC-. If most of the assignments have not been submitted, the student
should receive a TF.
Students must take all exams.
METHODOLOGY
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Instructors should introduce each new concept using the whiteboard and referencing the
textbook.
Programs should be developed in class, together with the students, using the large screen
monitor
Programs can be traced, as they run, using the on-line debugger provided by the Microsoft
Visual C++ compiler. Instructors can then visually show students how loops control the
repetition of code, how the control passes to a function when it is called, how an if/else
statement controls which section of code is actually executed, and how values inside
variables change as the program executes.
During the first lessons, approximately 45 minutes should be spent by the students in the lab.
The instructor should assign a lab exercise that incorporates the concepts and techniques
discussed during the lesson. Students should develop, enter, save, compile and run the
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programs, asking the instructor for assistance, only when necessary. Instructor should
examine the student’s methodology and point out and explain any obvious errors. As the
term progresses the amount of material that must be covered may force the instructor to limit
the amount of class time devoted to lab exercises.
Students who cannot complete lab exercises during the lab time must complete these
exercises on their own time.
During the latter part of the term, lab exercises will be more complicated and may require
several hours of lab time to develop.
Written homework assignments should be given that complement the lab programming
exercises and that reinforce concepts, such as looping, operator precedence, and decision
structures, developed during class. Students should be required to hand in each completed
project.
The book includes an ample variety of sample exercises and programming assignments.
Multiple programming assignments should be assigned per topic, as this is the only way to
reinforce the material and develop the students’ programming abilities.
An attempt has been made to choose a book that discusses C++ syntax in the context of
introducing programming concepts, with an emphasis on problem solving. In order to have
sufficient time to cover this course’s curriculum, the instructor must require students to
review each week’s lesson by reading the book. In addition, the instructor should
assign readings that cover the following week’s lesson so that students are introduced to
the concepts before they come to class.
Although a lesson plan has been included, instructors should use their own best judgment in
determining the amount of time they spend on each topic and the depth of coverage.
COURSE TEXTS
Title:
Standard Version of Starting Out With C++ , Fourth Edition
Author: Tony Gaddis
Pub. Date: 2003
Publisher: Scott/Jones Inc
ISBN:
1-57676-119-3
Supplementary materials included with book: a C++ Programmer’s Handbook CD containing
source code for examples in the book and a collection of valuable appendices, Microsoft Visual
C++ 6.0 Introductory Edition, and Borland C++ Builder 5.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Title:
Starting Out With C++ Alternate Second Edition
Author: Tony Gaddis
Pub. Date: 2001
Publisher: Scott/Jones Inc
ISBN:
1-57676-045-6
5
Title:
Author:
Pub. Date:
Publisher:
ISBN:
C++ Programming: From Problem Analysis to Program Design
Davendar Malik
2002
Course Technology
0-619-06213-4
Title:
Author:
Pub. Date:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Structured & Object-Oriented Problem Solving Using C++, 3rd Edition
Andrew C. Staugaard, Jr.
2001
Prentice Hall
0-13-028451-3
Title:
Author:
Pub. Date:
Publisher:
ISBN:
A Laboratory Course in C++
Nell Dale
2001
Jones and Bartlett
0-7637-0247-1
Title:
Authors:
Pub. Date:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Problem Solving With C
Jacqueline Jones and Keith Harrow
1996
Scott/Jones Inc.
1-881991-48-2
Title:
Authors:
Pub. Date:
Publisher:
ISBN:
C++ How to Program, Fourth Edition
Deitel & Deitel
2002
Prentice Hall
0-13-038474-7
Related Web Sites
www.gaddisbooks.com viewed on August 18, 2003
webopedia.internet.com viewed on August 18, 2003
INSTRUCTOR RESOURCE MATERIALS
An Instructor’s CD is available containing answers to the even-numbered review questions,
solutions for the programming challenges, a test bank, and a collection of PowerPoint slides with
lecture notes. Additional Web resources can be found at www.gaddisbooks.com
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TOPIC ANALYSIS
1. Introduction to Programming
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Chapter 1
pages 1 – 28
What is a program?
