Division of Digital and Information Technology

Computer Programming Department

https://www.hccs.edu/centers/digital--information-technology/

COSC 1436: Programming Fundamentals I (C++) 10547

Spring 2020 | 16 Weeks (1.21.2020-05.17.2020)

Online | 4 Credit Hours | 96 hours per semester

Instructor Contact Information

Instructor: Abass Alamnehe Office Phone: 713-718-6457

Office: JDB206 Office Hours: TTh: 02:00-03:00PM
HCC Email: [email protected] Office Location: JDB Building

Please feel free to contact me as early as possible concerning any problems that you are
experiencing in this course. I am available to hear the concerns about the course and discuss
possible remedy. I can also schedule a WebEx session as needed.

Welcome

▪ This is an introductory course in programming. You will be introduced to problem solving skills,
tools, and app development processes to provide solution.
▪ The course is delivered online except for the final exam which must be taken in campus.
▪ This syllabus provides information on pre-requisites, students learning outcomes, required
textbook and instructional material, and a course calendar with topics, projects, and reading
references, assignments, and exams.
▪ You should know that our department computer labs are fully accessible to you during open
hours. We do have programming tutors to “answer” your questions. Check their schedule and
consult with them when there is a need for you.
▪ Again, if you have any concern, please do not hesitate to contact me. The fastest way to reach
me is through Canvas Inbox e-mail system. If, for any reason, you can’t access Canvas, you

1
 may reach me at my HCC e-mail ([email protected]). Please do so as early as possible
before the problem exasperates.

Syllabus Modifications

The instructor reserves the right to modify the syllabus at any time during the semester and will
promptly notify students in writing, typically by e-mail, of any such changes.

Prerequisites and/or Co-Requisites

Must be at college-level skills in reading and writing, place into MATH 1314 College Algebra or
higher, and have had high school computer literacy or equivalent. If you have enrolled in this
course having satisfied these prerequisites, you have a higher chance of success than students
who have not done so. Please carefully read and consider the repeater policy in the HCCS Student
Handbook.

Canvas Learning Management System

An online class is delivered entirely on Canvas learning management system, which is also known
as Eagle Online. You must have access to this platform. Exams, project assignments, quizzes,
and assigned works are submitted on Canvas. If a class face-to-face, the class will use Canvas to
supplement in-class assignments, exams, and activities.

http://eagleonline.hccs.edu

If you have not used the Canvas learning management system before, you will find the following
Canvas Student Guide helpful.

https://guides.instructure.com/m/4212

The recommended browser is Google Chrome. Problems have been reported with other browsers.

▪ HCC Online Information and Policies

Here is the link to information about HCC Online classes including the required Online
Orientation for all fully online classes: http://www.hccs.edu/online/
▪ Scoring Rubrics, Sample Assignments, etc.
Look in Canvas for the scoring rubrics for assignments, samples of class assignments, and
other information to assist you in the course. https://eagleonline.hccs.edu/login/ldap

2
 Instructional Material
Textbook Information

The textbook listed below is required for this course.

STARTING OUT W/C++,...(LL)-W/ACCESS,

Edition: 9th Publisher: Pearson.
Paper-back: ISBN 9780134596174

MyProgrammingLab: A student access code is bundled with the textbook.

You can also purchase separately a student access code at Pearson site.
(Course Access Code will be provided in the course website)
o Registration: http://myprogramminglab.com/
o Login Instruction: http://myprogramminglab.com/
o Java Tutorial: https://docs.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/

MyProgrammingLab is a Computer Assisted Leaning tool for computer programming. User guide
including how to register is provided at http://myprogramminglab.com. Access code from the
textbook and Course ID from your instructor are required for registration.

Note: If you purchase a used textbook, make sure it has the access code to MPL. Most often used
books don’t. If the textbook you purchase is not bundled with the MPL access code, you must
purchase one from the MPL website.

Tutoring

HCC provides free, confidential, and convenient academic support, including writing critiques, to
HCC students in an online environment and on campus. Tutoring is provided by HCC personnel in
order to ensure that it is contextual and appropriate. Visit the HCC Tutoring Services website for
services provided.

Libraries

The HCC Library System consists of 9 libraries and 6 Electronic Resource Centers (ERCs) that are
inviting places to study and collaborate on projects. Librarians are available both at the libraries
and online to show you how to locate and use the resources you need. The libraries maintain a
large selection of electronic resources as well as collections of books, magazines, newspapers, and
audiovisual materials. The portal to all libraries’ resources and services is the HCCS library web
page at http://library.hccs.edu.

