Course Syllabus

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PREFIX, NUMBER, AND TITLE:

CIS 130 Visual Basic Programming

CREDIT HOURS:

3 credits

UNIVERSITY NAME:

Dakota State University

ACADEMIC TERM/YEAR:

Fall 2009

Last day to Drop and receive 100% refund:

September 10, 2009

Last day to Withdraw and earn a grade of 'W':

November 16, 2009

COURSE MEETING TIME AND LOCATION:

Section D01 East Hall 300 Tuesday-Thursday 1:00 to 2:15
Section D04 East Hall 300 Tuesday-Thursday 2:30 to 3:45

INSTRUCTOR'S CONTACT INFORMATION:

Name: Christopher J. Olson
Office: East Hall Room 104B
Phone: 605-256-5688 (office) 605-256-5165 (secretary)
Office hours: Virtual - *see Description of Instructional Methods --- Physical - please email for appointment
Email address: chris.olson@dsu.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Catalog Description:

Fundamentals of programming using Visual Basic, with a focus on problem solving, visual design, and programming concepts. Topics include sequence, selection, repetition, procedures, and functions.

COURSE PREREQUISITES:

Technology Skills:

Word processing, Internet Desire2Learn, and electronic mail. Students will be required to use email for communication. Desire2Learn will be used to deliver course materials and weekly assignments, as well as serve as a communication tool between students and faculty.

Course Prerequisite:

None

*DESCRIPTION OF INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS:

Students will be given lab assignments, quizzes, and exams through an online medium. Students should expect to login to the Desire2Learn site several times a week. Students must be motivated to stay on task and complete the coursework without benefit of lecture sessions. Keeping up on reading the assigned chapters and notes will be absolutely necessary for completing the labs (assignments) on time.

I will be available most afternoons and evenings to answer questions. Email is my preferred form of communication and I check regularly throughout the day. While I cannot guarantee you an immediate answer to your inquiry, I will always do my best to reply in a timely manner. It is unlikely that you will ever have to wait more than a day for a response.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Required Textbook And Other References:

The VB* Guide to .NET Programming
McKeown, Jim
Published by Dakota State University Production Center
Available only from the Dakota State University Bookstore. (2nd Edition –Cover –not the same as last semester)

Textbook purchasing options:

DSU Bookstore

Required Software:

You will need some version of Microsoft Visual Basic 2008 for this class. Visual Basic 2008 Express Edition should be installed on DSU tablet PCs. If not, a link where it can be downloaded for free appears on the Desire2Learn course site.
The Respondus LockDown Browser must be used when taking a test for this class or viewing its results. A link where it can be downloaded for free appears on the Desire2Learn course site.

POLICIES:

Attendance Policy:

Attendance is expected. While there is no formal attendance policy, students will miss quizzes and/or in-class activities if they choose not to attend class regulary.

ADA STATEMENT:

If you have a documented disability and/or anticipate needing accommodations (e.g., non-standard note taking, test modifications) in this course, please arrange to meet with the instructor. Also, please contact Dakota State University's ADA coordinator, Keith Bundy in the Student Development Office located in the Trojan Center Underground or at 605-256-5121, as soon as possible. The DSU website containing additional information, along with the form to request accommodations is http://www.departments.dsu.edu/disability_services/. You will need to provide documentation of your disability. The ADA coordinator must confirm the need for accommodations before officially authorizing them.

Academic Integrity Policy:

Cheating and other forms of academic dishonesty run contrary to the purpose of higher education and will not be tolerated in this course. Please be advised that, when the instructor suspects plagiarism, the Internet and other standard means of plagiarism detection will be used to resolve the instructor's concerns. DSU's policy on academic integrity (DSU Policy 03-22-00) is available online.

All forms of academic dishonesty will result in a failing grade (as in absolutely no credit) on the assignment. If you copy from another or allow another to copy from you, you have cheated. Any student who does so will automatically be penalized so that a B will be the highest letter grade he or she may earn for an overall course grade. A formal acknowledgement that you violated academic integrity policies will be placed in your permanent academic records. If there is a second offense by the same student(s), they will fail the course.