An overview of PC hardware components
An overview of programming languages
Common elements of all programs
IPO
The programming process
Flowcharts
Pseudocode
2. A Simple C++ Program
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Introduce students to the C++ integrated development environment
Students should enter, compile, and run a simple C++ program (program can just display
student’s name)
Assign for homework or review in class the exercises on pp. 23 – 26
3. The Structure of a C++ Program
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Preprocessor directive - #include
main( ) function – introduce special C++ characters
Checkpoint: Arranging statements in correct sequence
Using cout
Using endl
Common escape sequences
4. Variables
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Chapter 2
pages 29 - 39
Chapter 2
pages 39 - 63
Variable declaration / assignment
Literals
Valid variable names
Data types - char, int, float, double, bool
Characters vs. Strings
sizeof operator
Variable scope
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5. A Closer Look at C++ Program Syntax and Style
Chapter 2
pages 64 – 78
 Arithmetic operators
 Comments
 Programming style – using whitespace
 Standard vs. Pre-Standard C++
Review concepts with exercises on pp. 73 – 78
6. Developing a Complete Program
Chapter 2
pages 78 – 82
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Develop a program using an exercise on pp. 78-79
Assign programming assignments from exercises on pp. 78-79
Students should start working on the Serendipity Booksellers Software Development Project:
Parts 1 & 2
(In addition to the individual programming assignments, you should assign this ongoing project
as a group project to be completed (chaps.1-7) by the end of the semester.)
7. Interactive Data Entry
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Chapter 3
pages 83 – 91
Using cin
Including prompts
Reading in strings
Declaring character arrays
8. Mathematical Expressions
Chapter 3
pages 91 - 116
 Operator precedence
 Conversion of algebraic expressions to C++
 Using a library function: pow( )
Omit: Type Conversion (pp. 100 – 101)
Omit: Overflow and Underflow (pp. 101 – 103)
 Type casting
 const and #define: similarities and differences
 Multiple assignment: refer to program 3-16 (pp. 112 - 113)
 Combined assignment operators
9. Formatting Output
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Chapter 3
pages 117 – 127
Specifying field width using setw( )
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 Controlling precision using setprecision( )
 Including iomanip
 Formatting decimal numbers with fixed and showpoint manipulators
 left and right manipulators
Little time should be devoted to teaching formatting, as students can basically learn it by
themselves
10. Formatting Input
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Using setw( )
Reading in a string containing spaces using cin.getline( )
Using cin.get( ) to read in a character
Using cin.ignore( ) when mixing cin and cin.get( )
Mathematical library functions (students should cover pp. 133 – 137 on their own)
11. Debugging, Problem Solving, & File I/O
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Chapter 4
pages 167 – 172
Relational operators and expressions
True/False
Differentiate between = and = =
13. Decision Making Using if and if/else
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Chapter 3
pages 145 – 166
Hand tracing a program
Case study (pp.140 – 143)
Introduction to file I/O
Assign programming assignments from exercises on pp. 161 – 165
Students should continue working on the Serendipity Project – Part 3
12. Relational Operators
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Chapter 3
pages 127 - 137
Chapter 4
pages 173 – 194
The if statement
Expanding the if statement by using braces
The if/else statement
The if/else if statement
Using a trailing else
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14. More Uses of if/else if and if Statements
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Using if/else if to create menus
Nested if statements
Nested if/else statements
15. Logical Operators
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Chapter 5
pages 257 – 276
Increment and decrement operators
What is a loop?
The while loop – a pre-test loop
Using counters in loops
Keeping a running total
Sentinels used to terminate loops
Using a loop to read data from a file
18. The do-while and for Loops
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Chapter 4
pages 222 – 256
The conditional operator
The switch statement
Using switch statement for building menu systems
Testing for file open errors
Case study (pp. 236 – 240)
Assign programming assignments from exercises on pp. 247 – 253
Students should continue working on the Serendipity Project – Part 4
17. The while Loop
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Chapter 4
pages 200 – 222
&&, ||, !