3
Supplementary Instruction

Supplemental Instruction is an academic enrichment and support program that uses peer-assisted
study sessions to improve student retention and success in historically difficult courses. Peer
Support is provided by students who have already succeeded in completion of the specified course,
and who earned a grade of A or B. Find details at http://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-
students/supplemental-instruction/.

4
 Course Overview
COSC 1436 Introduces the fundamental concepts of structured programming and provides a
comprehensive introduction to programming for computer science and technology majors. Topics
include software development methodology, data types, control structures, functions, arrays, and
the mechanics of running, testing, and debugging. (This course assumes computer literacy. CSOC
1436 is in the Computer Science Field of Study course list.)

Core Curriculum Objectives (CCOs)

COSC 1436 satisfies Component Area Option in the HCCS core curriculum. The HCCS Core
Curriculum Committee has specified that the course address the following core objectives:

▪ Critical Thinking: Students will demonstrate the ability to engage in inquiry and analysis,
evaluation and synthesis of information, and creative thinking by completing programming
assignments that involve analyzing a problem, designing a solution to solve the problem, and
implementing the solution including testing it against problem specifications and debugging it.
▪ Communication Skills: Students will demonstrate effective development, interpretation and
expression of ideas through written, oral, and visual communication by analyzing the merits
and drawbacks of alternative approaches to solving problems through online or in-class
discussions and/or answering questions on quizzes and exams.
▪ Quantitative and Empirical Literacy: Students will demonstrate the ability to draw
conclusions based on the systematic analysis of topics using observation, experiment, and/or
numerical skills by completing assignments, and answering questions on quizzes and exams.

Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)

Can be found at:

https://www.hccs.edu/programs/areas-of-study/science-technology-engineering--
math/computer-programming/

Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs)

Upon completion of COSC 1436, the student will be able to:

▪ Describe how data are represented, manipulated, and stored in a computer.
▪ Categorize different programming languages and their uses.
▪ Understand and use the fundamental concepts of data types, structured programming,
algorithmic design, and user interface design.
▪ Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of software development methodologies, including
modular design, pseudo code, flowcharting, structure charts, data types, control structures,
functions, and arrays.
▪ Develop projects that utilize logical algorithms from specifications and requirements
statements.

5
▪ Demonstrate appropriate design, coding, testing, and documenting of computer programs
that implement project specifications and requirements.

Student Success
Expect to spend at least twice as many hours per week outside of class as you do in class studying
the course content. Additional time will be required for programming assignments. The
assignments provided will help you practice the concepts discussed in class lectures and hone your
programming hand-on skills. Successful completion of this course requires a combination of the
following:

▪ Reading the textbook

▪ Attending class in person and/or online
▪ Completing assignments
▪ Participating in class activities

There is no short cut for success in this course; it requires reading and studying the material and
more importantly completing the programming assignments.

Instructor and Student Responsibilities

As your Instructor, it is my responsibility to:

• Provide the grading scale and detailed grading formula explaining how student grades are
to be derived
• Facilitate an effective learning environment through learner-centered instructional
techniques
• Provide a description of assignments
• Inform students of policies such as attendance, withdrawal, tardiness, and making up
assignments
• Provide the course outline and class calendar
• Arrange to meet with individual students ss as needed

As a student, it is your responsibility to:

• Attend class in person and/or online
• Participate actively by reviewing course material, interacting with classmates, and
responding promptly in your communication with me
• Read and comprehend the textbook
• Complete the required assignments and exams
• Ask for help when there is a question or problem
• Keep copies of all paperwork, including this syllabus, handouts, and all assignments
• Be aware of and comply with academic honesty policies in the HCCS Student Handbook

6
 Assignments, Exams, and Activities
Programming Assignment

There are three programming projects with deadline. If a project is not submitted on the due
date, there will be a 10pt penalty per day. Project accounts for 30% of the course grade.

MyProgrammingLab Assignment

There are seven quizzes which include short and programming questions. Quizzes accounts for
10% of the course grade.

Exams

There are three tests including final. All exams are closed-books and closed-notes. For online
classes, the final exam must be taken in person with locked-down browser. Exam dates are
provided in the course calendar. Exams worth 60% (20% each) of the course grade.