FREEDOM IN LEARNING STATEMENT:

Students are responsible for learning the content of any course of study in which they are enrolled. Under Board of Regents and University policy, student academic performance shall be evaluated solely on an academic basis and students should be free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study. It has always been the policy of Dakota State University to allow students to appeal the decisions of faculty, administrative, and staff members and the decisions of institutional committees. Students who believe that an academic evaluation is unrelated to academic standards but is related instead to judgment of their personal opinion or conduct should contact the dean of the college which offers the class to initiate a review of the evaluation.

University Policy Regarding the Use of Tablets in the Classroom (when applicable):

The Tablet PC platform has been adopted across the DSU campus for all students and faculty, and tablet usage has been integrated into all DSU classes to enhance the learning environment. Tablet usage for course-related activities, note taking, and research is allowed and encouraged by DSU instructors. However, inappropriate and distracting use will not be tolerated in the classroom. Instructors set policy for individual classes and are responsible for informing students of class-specific expectations relative to Tablet PC usage. Failure to follow the instructor's guidelines will hinder academic performance and may lead to disciplinary actions. Continued abuse may lead to increased tablet restrictions for the entire class.

Because tablet technology is an integral part of this course, it is the student's responsibility to ensure that his/her Tablet PC is operational prior to the beginning of each class period.

COURSE GOALS:

Chapter Topics

Chapter 1 Fundamentals of Design and Programming

What is Programming?
Basic Tasks
Basic Procedures
Following Directions
Interface/Instructions -- The Human/Computer Connections
What Is a Program?
Your First Program -- College Tuition
VB Basics

Chapter 2 Variables and Constants

Computer Memory -- Location, Location, Location
Creating Variables -- Storage Containers for Your Data
Assignment Statements -- Filling a Storage Container
You Do the Math -- Getting the Computer to Calculate
Creating Constants -- Storage Containers with Lids on Them
Declarations, Input, Processing, Output -- No Program Should Be Without Them
Manually Testing Your Code -- The Deskcheck
Go With the Flow -- A Graphic View of Your Code
Potential Problems -- A Few Things That Can Go (Horribly) Wrong

Chapter 3 Writing Programs

Following IPO
Commenting Your Code
Formatting Your Output
Errors in Your Program
Debugging Practice
Controlling Your Controls
Data Type Conversion
Open and Run
Fixing a Program -- Van Nilla's Ice Cream Stand

Chapter 4 Writing Programs II

Variable Scope
Counters and Accumulators
More Data Types
Methods
The Load Event
More Controls
Controlling Strings
Tying It Together
Car Loan Program
Personal Dates Program
Sentence Builder Program
Fixing a Program

Chapter 5 Using If and Case

What Are Decision Structures?
If…Then…Else Structures
Relational Operators
Flowchart Update
Largest Program
Overtime Program
Using Strings in If statements
IsNumeric
IsNullOrEmpty
Logical Operators -- And, Or, Not, Xor
Data Validation
Nested If Structures
Stacked If Structures
Guessing Game Case Study
Case Structures
A Roll of the Dice Case Study
Tying It Together

Chapter 6 Loops

What Are Loops?
For…Next Loops
Loop Flowchart
Do While Loops
Do Loop While
Do Until Loops
Do Loop Until
Loop Questions
Infinite Loops
Nested Loops
Chr and Asc Commands
A Little Fun: Graphics
Tying It Together
Fixing a Program

Chapter 7 Procedures and Functions

Why Use Procedures
Creating
Calling
Divide and Conquer
Passing
Flowcharting Procedures
Potential Problems
Functions
Creating
Calling
Arguments
Return
Passing
Flowcharting Functions
Potential Problems
New Controls -- Menus and Timers
Menus
Timers
Tying It Together
Fixing a Program