Checking numeric ranges
Validating user input
Comparing strings using strcmp( )
Sorting strings with strcmp( )
16. More Decision Making Techniques
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Chapter 4
pages 194 – 200
Chapter 5
pages 276 – 288
The do-while loop – a post-test loop
Syntax of the for loop
Omitting the for loop’s expressions
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Multiple initialize and update expressions
19. More Complex Loops
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Deciding which loop to use
Nested loops
Breaking out of a loop
The continue statement
Using loops for data validation
20. Problem Solving Using Loops
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Chapter 6
pages 322 – 341
Sending values into a function – pass by value
Using functions in menu-driven programs
The return statement
Returning a value from a function
Returning a boolean value
23. Functions and Variables
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Chapter 6
pages 311 – 322
Function definition
void functions
Calling a function
Function prototypes
Documenting functions (I recommend using I-P-O comments)
22. Using Functions
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Chapter 5
pages 295 – 310
Case study (pp. 295 – 300)
Assign programming assignments from exercises on pp. 306 – 309
Students should continue working on the Serendipity Project – Part 5
21. Modularization Via Functions
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Chapter 5
pages 286 – 295
Chapter 6
pages 341 – 352
Local variables
Global variables
Local and global variables with the same name
Static local variables
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24. More Complex Functions
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Default arguments
Using reference variables as parameters
Overloading functions
exit( ) function
25. Problem Solving Using Functions
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Chapter 7
pages 397 – 422
Defining arrays
Memory requirements
Accessing individual elements
Input and output of array contents
Array initialization
Implicit array sizing
Initializing with strings
Processing array contents
Working with arrays and files
27. Additional Ways to Use Arrays
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Chapter 6
pages 370 – 396
Stubs and drivers
Case study (pp. 372 – 385)
Assign programming assignments from exercises on pp. 389 – 393
Students should continue working on the Serendipity Project – Part 6
26. One Dimensional Arrays
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Chapter 6
pages 352 – 369
Chapter 7
pages 422– 435
Parallel arrays
Passing arrays to functions
Omit the remaining topics in Chapter 7 (pp. 435 – 466). They will be covered in MCO 232
(Advanced Programming).
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ATTENDANCE
All students are expected to maintain good attendance throughout the course. Instructor must put
percentages on all criteria for marks i.e. midterm, final, quizzes, class work, projects and homework
assignments.
Note:
Attendance cannot be used as a criterion to determine a failing final grade.
NOTES AND COMMENTS
A. All examinations in this course must be closed book.
B. Each instructor must create a course outline before the semester begins and hand a copy into
the lab tech at that site during the 1st week of class.
The instructor must distribute a copy of the course outline to each student on the 1st day
of class.
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SAMPLE OUTLINE
SEMESTER/TERM:
COURSE NUMBER & NAME:
TIME/LOCATION:
PREREQUISITE:
CREDIT HOURS:
PROFESSOR:
E-MAIL ADDRESS:
TELEPHONE NUMBER (OPTIONAL):
CLASS MEETING:
1ST DAY OF CLASS
DAYS OF THE WEEK
TIME
ROOM #
LAST DAY OF CLASS
HOLIDAYS: NO CLASS
1ST QTR. TEST DATE:
3RD QTR. TEST DATE:
FINAL TEST DATE:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
ENTRANCE COMPETENCIES:
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
COURSE EXPECTATIONS:
EXIT COMPETENCIES:
PROCEDURE:
INSTRUCTOR'S MAKEUP POLICY: TESTS
LAB EXERCISES
HOMEWORK
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS:
INSTRUCTOR'S GRADING POLICY/CRITERIA:
INSTRUCTOR'S ATTENDANCE POLICY:
SCHOOL POLICY CONCERNING INSTRUCTOR ABSENTEEISM:
TEXTBOOKS:
MATERIALS NEEDED:
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
RELATED WEB SITES:
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COURSE OUTLINE:
Lesson
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
Topic
#1 Introduction to Programming
#2 A Simple C++ Program
#3 The Structure of a C++ Program
#4 Variables
#5 A Closer Look at C++ Program Syntax and Style
#6 Developing a Complete Program
#7 Interactive Data Entry
#8 Mathematical Expressions
#9 Formatting Output
#10 Formatting Input
#11 Debugging, Problem Solving, & File I/O
Exam #1
#12 Relational Operators
#13 Decision Making Using if and if/else
#14 More Uses of if/else if and if Statements
#15 Logical Operators
#16 More Decision Making Techniques
#17 The while Loop
#18 The do-while and for Loops
#19 More Complex Loops
#20 Problem Solving Using Loops
#21 Modularization Via Functions
#22 Using Functions
Exam #2
#23 Functions and Variables
#24 More Complex Functions
#25 Problem Solving Using Functions
#26 One Dimensional Arrays
#27 Additional Ways to Use Arrays
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