Make-up

Make-up exams will be given only in cases of extenuating circumstances. Extenuating

circumstances are unexpected and unavoidable situations such as hospitalization or auto
accident. They don’t include forgetting about the date of the exam, busy work schedule, etc. You
would need to provide documentation to the instructor as soon as possible after the missed
assignment/assessment for consideration. Extenuating circumstances will be evaluated by the
instructor on a case by case basis. It is your responsibility to contact the instructor with
documentation of your situation as soon as possible, schedule a makeup exam, and submit the
proper documentation to the department. All missed grades will be recorded as zeros

In-Class Activities

In face-to-face class, there will required programming activities, writing reports, group
discussions, and performing evaluations.

Final Exam

Final is a comprehensive exam that must be taken in person. It is a closed book and closed notes
and the test is administered under locked-down browser.

7
Grading Formula

Gradable Grade
Quizzes 10%
Project I 10%
Project II 10%
Project III 10%
Exam I 20%
Exam II 20%
Exam III 20%

Grade Scale

Grade GPA Points

A = 100- 90 4 points per semester hour
B = 89 - 80: 3 points per semester hour
C = 79 - 70: 2 points per semester hour
D = 69 - 60: 1 point per semester hour
59 and below = F 0 points per semester hour
IP (In Progress) 0 points per semester hour
W(Withdrawn) 0 points per semester hour
I (Incomplete) 0 points per semester hour
AUD (Audit) 0 points per semester hour

Incomplete Policy

In order to receive a grade of Incomplete (“I”), a student must have completed at least 85% of
the work in the course. In all cases, the instructor reserves the right to decline a student’s request
to receive a grade of Incomplete.

HCC Grading Scale can be found on this site under Academic Information:
http://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/student-handbook/

8
 Course Calendar
Topics Reading

Week 01

▪ Course Orientation Textbook: Chapter 1, 2

▪ Hardware & Software
▪ C++ IDE: editing, compiling, and
executing
▪ C++ Fundamentals, I/O
▪ Lab Assignment I

Week 02

▪ Problem solving analysis, diagrams, Textbook: Chapter 2

algorithms
▪ Data Types: literal values, constants,
variables
▪ Data types: primitive (simple), and
reference
▪ Data Types: String class

Week 03

▪ Statements: Expression—operands and Textbook: Chapter 4

operators
▪ Statements: Assignment Statements,
simple and compound

Week 04

▪ Control Flow Statements: nested if; Textbook: Chapter 4

switch, and conditional expression
▪ Project I Due

Week 05

Exam I Textbook: Review Chapter 1, 2, 3, and 4

Week 06

▪ Control Structure: Introduction to Textbook: Chapter 5

repetition
▪ Control Structure: while, do while loop

Week 07

9
▪ Control Structure: for loop Textbook: Chapter 5
▪ Control Structure: foreach loop for
arrays and collections

Week 08

▪ Intro to Function Textbook: Chapter 6

Week 09

▪ Functions: purpose, structure, and Textbook: Chapter 6

execution
▪ Functions: local vs global variables
▪ Project II Due

Week 10

Exam II Textbook: Review Chapter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6

Week 11

▪ Functions: calls, return, parameters Textbook: Chapter 6

▪ Functions: static, instance, and final
methods

Week 12

▪ Files I/O Textbook: Chapter 12

Week 13

▪ Arrays: Introduction Textbook: Chapter 7

▪ Arrays: Declaration, initialization, and
usage

Week 14

▪ Arrays: dynamic arrays Textbook: Chapter 7

▪ Arrays: passing arrays as arguments

Week 15

▪ C String vs String Class Textbook: Chapter 10

▪ Project III Due

Week 16

10
 Final Exam
Dates & Time
Tuesday May 12, 2020: 11:00AM—1:00PM

11
 Instructor’s Practices and Procedures
Academic Integrity

“Scholastic Dishonesty” is not a substitute for a successful completion of this course in any manner.
Your independent work is accepted and credited according to your effort and result. “Scholastic
Dishonesty” will have a consequence of a zero on the submitted work to dismissal from the course.
And, it will result in a referral to the Dean of Student Services.

Attendance Procedures

▪ On-campus students may be withdrawn if the student is absent for more than 12.5% of
class. See the Student Handbook for more information.
▪ Online students may be withdrawn before the Official Day of Record if they have not logged
in or shown enough participation. See the Online Student Handbook for more information.
▪ As an Online section or On-Campus section of this course, you must make satisfactory
progress in this course. Students may be withdrawn if the student misses turning in
assignments (Labs, quizzes, or discussions) that total to more than 12.5% of the course work
prior to the Final Exam.
▪ Contact your instructor if you are having a problem.
▪ You may receive an FX as your grade due to lack of participation or excessive absence if you
have not withdrawn yourself. If you receive an FX, you may or may not have to return the
financial aid.

