TERM: Fall 2008

INSTRUCTOR: Dean DeFino

TELEPHONE: Office (410-543-6145) Home (410-546-5461)

TEXTBOOKS: "Starting Out with C++(Standard Edition)," by Tony Gaddis;  Scott Jones Inc., Fourth Edition, 2004.

"Lab Manual to Accompany the Standard Version of Starting Out with C++" by DeFino, Bardzell; Scott Jones Inc.  2004.

"Computer Programming I class notes", by Dean DeFino

PURPOSE: The purpose of this course is to give students a step-by-step approach to problem solving and programming using C++. C++ is the marketable computer language in today's business society. This course concentrates on problem solving and algorithm development.  This course is very time intensive and every student should plan on spending many hours outside class in the development of programs.  (Warning:  Not for the faint of heart)

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the course are as follows:

To develop a structured approach to problem solving and algorithm development using top-down design.

To test and debug programs.

To document programs and procedures leading to the algorithm.

To utilize the features of C++.

PROCEDURES: Classroom work will consist of discussion, demonstration and student participation. All tests and exams are comprehensive and are to be taken on the assigned date, unless special permission is given by the instructor in cases of emergency. Makeup exams are given only to those students who have an absence that has been approved by the instructor. Programs are due at the beginning of the class on the date they are due. Late programs will be penalized 10% per day including weekends. Programs more than 5 days late will receive a 0% grade. This course contains a lab component which will consist of lab assignments.

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.

WRITING: Assigned programs which will contain good and adequate documentation.

GRADING: The final grade is based on 100 possible points.

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

First Test 15 points
Second Test 18 points
Final Exam 23 points

Programs 34 points

Program # 1 -----7 points
Program #2 ----- 7 points
Program #3------ 9 points
Program #4 -----11 points

Labs 10 points

Although the programs are only 34% of the grade, every student must turn in a workable program for each assignment. A student turning in only 3 workable programs will receive no more than a C for the course. A student turning in only 2 workable programs will receive no more than a D for the course. A student turning in only 1 or less workable program will fail the course.  This is a PROGRAMMING COURSE.

Although the lab assignments are only 10% of the grade. Every lab assignment must be turned in. A  full letter grade will be deducted from the class for every two lab assignments not turned in! If you need help, please contact the instructor.

ATTENDANCE: Attendance is a vital part of the learning experience and each student is expected to be present each time. After five un-excused absences, .5 will be deducted from the final grade 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)

OFFICE: Devilbiss Hall room 105

Monday  Friday      11:00 a.m.   -   12:00 p.m.
Tuesday Thursday                       9:00 a.m.   -     9:50 a.m.
Wednesday              2:00 p.m. - 2:50 p.m.

Final Exam

Friday December 16      8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.