11.0201

(Associate of Applied Science Degree)


Graduates of this program are taught the technical competencies required to be productive in an entry-level programming position using multiple programming languages.  The program is accredited by the National Association of Industrial Technology (NAIT).

Students have two programming options from which to choose.  Both options give students a solid foundation in operating platforms, programming, database systems, system analysis and design as well as the opportunity to develop their skills in internship experiences.  The General Option exposes students to many business related languages giving them a choice for advanced level coursework.  The Web Design Option focuses on programming languages used in web design.  

Students are also exposed to networking concepts and troubleshooting on both PCs and the AS/400.  Classes are small and held in well-equipped computer labs supervised by qualified instructors.  Individualized attention, focus on theory and hands-on experience characterize the Computer Programming Department at Linn State Technical College.

It is a graduation requirement of the Computer Programming (CPP) program options for students to earn a grade of “C” or better in all “Core Curriculum” and “Program Requirements” courses.

Program Mission
The mission of the Computer Programming program is to offer a highly specialized, advanced technical education and interpersonal skills necessary for a challenging career as a Computer Programmer.  The program offers two options and advanced course topics in which students can specialize.  Oral and written communications are a part of the technical education as well as in the general education courses.

 

Program Goals
The goals of the program are to:

• Assure the program offers the opportunity for students to develop oral and written communication skills.
• Assure the program offers the opportunity for students to develop analytical approaches to problem solving.
• Provide an environment that allows the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills in programming in C#, JAVA, COBOL, HTML, and Visual Basic.
• Provide an environment that allows the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills in database management.
• Provide an environment that allows the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills in web design.

Program Assessments

• Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency (CAAP)

• National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI)
   

CPP 101  Introduction to Microcomputer Usage.  An introductory course in the fundamentals of using word processing, spreadsheet, and database management application programs.  3 credit hours.

CPP 102  Advanced Microcomputer Usage.  This course emphasizes advanced features of word processing, database, spreadsheet and presentation software as well as a review of the operating system.  The focus is on comprehensive projects that include using advanced word processing features, developing database design and management skills, creating spreadsheet models and macros, designing and creating multi-media presentations, and creating advanced projects that integrate computer applications.  3 credit hours.

CPP 104  Microsoft Access.  This course introduces Microsoft’s Access database management system.  Topics include creating a database, using forms to enter and modify data, and displaying information using reports and queries.  1 credit hour.

CPP 106  Microsoft PowerPoint.  This course provides participants with the fundamentals through advanced features of Microsoft PowerPoint to plan, create, and produce professional presentations.  The following concepts are covered:  managing files; developing, organizing, editing and enhancing content; applying and modifying design templates; inserting and modifying text and images; using drawing tools; importing data from other sources; creating and modifying charts, diagrams, graphs, and tables; adding movement, interaction, sound, and music; showing movie clips; preparing presentation handouts and supplements for printing; running a slide show; preparing and broadcasting a presentation to the Web.  2 credit hours.

CPP 108  Microsoft Publisher.  This course covers the fundamentals through advanced features and functions of Microsoft Publisher.  Topics include creating and editing single and multi-page publications; working with columns; importing and arranging text, pictures, and graphics; formatting and wrapping text around graphics; creating and formatting tables; creating common page elements; and working with master pages.  Advanced topics such as the following are also included:  how to flow text across text boxes; creating a facing-pages layout; exporting publications to PDF; and preparing publications for commercial printing.  3 credit hours.

CPP 110  Microsoft Outlook.  This course covers how to use Microsoft Outlook utilities to become proficient in using Outlook to send and receive e-mail; schedule meetings, events and tasks; make journal entries; maintain contact lists, to-do lists, and notes.  1 credit hour.

CPP 112  Computer Concepts.  Survey of electronic data processing equipment and applications.  Course will include historical background, data representation, storage media, programming concepts, procedures, and controls with student access to microprocessors.  3 credit hours.

CPP 114  Microsoft Word.  This course develops fundamentals through advanced skills in using Microsoft Word to create and modify complex documents.  The following concepts are covered:  creating, saving, and printing a document; editing and managing documents; formatting characters and paragraphs; using spellchecker, autocorrect, thesaurus, word count and grammar tools; conducting find and replace actions; using autotext; manipulating tabs; merging documents; creating headers, footers, footnotes and end notes.  Advanced concepts such as the following are also covered:  using bookmarks and hyphenation; creating annotations and macros; adding borders, frames, pictures, and graphics; using Microsoft Draw, WordArt, and Equation Editor; creating tables and charts; formatting text into columns; sorting text; formatting with styles; creating outlines, fill-in forms, tables of contents and indexes.  3 credit hours.

CPP 116  Graphic Design.  This course offers an introduction to the principles of visual communication for both print and online publications.  Utilizing the computer, students will explore graphic design concepts through the study of color, form, typography, and composition as well as practice integrating language and communicating ideas through text and imagery.  3 credit hours.

CPP 118  Microsoft Excel.  This course presents students with the fundamentals through advanced features of Microsoft Excel.  The following concepts are covered:  Excel interface and navigation; using formulas and functions to analyze data; creating, formatting, and modifying worksheets and workbooks.  Advanced concepts such as the following are also covered:  advanced formatting and functions; interpreting and integrating data; charting; Pivot Tables; filter capabilities; problems-solving tools; and automating tasks with macros.  3 credit hours.

CPP 120  Introduction to Computer Programming.  Study of programming logic and introduction to code structures like loops, conditional statements and modules.  Class also demonstrates popular programming languages.  2 credit hours.

