3 cr.
This is an overview of computer information systems. This course introduces computer hardware, software, representation and processing of data, design of algorithms, systems and procedures, and computer languages. An introduction to popular microcomputer application software is provided. The fundamentals of problem solving and programming in a high-level computer language are discussed and applied.
3/0/0 Course Fee Charged
FA/SP/SU
Martin A. Hoffman, Sr.
Office Hours: None, Office Location: Adjunct, Office Phone: Adjunct
Biographical information about Mr. Hoffman may be viewed on-line at: http://staff.bcc.edu/mhoffman by clicking the "about me" link at the top of that page.
In general, CIS 101 focuses on computer literacy. I will tend to focus on general computer skills, concepts and practical real-world applications of computer technology. This is not a hands-on course. Class time is for example purposes only. In order for you to develop any meaningful skills, you must complete significant lab assignments on your own.
Required:
Course Text
Introduction to Computers. Fifth Edition. Norton,
Peter.
Glencoe/McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.: 2003, ISBN: 0-07-826421-9
Lab Manual
Microsoft Office XP – Essential Concepts and Techniques.
Shelly, Cashman, Vermaat.
Course Technology Co.: 2002, ISBN: 0-7895-6380-0
Two (2) IBM format, Double Sided, High Density 3.5" Floppy Disks for storing your work.
Burlington County College identifies 94 goals (outcomes) for successful completion of CIS 101. They are clearly stated and available for your review on-line at http://staff.bcc.edu/mhoffman/cis101/101goals.htm and are included in this document by reference. Reading and understanding course goals is integral to the successful completion of any college level course. In addition, you are required to print out the course goals as part of a graded lab assignment.
Education is NOT a one-way street! You are required to be a part of the educational process!
ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY.
Attendance is defined as not only being in the classroom on time and prepared for every class session. Students are expected to have read the assigned chapter(s) of the curriculum prior to class each week in order to be prepared for class discussion. Paying attention to the lecture and not disrupting/disturbing the professor, guest lecturers or other students is also considered to be part of attendance. Just being here is NOT enough! If, at any time, and in the sole discretion of the instructor, your behavior is disruptive, you may be asked to leave and will be marked absent for the entire class session.
MORE THAN 3 ABSENCES MAY RESULT IN FAILING THIS COURSE.
The average amount of time students in higher education are expected to spend outside of class is 2:1 or two hours outside of class for every hour in class. Therefore the average student should expect to invest a total of 90 hours outside of class to be successful in this 3-credit course. For some students, successful completion may take considerably more time! This time must be invested during the current semester.
Labs will be assigned weekly. All labs are due at the BEGINNING of the next class period.
ALL WORK MUST BE HANDED IN ON TIME. LATE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
A lab is considered late if: It is not handed in at the BEGINNING of the class period/or if the student comes to class late with the lab/or if it is not handed in on the day the lab is due. If a student is absent on the day a lab is due, the lab is due at the BEGINNING of the NEXT class period.
LABS MUST BE COMPLETED INDIVIDUALLY. DO NOT WORK IN PAIRS OR GROUPS!
Students may use home computers for lab assignments ONLY if: The home computer is compatible with the computers at BCC. The EXACT software is installed on the home computer. The disk must be able to be read on a computer at BCC. It is the student's responsibility to check to be certain that the home computer is compatible with the computers at BCC.The student should check to be sure the disk will run on a computer at BCC well in advance of the due date of an assigned lab. The computer lab in the Academic Building or Laurel Hall may be used to complete the lab assignments.All necessary files will be available at either ofthese computer labs.It is the student's responsibility to check the schedule of the lab for availability.
During the course, students will also be required by BCC to complete an evaluation of the instructor, classroom/lab environment, curriculum and instructional materials. This is a required part of the course and counts toward class participation.
TESTS: Tests will be given in the test center. The test availability dates will be announced in class. Every test (except the Final Exam) will be active for several days. Students MUST take the test on the ASSIGNED days. Tests may NOT be retaken. IF A TEST IS NOT TAKEN ON TIME, YOU WILL NEED SPECIAL PERMISSION TO TAKE THE TEST LATE, AND A PENALTY WILL BE ASSIGNED! THE TEST GRADE WILL BE LOWERED 10 POINTS FOR EACH DAY THE TEST IS LATE. (One day late - 10 points subtracted from test score; two days late -- 20 points subtracted from test score; three days late -- 30 points subtracted from test score; four days late -- 40 points subtracted from test score, etc.)
GRADE DISTRIBUTION: Unit tests = 50%; Labs = 25%; Cumulative Final Exam = 25%
Test One: Week 5--Units one, two, three, four
Test Two: Week 9--Units five, six, seven, eight
Test Three: Week 14--Units (SKIP nine) ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen
FINAL EXAM: Given in Final Exam Week on units one through fourteen (SKIP 9).
Participation in the classroom and on the WebBoard may be used, at the sole discretion of the instructor, to determine if the course grade should be rounded up to the next higher increment.
Students who complete the course will receive a BCC letter grade based on their course grade as per the following: A=90-100%, B+ =87-89%, B=80-86%, C+ = 77-79%, C=70-76%, D=60-69%, F=59% & below.
Grades of "X" or "I" will only be given in accordance with College policies as described in the College catalog. In brief, "X" or "I" grades are not awarded because of a student's dissatisfaction with their earned grade. They are only awarded under extraordinary conditions and all student work must be satisfactory both before and after the student requests the "X" or "I" grade.
The class meets for 3 lecture/presentation hours per week.
Last Updated: January 27, 2005 - subject to change without notice!