Chapter 8 Writing Programs III

RadioButtons
CheckBoxes
Potential Problems
ListBoxes
ComboBoxes
CheckedListBoxes
Tab Controls, Scroll Bars and TrackBars
Multiple Forms
Controlling Strings
MaskedTextBox
Pizza Program Finished
Tying It Together
Potential Problems

EVALUATION PROCEDURES:

Assessments:

Submission	Quantity	Points per Submission	Total Points
Tests	4	150	600
Assignments	15	25	375
Quizzes	15	15	225
TOTAL	-	-	1200

Grading Scale:

% of Points	Letter Grade
90 - 100%	A
80 - 89.99%	B
70 - 79.99%	C
60 - 69.99%	D
below 60 %	F

Make-up Policy for Missed Submission Deadlines:

Tests: Make-up examinations will not be given unless prior approval is granted from the course instructor. Tests will be given via Desire2Learn and require the use of Respondus LockDown Browser.
Assignments: Late labs will be penalized 5 points per school day and will not be accepted after 4 days. The deadlines for assignments will be followed. Exceptions may be granted in special situations, but this will be the exception rather than the rule. Those with extenuating circumstances should ask for an extension before the due date.
Quizzes: Quizzes cannot be made up.

Last date and time to submit coursework:

The class officially ends Friday, December 18, 2009 at 5 PM Central. The last test and all coursework must be completed before that time. No exceptions.

TENTATIVE COURSE OUTLINE:

The instructor reserves the right to make adjustments in the course outline to better meet the needs of the students.

Week	Chapter	Labs	Quizzes	Tests	Due Date
Week 1	Introduction to CIS 130		Quiz 1		9/1/2009
	Chapter 1 Fundamentals of Design and Programming	Lab 1			9/3/2009
Week 2	Chapter 2 Variables and Constants		Quiz 2		9/8/2009
	Chapter 2 Variables and Constants	Lab 2			9/10/2009
Week 3	Chapter 2 Variables and Constants		Quiz 3		9/15/2009
	Chapter 3 Writing Programs	Lab 3			9/17/2009
Week 4	Chapter 3 Writing Programs		Quiz 4		9/22/2009
	Chapter 3 Writing Programs	Lab 4			9/24/2009
Week 5	Chapter 3 Writing Programs		Quiz 5		9/29/2009
	Chapter 3 Writing Programs	Lab 5		Test 1	10/1/2009
Week 6	Chapter 4 Writing Programs II		Quiz 6		10/6/2009
	Chapter 4 Writing Programs II	Lab 6			10/8/2009
Week 7	Chapter 4 Writing Programs II		Quiz 7		10/13/2009
	Chapter 4 Writing Programs II	Lab 7			10/15/2009
Week 8	Chapter 5 Using If and Case		Quiz 8		10/20/2009
	Chapter 5 Using If and Case	Lab 8			10/22/2009
Week 9	Chapter 5 Using If and Case		Quiz 9		10/27/2009
	Chapter 5 Using If and Case	Lab 9		Test 2	10/29/2009
Week 10	Chapter 6 Loops		Quiz 10		11/3/2009
	Chapter 6 Loops	Lab 10			11/5/2009
Week 11	Chapter 6 Loops		Quiz 11		11/10/2009
	Chapter 6 Loops	Lab 11			11/12/2009
Week 12	Chapter 6 Loops		Quiz 12		11/17/2009
	Chapter 6 Loops	Lab 12		Test 3	11/19/2009
Week 13	Chapter 7 Procedures and Functions		Quiz 13		11/24/2009
	Thanksgiving - No Thursday Class				11/26/2009
Week 14	Chapter 7 Procedures and Functions		Quiz 14		12/1/2009
	Chapter 8 Writing Programs III	Lab 13			12/3/2009
Week 15	Chapter 8 Writing Programs III		Quiz 15		12/8/2009
	Chapter 8 Writing Programs III	Lab 14			12/10/2009
Week 16	Finals Week	Lab 15		Test 4	See Schedule

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Modifications to the Course:

The instructor reserves the right to make adjustments to this syllabus during the course of the semester in order to better meet the needs of the students.