CPP 122    Visual Basic Programming.  An intermediate programming course utilizing Visual Basic to illustrate fourth-generation languages.  Students gain experience in programming Windows-style interfaces and writing object-oriented code.  3 credit hours.

CPP 125  COBOL Programming Language.  A computer problem solving and programming course using COBOL as a vehicle language.  The course covers writing programs involving computations, moving data, designing and debugging programs, sorting, selection control and data validation.  This course is a combination of lecture and lab.  3 credit hours.

CPP 126  RPG Programming Language.  An advanced course in RPG/400 programming, the course covers creating, updating and processing physical files for the purpose of programming complicated reports.  Iteration, selection and complex mathematical computations are also covered.   3 credit hours.

CPP 127  Lotus Notes.  This course covers the set-up, maintenance, and troubleshooting of a variety of collaborative applications in a Lotus Notes environment.  3 credit hours.

CPP 133  Operating Platforms.  This course presents elements of DOS, Windows, UNIX and the AS/400 operating systems.  Students explore the similarities and differences of these operating systems in a hands-on environment.  3 credit hours.

CPP 140  Internship I.  The internship is a work experience in business and industry that develops and reinforces the students computer skills.  The minimum hours worked will be 280 hours.  Prerequisite:  Department Chair approval.  4 credit hours.

CPP 141  Internship II.  This internship is optional.  This will be a work experience in business and industry that develops and reinforces the students computer skills.  The minimum hours worked will be 280 hours.  This course requires the permission of the department.  Prerequisites:  CPP 140 and Department Chair approval.  4 credit hours.

CPP 212  Visual Basic Programming II.  This is an advanced programming course utilizing Visual Basic.  Students build on their experience by programming Windows-style interfaces and writing object-oriented code.  Prerequisite:  CPP 122.  3 credit hours.

CPP 215  Java Programming.  This course is an introduction to Java programming which involves designing, writing and debugging Java programs.  3 credit hours.

CPP 218  Internet Programming II.  This is an advanced course using the languages of the Internet, which includes HTML, Java, CGI and other advances.  Students will gain experience in web site management.  Prerequisite: CPP 237.  3 credit hours.

CPP 222  Database Systems Management and Design.  Study of database concepts and structures, design of database systems, and data management are covered in this course.  Students utilize SQL and an AS/400 system as well as a PC-based database management system to apply concepts learned in lecture.  3 credit hours.

CPP 223  Advanced Database Systems Management and Design.  This course covers the use of Structured Query Language (SQL) or Microsoft Access as relational database management systems.  Prerequisite:  CPP 222.  3 credit hours.

CPP 225  Control Language Programming.  This course develops the ability to code, debug and execute control language (CL) programs utilizing the basic features of the language.  Topics include the role of control language in relation to other languages, input and output in CL, and testing and debugging CL programs.  4 credit hours.

CPP 230  C++ Programming Language I.  An introduction to programming in C++, topics covered include objects, methods, hierarchy, functions, format strings, identifiers, control and conditional statements, various operators, types, arrays, pointers and strings.  3 credit hours.

CPP 231  Advanced COBOL Programming Language.  This course is a continuation in the study of COBOL.  Emphasis is placed on advanced table processing, file maintenance and interactive programming.  Prerequisite:  CPP 125.  3 credit hours.

CPP 232  GIS Database Systems.  An introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) database management and design.  This course is a combination of lecture and lab.  Prerequisites:  CPP 222 and CPP 223.  3 credit hours.

CPP 237  Internet Programming.  An introduction to the programming languages of the Internet, languages covered are HTML, CGI, and Java.  Topics include creation of Internet homepages, site management, creation of applets, handling forms and Internet security.  3 credit hours.

CPP 239  Perl Programming.  This course covers a thorough introduction to the Perl Programming language.  It includes development and maintenance of portable scripts useful for system management, data manipulation, and WEB CGI programming.  3 credit hours.

CPP 240  C++ Programming Language II.  An advanced course in computer programming using the C++ language for implementation.  This course covers the following areas:  Data files, arrays, sets linked lists, trees, queues and stacks.  Difference search-and-sort algorithms will also be discussed.  This course is a combination of lecture and lab.  Prerequisite:  CPP 230.  3 credit hours.

CPP 245  C# Programming.  This course offers an introduction to C# Programming which includes problem solving and programming.  C# involves designing, writing, and debugging programs.  3 credit hours.

CPP 250  CL Programming - AS400.  This course will prepare students with a basic understanding of Control Language Programming, message handling and debugging techniques.  Students will also be introduced to advanced CL programming techniques such as OPNQRYF creating their own commands and applying contextual help to their commands.  3 credit hours.

CPP 260  System Analysis and Design.  The class seeks to systematically analyze data input or data flow, processing or transforming data, data storage and information output within the context of a particular business scenario.  3 credit hours.

CPP 299  Special Topics in Computer Programming.  Special Topics in Computer Programming (CPP) may include instruction on topics not covered in other CPP courses.  Topics covered in other CPP courses may also be covered in more depth in this special topics course.  Projects may be undertaken in any area related to the major program with credit hours determined by the level and amount of involvement.  The minimum involvement required for one credit is 30 contact hours.  The specific topic(s), objectives, plan of instruction, and evaluation criteria must be documented in the syllabus; approved by the Department/Division Chair; and filed in the Academic Records Office.  Students may complete more than one Special Topics course, provided that the credits earned in this manner do not exceed a total of four (4) credits.  1-4 credit hours.