CISY 125 – Course
Overview
This course is designed for Business Majors who intend to
transfer to
The Corequisite for this class is Business Computer Systems, so I assume that you can use a computer running Windows and I assume that you can save a file to a floppy.
I assume that you have never programmed before.
I also assume that you will never program again. But I hope you leave this course with enough understanding in programming, so that in the future when you are dealing with a programmer, you have a good idea of the hell you are putting them through!
My Philosophy
Regarding learning how to program, it is my belief that the repetition of solving problems using a tool helps to reinforce the knowledge in the tool.
That is why I have so much emphasis on In-Class Labs and the Computer Projects. That is also why Exam #2 will be on the computer.
It is my hope that the In-Class Lab at the end of each lecture will help re-enforce the syntax just learned. It is also my hope that the Computer Projects will force you to “learn by doing” as you transfer the skills to the solving of the problems.
If you get stuck on a project, look back on the previous In-Class labs. They are a gold mine of information.
Grading?
By now your head is probably spinning…Homework…In-Class Labs…Projects…Exams…What is expected of me?
To address this, let’s look at two main aspects to this class in QBasic, Syntax and Problem Solving.
Syntax
The Syntax part will require memorization on the QBasic commands and those pesky commas, semi-colons, carriage returns and rules about naming stuff.
The Homework mostly is based on the Syntax. Some of the questions may ask you to write (pencil on paper) a couple of lines of code.
For the syntax, The Exams (#1 and Final) will use True/False, Multiple Choice, and Fill-in the blank questions.
My intention of the In-Class labs is to “practice” the syntax with a tiny little program.
Problem Solving
The problem solving aspect of this course will require you to apply the knowledge you gained of the syntax to piece together components that will give you a working program that solves the “business” problem.
In class, I will go over the methodology we use to solve problems in a procedure oriented language like QBasic.
The Projects are your way of putting that methodology into practice. As the semester progresses you will also look back at the prior projects for inspiration.
In terms of Exams, Exam #2 will be to solve one problem. It will be open note/open book/open computer. Just like the way that programmers program in real life.
For the final exam, I will give you little programs and ask you to determine the output.
My Web Page
My web page has two purposes. First, it is meant to be a tool to assist you in this course. Second, it is where you get all of the assignments.
My web page has the notes to the lectures. About 95% of the information on the slides are in the notes. The Syllabus is there too, incase you lose the paper one.
My web page has the Homework Assignments, the In-Class Labs, and the Projects. It is your responsibility to look here.