For complete information regarding Houston Community College’s policies on attendance, please
refer to the Attendance Policy under Academic Information in the HCC Student Handbook.

Student Conduct

Two simple rules: (1) Students should be respectful to everyone in the classroom. (2) Students
should come to class on-time, prepared, and ready to learn.

Electronic Devices

Cellphones should not be used during class. Do not use the classroom computers for non-course
activities during lectures. No electronic device is allowed during exams.

12
 HCC Policies
Here’s the link to the HCC Student Handbook http://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-
students/student-handbook/ In it you will find information about the following:

• Academic Information
• Academic Support
• Attendance, Repeating Courses, and Withdrawal
• Career Planning and Job Search
• Childcare
• disAbility Support Services
• Electronic Devices
• Equal Educational Opportunity
• Financial Aid TV (FATV)
• General Student Complaints
• Grade of FX
• Incomplete Grades
• International Student Services
• Health Awareness
• Libraries/Bookstore
• Police Services & Campus Safety
• Student Life at HCC
• Student Rights and Responsibilities
• Student Services
• Testing
• Transfer Planning
• Veteran Services

EGLS3

The EGLS3 (Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System) will be available for most
courses near the end of the term until finals start. This brief survey will give invaluable information
to your faculty about their teaching. Results are anonymous and will be available to faculty and
division chairs after the end of the term. EGLS3 surveys are only available for the Fall and Spring
semesters. EGLS3 surveys are not offered during the Summer semester due to logistical
constraints.
http://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/egls3-evaluate-your-professors/

Campus Carry Link

Here’s the link to the HCC information about Campus Carry:

http://www.hccs.edu/departments/police/campus-carry/

HCC Email Policy

When communicating via email, HCC requires students to communicate only through the HCC
email system to protect your privacy. If you have not activated your HCC student email account,
you can go to HCC Eagle ID and activate it now. You may also use Canvas Inbox to communicate.
13
 Housing and Food Assistance for Students

Any student who faces challenges securing their foods or housing and believes this may affect
their performance in the course is urged to contact the Dean of Students at their college for
support. Furthermore, please notify the professor if you are comfortable in doing so. This will
enable HCC to provide any resources that HCC may possess.

Office of Institutional Equity

Use the link below to access the HCC Office of Institutional Equity, Inclusion, and Engagement
(http://www.hccs.edu/departments/institutional-equity/)

disAbility Services

HCC strives to make all learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or
experience academic barriers based on your disability (including long and short term conditions,
mental health, chronic or temporary medical conditions), please meet with a campus Abilities
Counselor as soon as possible in order to establish reasonable accommodations. Reasonable
accommodations are established through an interactive process between you, your instructor(s)
and Ability Services. It is the policy and practice of HCC to create inclusive and accessible learning
environments consistent with federal and state law. For more information, please go to
http://www.hccs.edu/support-services/disability-services/

Title IX

Houston Community College is committed to cultivating an environment free from inappropriate

conduct of a sexual or gender-based nature including sex discrimination, sexual assault, sexual
harassment, and sexual violence. Sex discrimination includes all forms of sexual and gender-
based misconduct and violates an individual’s fundamental rights and personal dignity. Title IX
prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex-including pregnancy and parental status in educational
programs and activities. If you require an accommodation due to pregnancy please contact an
Abilities Services Counselor. The Director of EEO/Compliance is designated as the Title IX
Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator. All inquiries concerning HCC policies, compliance with
applicable laws, statutes, and regulations (such as Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504), and
complaints may be directed to:

David Cross
Director EEO/Compliance
Office of Institutional Equity & Diversity
3100 Main
(713) 718-8271
Houston, TX 77266-7517 or [email protected]
14
http://www.hccs.edu/departments/institutional-equity/title-ix-know-your-rights/

Office of the Dean of Students

Contact the office of the Dean of Students to seek assistance in determining the correct complaint
procedure to follow or to identify the appropriate academic dean or supervisor for informal
resolution of complaints.

https://www.hccs.edu/about-hcc/procedures/student-rights-policies--procedures/student-
complaints/speak-with-the-dean-of-students/

Department Chair Contact Information

Jamshid Derkhshandeh [email protected] 713-718-7902

15