The Computer Science Department at Odessa College


Computer Science

Business Computer Information Systems

Computer Networking & Information Technologies

Instructors

Recommended Courses

Odessa College Catalogue

Return To Odessa College Home Page

COSC 1415
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE

Course Number: COSC 1415
Course Title: Introduction to Computer Science
Credit Hours: Lecture: 4 Lab: 3
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None

Catalog Description
A first course for computer science majors or other majors where a computer language or computer minor would be of benefit. Presents terminology, concepts and techniques, including hardware, firmware and software. Emphasizes the application of software, logic and structured programming techniques. Using these, students will be able to select the correct hardware/software to apply to a given problem. Laboratory exercises focus on the use of word processing to process textual information, electronic spreadsheet for numerical information, desktop publishing, MS-DOS/Windows and data base application software. Introduces programming logic, structure and techniques using the Pascal language. Lab exercises are designed for students to use, follow and interpret written instructions and to use their reasoning ability to solve problems and make decisions. Fall only. Lab fee required. (SCANS 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9)

Textbook
Supplies
2 - 3 1/2" High Density Floppy Diskettes

Learning Outcomes
1. Demonstrate competency in general computer concepts;
2. Demonstrate competency in computer hardware and firmware concepts;
3. Demonstrate competency in operating systems, utility, language, and application software knowledge and use;
4. Demonstrate competency in programming logic and style;
5. Demonstrate competency in computer problem solving and writing skills.

Course Requirements
See the Instructor Information Sheet for specific course requirements.

Method of Evaluation
See the Instructor Information Sheet for specific requirements.

Method of Presentation
Class time will be spent in lecture/discussion on important computer terms, concepts, and skills over which students will be tested. Also, considerable time will be spent in lecture/demonstration of Visual BASIC and application software.

Grading Scale
A - 90-100
B - 80-89
C - 70-79
F - below 70
NOTICE: There will not be a Final grade of "D" given in this course!
See the Instructor Information Sheet for specific method of evaluation.

Retake Tests
See the Instructor Information Sheet for specific details.

Attendance Policy
YOUR attendance is the single greatest predictor of your success. Student attendance in EVERY class is expected. You should expect that each absence will adversely affect your course grade. Please see the instructor regarding absences or conflicts.

Academic Ethics
You are expected to create, edit format and print out your own assignments, take tests without notes or other outside assistance. ALL WORK IS EXPECTED TO BE YOUR OWN. If unethical behavior is detected The questioned material and a report of the ethics violation will be submitted to the department chair for further action as deemed necessary by the department chair.

Student Assistance
The following resources are available to assist you in successful completion of this course:

A. Conferences: Instructors are available during posted office hours or by appointment. Part time faculty members are available by appointment only.

B. LRC - large selection of books and articles about computers and information processing.

C. Tutoring Center Services - call 335-6612 or stop by LRC 200A.
1. Peer Tutoring available
2. PLATO: Computer Awareness Series (9 hours of computer assisted instruction available)

Modules

  • Computers are Everywhere

  • The Computer: What Is It?

  • Social Values and the Computer

  • Personal Compute for Personal Uses

  • Evaluating You Personal Computer Needs

  • Computers and Business

  • Computers and the Workplace

  • Computers and the Job

  • Computers and the Future

D. Student assistants - are usually available in the labs (CT-119, CT-121 or CT-123) to assist on first come basis. Scheduled classes have priority.

D. Computer Availability - Computers in the CNIT COSC labs are available (on a space available basis) for your use outside of regularly scheduled class or lab time. Lab hours: 8am - 10pm Mon - Thurs: 8am - 5pm Friday. If classes are being conducted in a lab during the time you would like use a computer, see the instructor permission to use the lab before the class starts. As you would expect, scheduled labs take precedence over other computer use and you will be asked to log off the computer if space is not available. DO NOT interrupt a class!