Course Outline for Computer Science 7
Introduction to Computer Programming Concepts

Effective: Fall 2025
SLO Rev: 02/26/2021

Catalog Description:

CSCI 7 - Introduction to Computer Programming Concepts

3.00 Units

Introduction to computer programming for nonscience majors and for students requiring additional preparation before taking Computer Science 10 or Computer Science 14. Hardware, system software basics, the history of computing, basic computer operations, number systems, design of algorithms, and programming constructs such as variables, expressions, input/output, decision-making, loops, functions, and parameters.
CB03: TOP Code 0707.10 - Computer Programming*
CIP Code 11.0701 - Computer Science
Course Grading: Optional
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Activity 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Laboratory 0.00 18.00 0.00 18.00
Clinical 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Work Experience 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Total 3.00 72.00 108.00 180.00

Measurable Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. identify the various parts of modern computational systems and their use;
  2. identify the differences between system software and application software;
  3. perform basic computer operations using features of Windows and desktop;
  4. use different number systems and convert numbers from one base to another;
  5. diagram the history of computation and programming languages;
  6. describe the concept of programming;
  7. explain the notion of an algorithm;
  8. list and develop steps that are involved in program development;
  9. design correct and efficient algorithms to solve programming problems;
  10. construct small programs using various elements, such as variables, I/O, if-else, loops, functions, expressions, and parameters.

Course Content:

  1. Computer Systems
    1. System overview
    2. Distinction between hardware and software
  2. Hardware
    1. Overview of the 5 major components including input devices, output devices, central processing unit, primary memory, and secondary storages
    2. Input devices: How to efficiently use the keyboard and mouse
    3. Output devices: How to obtain hard-copies using the printer
    4. CPU: control unit, ALU, registers, and buses
    5. Memory: RAM vs. ROM
    6. Storage: Use and care of diskettes, zip disk, jump drives and other storage devices
  3. Software
    1. Distinction between system and applications software
    2. System software basics
    3. Microsoft Windows: logging in; shutting down; use of start button, taskbar, Help menus, and Window Explorer; create directories and files; delete, rename and move files and directories
  4. Number Systems
    1. Overview of base systems
    2. Base 10, 2, 8 and 16
    3. Conversion from one base to another
  5. Programming Concepts
    1. History of Computation and programming languages
    2. Types and purposes of programming languages
  6. Program Development
    1. The Notion of an Algorithm
    2. Top-Down design
    3. Design of correct, concise, and effective algorithms
    4. Control flow, basic logic, and boolean expressions
    5. Usage of data types, arithmetic expressions, input/output, functions and arguments.
    6. Effective methods for checking and debugging programs.
    7. Programming in an integrated development environment (IDE).

Methods of Instruction:

  1. Hands-on exercises in the laboratory
  2. Lecture/Discussion
  3. Demonstration/Exercise

Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

1. Typical Assignments
  1. Convert a series of decimal numbers into their binary, octal and hexadecimal equivalents.
  2. Using pseudocode and flow charts, create the programming logic that will allow a user to enter a starting and ending value and display the even integer values (display the odd integer values).
  3. Using pseudocode and flow charts, create the logic that will read in records from a sequential data file and process the records (emphasize that the file has an “unknown” number of records and what type of loop would you use).
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
  1. Written work
  2. Quizzes
  3. Quizzes
  4. Midterm Examination
  5. Final Examination
3. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. draw a flowchart using the standard symbols showing the logic flow to add, subtract, divide, and multiply two numbers. Detect if the two entered numbers are valid numerics, and any "division by zero";
  2. code void and value-returning functions with value and reference parameters and use them in a program;
  3. demonstrate steps involved in program development;
  4. produce well-documented, user-friendly programs of short to medium length;
  5. describe the major hardware components of a typical computer (e.g. main memory, secondary storage, CPU, input and output peripheral devices) and what function or part that each component performs when the computer system is functioning.

Textbooks (Typical):

  1. Gaddis, Tony (2021). Starting Out with Python (5th). Pearson.
  2. Joyce Farrell (2018). Programming Logic & Design: Comprehensive (9th). Cengage.
Additional Materials:
  • Removable storage media such as USB Flash drive.

Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:

Introduction to computer programming for nonscience majors and for students requiring additional preparation before taking Computer Science 10 or Computer Science 14. Hardware, system software basics, the history of computing, basic computer operations, number systems, design of algorithms, and programming constructs such as variables, expressions, input/output, decision-making, loops, functions, and parameters.

Discipline:
Computer Information Systems, or Computer Science*