Diablo Valley College
Computer Science Department
COMSC 255: Programming With Java, Section 8823

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.
 
TOPICS COVERED:
The Java 2 JDK
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
Threads and Animation

MEETING DATES AND TIMES:
June 17th through July 27th
MTWTh 5:30-7:30P, L-141 Lecture
MTWTh 7:45-9:50P, L-148 Lab
Holiday: Jul 4

GRADING:
Lab Exercises (16):  800 points
Midterm Exam: 50 points
Final Exam: 50 points
Final Project:  50 points
Online Quizzes (12): 50 points

FINAL GRADE:
A 900-1000 points
B 800-899 points
C 650-799 points
D 500-649 points
F 0-499 points
INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. Robert D. Burns, Computer Science, rburns@dvc.edu
Office: LA109A, (925) 685-1230 ext. 2610
Campus Schedule: MTWTh: 3-10P

TEXT AND SUPPLIES:
Java: Visual Blueprint by Friedman-Hill (required) $26
Java, How to Program by Deitel and Deitel, 4th ed  (optional) $70 
Class website: http://comsc.dvc.edu/rburns
Online Tutorial: http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/
Java 2 JDK, version 1.4.0
Java 2 Platform, Std Ed, v1.4.0 online documentation
Pad 2.7 or JNotePad Text Editor (link supplied) or equivalent
all software available on loaner CD from Media Center

CLASS POLICY:

  • Lab assignments are posted one day before the previous lab assignment is due.
  • Lab assignments are due at midnight of the evening of the due date  indicated on the course outline.
  • Online quizzes are conducted during the 24-hour period preceding lecture on the days indicated in the course outline. No make-ups for missed quizzes.
  • Online quizzes cover only the material for the indicated day's 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.
  • Half-credit for assignments up to 1 week late. No credit thereafter.
  • Make-up arrangements for a missed midterm exam must be arranged with the instructor in advance. Make-up exams take place in the Assessment Center
  • No credit for work that is not original. Points awarded for lab work that is later found to be not original will be withdrawn. 
  • Lecture classes start at 5:30 PM sharp. There is a 15-minute break at 6:30PM. Do not trust classroom clocks -- check the time at http://www.time.gov/