Syllabus – BCIS 1405

Business Computer Applications

Temple College at Taylor

Class Composition: 3 hours lecture + 1 hour lab each meeting

Each of these courses discuss computer terminology, hardware, software, operating systems, and information systems relating to the business environment. BCIS 1405’s main focus is on business application of software, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation graphics, and business-oriented utilization of the Internet. ITSC 1301 provides an overview of computer information systems.

Course Textbooks:

·         ITSC & BCIS Discovering Computers 2006, Concepts for a Digital World, By Shelly/Cashman/Vermaat, ISBN 0-619-25546-3   Textbook web site: http://www.scsite.com/dc2006; 

·         BCIS Only Microsoft Works 2000/2001, Illustrated Complete, By Michael Halvorson, Course Technology, ISBN 0-619-10903-3. Textbook web site: http://course.com/downloads/illustrated/works2000/;

Supplies needed for this course:

·         20 Scantron Sheets  (Form #19641) for literacy homework and exams

·         3-4 3½” HD Diskettes or CDs for lab assignments

·         #2 Pencil – for scantron entry

Course Topics:

·         The Basic Concepts of the Computer and its impact upon society, Application software, Various types of Computer hardware and their functions, Data storage facilities, Utilization of the Internet by society today, Data communications and networking, Basic features and functions of word-processing software, Basic features and functions of spreadsheet software, Basic features and functions of database management software, Basic features and functions of presentation software

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students should have achieved the following objectives:

* Development of a basic understanding of computer terminology;

* An understanding of computer hardware and its use in a business environment;

* An understanding of operating and information systems and their function in a business environment;

* Fundamental proficiency in software programs with business applications such as word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation packages;

* The ability to use the Internet for business applications and research.

Grading

Assignments

All lab and literacy assignments are expected to be completed and submitted to the instructor no later than the assignment date stated. Literacy assignments reference Discovering Computers 2006. Any assignment submitted late will be penalized 20%, no assignment will be accepted more than one class late.

 Required Lab

There are 4 hours of computer lab required of all students per week, including class lab time.  This time is to work on specific lab assignments and become familiar with the software covered in class.  Lab work will be turned in to the instructor on the due date listed on the assignment sheet

Lab Assignment Requirements:

1.       Lab assignments are “Independent Challenges” found in the Microsoft Works 2001 textbook

2.       OpenOffice software must be used for the class lab assignments

3.       Each assignment is to be saved on diskette or CD and printed as described in the assignment.

4.       Include your name on each assignment as instructed in the assignment.  If the assignment does not specify, put your name in the document header or footer.

5.        There will be a 20% penalty for any assignment not received on the due date. 

6.        Assignments will not be accepted more than 1 class past the due date. 

After assignments are checked you will get them back with a grade and possibly a critique.  You do NOT need to turn in the in-chapter tutorial exercises.  These are for skill building and practice only

Exams

During the semester there will be 4 literacy exams, 3 lab exams and a comprehensive final exam. You are required to take all of these exams, but may drop your lowest grade from the literacy exams.  There will be no make-up exams given without having made arrangements prior to the test.  There is no make-up for a missed exam. You will receive a grade of zero (0) for any missed work.

Classroom Policies

Refer to Temple College Student Handbook for official College policies.

Scholastic Integrity

Scholastic integrity will be expected of students at all times. Please refer to the section on scholastic integrity in the student handbook. Your work must be your own, not shared with or copied from other students.

Attendance & Class Etiquette

Official Temple College Attendance Policy

Regular and punctual class attendance is expected at Temple College since it is assumed that students are enrolled for the serious purpose of furthering their education. Excessive absenteeism is defined as being equivalent to two weeks of instruction in a sixteen week semester and may result in the receipt of a failing grade or involuntary withdrawal from the course.

Faculty members will discuss the attendance policy at the beginning of each semester and maintain an official record of attendance for each course primarily to remain in compliance with federal financial aid regulations and requirements.  At the discretion of the instructor or as may be required by THECB (Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board) policy and law, the attendance policy for certain courses may be more stringent than the general policy. Students are responsible for reviewing the first day handout for each class and for knowing the attendance requirements.

 Further, the college empowers individual faculty members to effect the withdrawal of a student from any course in which s/he has failed to meet attendance expectations. Faculty members are encouraged, but not required, to notify students in jeopardy of being withdrawn from a course. However, since attendance is absolutely the responsibility of the student, such notification is a courtesy, not a requirement. Administrative withdrawal for excessive absence is the prerogative of the faculty member and, as such, students are encouraged to contact their teachers and/or the Admissions Office to confirm enrollment status.

 Class Attendance Policy

Regular and prompt attendance is required of each student.  Excessive absences or tardiness will not be tolerated.  All students are responsible for material covered in the book and lecture.  In the case of any absence you must make arrangements with the instructor immediately upon your return to receive any homework assignment missed.

 Disrespect of your fellow classmates will not be tolerated.  Personal phones ringing or beepers beeping during class or lab will not be tolerated.  If you must bring either to class, turn them to silent before you get into class.

5% of your final grade is determined by your participation and classroom etiquette.

 Withdrawing From Course

If you no longer desire to continue with the course work, it is your responsibility to initiate the action to withdraw from a course. The instructor can not do this for you. Withdrawing requires that you come to the campus to initiate this process. Please refer to the college catalog or student handbook to determine withdrawal deadlines and procedures. Please talk with your instructor prior to withdrawing to determine if there is an alternative for you.

Department Policy

It is the policy of the Computer Information Systems department that no guest, including children, be permitted in our closed lab or classroom.  Violation of this policy could result in you losing your lab privileges.

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* ABSOLUTELY NO FOOD OR DRINKS ALLOWED IN CLASSROOMS OR LAB ROOMS  *

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