COURSE: COSC 116 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS

TERM:  Spring  2008

INSTRUCTOR: DEAN DEFINO

TELEPHONE: OFFICE (410-543-6145) HOME (410-546-5461)

TEXTBOOK:  "Computer Concepts"10th Edition  Thomson Course Technology.(Must include disk)
Introduction to Computer Systems Class Notes by Dean DeFino

Lab Manuals:  "Starting Out with Alice   Pearson Addison Wesley 2007    &  "COSC 116 Lab"

Clicker for use with Turning Point quizzes.  The clickers may be purchased at the University Book Store

DESCRIPTION: A study of what a computer system is, how it works and how the computer can be used as a tool to solve problems. Topics include the evolution of computers, hardware, software, programming, word processing, web page design, spreadsheets, program design and implementation, graphics, and human aspects of computing. Acceptable for General Education III-B credit. Four credits, 3 hours lecture and 2 hours lab per week.

OBJECTIVES:

1. To learn the terminology used in computer applications.

2. To obtain a broad knowledge of computer hardware, programming, and practical computer applications.

3. To explore the many facets of the computer as a problem solving tool.

4. To give students an appreciation of the discipline of Computer Science.

5.To demonstrate the capabilities and limitations of modern computing.

PROCEDURES: Classroom work will consist of discussion, demonstration, student participation and assignments. Scheduled readings and assignments are to be completed prior to the class time for which they are assigned. Late assignments will NOT be accepted. All tests are to be taken on the assigned dates, unless special permission is given by the instructor in cases of emergency. MAKEUP EXAMS ARE GIVEN ONLY TO STUDENTS WHO HAVE AN ABSENCE THAT HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE INSTRUCTOR.

Labs consists of hands-on introduction to using software applications packages as tools to solve problems on a microcomputer. It is basically self-paced.

GRADING: 50% of the final grade will be determined by the average of 3 lecture exams (this includes the final).

10 % of the final grade will be determined by the quizzes, homework, class participation and general attitude in class. Tardiness and absences will certainly hinder this grade since the student will not be there for class participation.  There will be weekly quizes on the clicker.  Students must bring the clicker to EVERY class. 

10 %  of the final grade will be determined by two class presentations:  a web page/Power Point presentation and an Alice programming project.

30 % of the grade will be determined by the lab grade. The lab grade is determined as follows: 50% class assignments, 50% average of 2 tests.

<>The student will be allowed 3 un-excused absences. After that .5 points will be deducted from the final average for each un-excused absence.
 
NEITHER Cell phones NOR MP3 players (or other audio/visual equipment)  are  to be used during class or lab time.   (No calls and no text messaging during class)  If you must leave the class early for a legitimate reason, please inform the instructor before the class starts.  Leaving a class early without notifying the instructor is the same as an absence.   If an emergency arises that you must leave the class (even if you return), please inform the instructor at the end of the class. 
Food and drinks are not to be taken into the classroom or labs.

GRADING SYSTEM:

A 90-100
B 80- 89
C 70- 79
D 60- 69
F 0- 59

OFFICE:  Devilbiss Hall Room 105

Monday & Wednesday  & Thursday & Friday     9:00 - 9:50
Tuesday           10:00-  10:50
 

Final Exam        COSC 116-001    10:00 to 10:50 class            Friday  May 16, 2008  8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

                         COSC 116-002    11:00 to 11:50 class           Monday May 12, 2008  10:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. 
 

 Link to Project Guide lines

Return to Defino Home Page