Diablo Valley College Computer Science Department
COMSC 255: Programming With Java, Section 8635
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course emphasizes programming techniques using the Java programming
language. The syntax of Java will be reviewed, and then advanced topics
such as objects, classes, methods, and special applications of Java will be covered.
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Robert D. Burns, rburns@dvc.edu Office: FO-F227, (925) 685-1230 x2610
Office Hours: MW: 2:30-4PM,
TTh: 12-12:30, 3:30-4PM
TOPICS COVERED: Java Syntax and Data Types
Program Control Structures
Jars and Packages
Classes and Encapsulation
Objects and Instantiation
File and Console I/O
Linked Lists and Vectors
Class Design and Inheritance
Windows, AWT, and Swing
Applets and Graphics
Sockets and TCP/IP Networking
Problem-solving and Recursion
Threads and Animation
MEETING DATES AND TIMES: Aug 20th through Dec 3rd
W 4-7PM, L-149 Lab
W 7-9:50PM, L-143 Lecture
Last Day To Drop: Sep 14th
Last Day To Drop With "W": Nov 15th
Midterm Exam: W Oct 15th, 8:30PM
Final Exam: W Dec 10th, 7PM
Expect to spend about 12 hours per week on this course -- 3 lecture, 3 lab, and 6 outside of class.
Lab assignments will be posted every Saturday, one week before their Sunday due dates.
Lab assignments are due at midnight of the evening of the due date indicated on the course outline. Completed lab work must be posted to the Student File Area of the COMSC server for credit.
For questions on assignments, use the online discussion group.
Students may post and reply to questions in order to help eachother. The instructor monitors the discussions and answers questions when appropriate.
Use this method so that all students benefit from questions, answers, and clarifications.
Contact the instructor in person in lab, lecture, or office hour, or by email. You can use the phone during office hours -- if you
leave a voice message, calls will most likely not be returned.
Online quizzes are conducted prior to the lecture to which they pertain. See the course outline for quiz schedule. No make-ups for missed quizzes.
Online quizzes cover only the material for the indicated day's required reading assignment in the course outline. Quizzes are accessible on the class website via the internet. They are timed, allowing 3 minutes for 4 or 5 multiple-choice questions.
The midterm and final exams are open book and open note.
Arrangements for missed exams must be made with the instructor in advance. Make-up exams can only be scheduled for a time period in which the instructor is conducting another exam.
Half-credit for assignments up to 1 week late. No credit thereafter. Late work will be accepted until noon on Dec 15th.
No credit for work that is not original. Points awarded for lab work that is later found to be not original will be withdrawn. Points awarded for work that is deleted from the Student File Area before grades are assigned at the end of the semester will be withdrawn.
Lecture classes start at 7:00 PM sharp. There is a 15-minute break at 8:15PM. Do not trust classroom clocks -- check the time at http://www.time.gov/
If it becomes necessary to withdraw from the class, it is the student's responsibility to do so.